Baseball America

This week in another edition of our Fix It series, Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper take a look at the Pittsburgh Pirates. We are much more bullish about the Pirates turnaround, although we also get into why Pirates fans understandably are skeptical.(0:00) Have Any Fans Suffered More Than Pirates Fans?(5:00) Ownership Has To Do Better(7:00) Paul Skenes Is A Great Start For Any Team(9:00) Strengths And Weaknesses Of The MLB Team(13:00) With Bubba Chandler Arriving, This Rotation Is Stacked(18:00) Hitting Development Has To Take A Step Forward(21:30) What's Termarr Johnson's Potential?(27:00) Why We Are Optimistic(28:30) Konnor Griffin Can Be A Star(30:00) It's Hard To Not Win If You Have Two Stars(37:00) Trying To Figure Out The Rest Of The Lineup(39:00) Spend Some Money(45:00) Bold PredictionsCheck out square.com/go/FOUL and go support your favorite neighborhood spot to see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and national writer Peter Flaherty break down National Signing Day, examining top classes and discussing potential last-second movement.(2:44) A look at the top classes(9:59) Are more top high school prospects making it to campus?(14:45) Examining Texas' class(19:24) Stanford looks to land another star(24:33) Deep class heading to Wake Forest(32:29) How will Tony Vitello's departure impact Tennessee?(34:49) Will Florida's class hold up through signing day(39:45) Our favorite classesOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes, Jesús Cano and Scott Braun discuss scouting reports for star Japanese players being posted to MLB, including Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto and Tatsuya Imai.Later, we talk about the Pirates Top 10 Prospects that debuted Monday and some Arizona Fall League players who have stood out this season in the desert.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:05) How will Munetaka Murakami translate to MLB? (4:10) Murakami's potential swing issues (6:00) Scouting Kazuma Okamoto (8:50) How much money will Tatsuya Imai will get? (14:30) Pirates Top 10 prospects for 2026: Depth behind Konnor Griffin & Termarr Johnson (22:45) Max Anderson's great AFL season (24:30) The return of Daniel Espino (26:00) More AFL pitchers who have stood outOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos and Peter talk about our annual draft report cards series and pick out a handful of players to know and teams who stood out through the process. —Time Stamps(0:00) World Series reactions(4:30) Intro to Draft Report Cards talk(9:00) Ethan Conrad(12:30) The Astros(16:00) Landyn Vidourek(21:15) Sam Horn(25:00) The Guardians(34:00) Lucas Kelly(35:00) Padres 10+ roundersHead to Superpower.com and use code TAKE20 at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week's episode kicks off the official beginning of our offseason fantasy content. Hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White discuss the release of the Dynasty Top 500 ranking for 2026 fantasy baseball. We open the show discussing our approach to ranking relievers, prospects and the concept of "three-year window" in dynasty leagues. (1:00) Approach to building the Top 500 list.(5:00) The approach to ranking relievers.(10:00) Looking at a three year window.(12:30) The biggest risers in the updated Top 500.(13:00) Nolan McLean.(15:00) Cade Smith(18:00) Trey Yesavage.(21:00) Cam Schlittler.(25:00) Biggest prospect movers.(32:00) All in on Aidan MillerGet Huel for 15% off for New Customers only with code FOUL at Huel.com/FOUL (Minimum $75 purchase)Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the second of our Fix It series, Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper take an in-depth look at the Rockies' struggles as an organization. What can be done and how long will it take to turn this team around?(00:00) The Latest News Is Not Good(04:30) The Biggest Problem Is An Ownership Issue(13:30) The Rockies Need To Catch Up In Player Development(22:00) Colorado Needs To Start Over In Acquiring And Developing Pitchers(29:15) Stop Drafting So Many Power Corner Bats, Get Some Hit-First Middle InfieldersOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Geoff Pontes and Scott Braun welcome Tigers prospect Max Anderson to the show.We also dive into Baseball America's new prospect grading system and the start of our rollout of Top 10 Prospect lists for 2026 beginning with the Mets.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (0:30) Top 10 Prospect rollouts begin with the Mets (1:25) Explaining a tweak to BA's prospect grading system (10:00) Max Anderson joins (17:35) J.J.'s big picture World Series thought (19:45) WS effect for the Blue Jays (22:10) The value of defense (24:00) An even matchup (27:30) Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s rise this postseason (29:30) MLB season is over, but baseball is year-roundOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Baseball America Fantasy Podcast returns this week with an exuberant Dylan White as he's fresh off the Blue Jays game five victory. We open the show talking a little bit about the Blue Jays vs Dodgers World Series matchup before diving into this week's focus topic, the Tool Shed mock draft put on by Eric Cross. We talk through Geoff's picks in the first ten rounds and his logic on each.(1:00) Dylan's game one experience(10:00) Round one and two.(17:00) Round three and four(22:00) Should Trey Yesavage go top 10?(27:00) Round five and six(32:00) Round seven and eight(36:00) Round nine and ten(38:00) Favorite pick after pick 200?Arena ClubGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Prospect Podcast, Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper take a look at the Washington Nationals' rebuild. It's failed so far, as Mike Rizzo is out and Paul Toboni is the new GM. What can the new leadership do, and where are some areas for quick improvements? We take a look.(00:00) We're Groggy, Blame The World Series(04:45) What Are The Nationals' Strengths?(12:20) Improving MLB Player Development(14:50) They Need To Draft More College Pitchers(19:45) Improve Contact Skills For MiLB Hitters(25:30) Can The Nats Develop Toolsy Hitters?(28:00) Spend More Money!(36:00) Why We'll Remember Game Three For Quite A While(43:00) Shohei Ohtani Could Break A Number Of RecordsBA's MiLB Stuff+ Pitching Rankings: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-mlb-farm-system-statcast-pitching-rankings/BA's MiLB Hit+ Hitting Rankings: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-mlb-farm-system-statcast-hitting-rankings/Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and national writer Peter Flaherty recap the San Francisco Giants' historic hiring of former Tennessee coach Tony Vitello. Rudner and Flaherty discuss the development's potential impact on college baseball, how Tennessee will move forward and the ripple effect of the Volunteers' national coaching search.(1:48) What Tony Vitello joining the Giants means for college baseball(16:53) Tennessee's decision to promote Josh Elander to head coach(26:57) Florida State coach Link Jarrett earns new contract(31:05) Kevin Schnall's link to the VolunteersOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Ben Badler, Jacob Rudner and Scott Braun welcome Guardians prospect Daniel Espino to discuss his career and Arizona Fall League experience so far.We also dish on next year’s eligible rookies—a list that includes Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage—and unpack Tennessee promoting Josh Elander to replace Tony Vitello.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:30) How does active service time work? (2:45) Trey Yesavage will retain rookie eligibility in 2026 (5:00) Will we see more young pitchers on the Yesavage plan? (8:00) And what about position players? (11:40) Rise of Cleveland decision makers (14:45) Daniel Espino joins (16:45) Daniel's rehab and return to pitching (18:00) How Daniel has evolved as a pitcher (21:15) On why Cleveland is successful developing pitchers (23:00) Daniel's AFL history (25:30) Tennessee promotes Josh Elander (27:00) Did Tennessee look outside the program? (28:15) Comparing Tennessee's situation to Texas A&MOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos and Peter talk through the most recent draft update for the 2026 class. Who’s moving up? Who’s moving down? What’s the state of the 2026 class after a key summer evaluation period and are there any real darkhorses who could challenge Roch Cholowsky for the 1-1 spot next summer?—Time Stamps(0:00) Intro(3:30) 2026 Draft update talk begins(10:30) The difficulty of teaching pure hitting ability(16:00) Up arrow high school pitchers(23:00) Blake Bowen(30:30) Trevor Condon(36:00) A darkhorse 1-1 candidateDownload Cash App Today: capl.onelink.me/vFut/hap8idx8 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We have a special edition of the Baseball America podcast, as John Manuel, the long-time Editor-In-Chief of Baseball America, joins JJ Cooper. We've gotten the band back together for a special World Series Preview.(00:00) What's We've Seen In The Playoffs So Far(04:00) Is This Dodgers' Rotation Perfect For The Playoffs?(09:00) Why Big Spending Teams Now Have Two Rotations(22:00) What Do The Blue Jays Do With Bo Bichette?(30:00) How The Blue Jays Can WinOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast we return to the topic of early NFBC Draft Champions drafts and prospect ADP. We talk through outfielders and pitchers on this episode after covering infielders and catchers last week.(1:00) Blue Jays ALCS Victory Lap For Dylan and Geoff.(7:00) Toolshed Mock Draft(11:00) Chase DeLauter(14:00) Dylan Beavers(16:00) Owen Caissie(17:00) Justin Crawford(20:00) Spencer Jones(25:00) Later round outfielders: Kevin Alcantara, Colby Thomas, Emmanuel Rodriguez and George Valera.(32:00) Nolan McLean vs Cam Schlittler(34:00) Pablo Lopez vs Jacob Misiorowsi(35:00) Hurston Waldrep before Chase Burns, Bubba Chandler and Trey Yesavage.(37:00) Lining up Connelly Early, Jonah Tong, Payton Tolle and Parker Messick.Arena ClubGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For a special edition of the Baseball America Prospect Podcast, Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper look back at some of the stars of this year's World Series and remember what they were like as prospects.(00:00) How many players on World Series rosters were Top 100 or team Top 30 prospects?(07:00) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has lived up to every expectation about his bat(18:40) Remembering Shohei Ohtani as a prospect and how he's exceeded expectations(36:30) The Dodgers have built a rotation to dominate the postseason(45:30) How the Blue Jays have improved their development(57:00) Our thoughts on the World Series matchupGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOULOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Ben Badler, Jesús Cano and Scott Braun welcome Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. to the show.We also look into early standouts in the Arizona Fall League and offer up some reactions to reports that Tennessee coach Tony Vitello will be the next manager of the Giants.We stream the Hot Sheet Show every Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (0:40) Early standouts from the Arizona Fall League (2:25) Can Esmerlyn Valdez break the AFL single-season HR record? (4:00) Tony Blanco Jr.'s potential with the Pirates (9:50) Enrique Bradfield Jr. joins (11:05) Enrique's crazy catch (12:30) On playing with players from different teams (14:00) Enrique wants a job in Baltimore & his approach to the game (17:45) Who Enrique models his game after (22:15) Tony Vitello to the Giants?Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We have a special emergency podcast today. As The Athletic first reported, the San Francisco Giants are expected to hire Tennessee Volunteers head coach Tony Vitello as the team's new manager. Jacob Rudner and JJ Cooper take a look at what this would mean for everyone involved.(00:00) What we know from our reporting(02:30) Why This May Make Sense(09:30) How college head coach jobs and MLB manager jobs are very different(14:00) Looking at Tony Vitello's strengths that could carry over to MLB managing(19:00) Why this could be a no-lose situation for Vitello.(25:00) Tony Vitello as a talent evaluator(30:00) How Tony Vitello could open doors for others(32:00) What do we expect Tennessee to do if Vitello leaves?(33:15) An important note of Tennessee players special transfer portal(35:00) Why this will be such a challenge for Tennessee's program(50:30) What we expected from Tennessee for 2026 before this news brokeOur Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast hosts Geoff Pontes and Dylan White review where prospects are being drafted in early NFBC Draft Champions leagues. We go player by player and discuss the prospects getting drafted at catcher and the infield positions.(8:00) Samuel Basallo(11:00) Carter Jensen(14:00) Joe Mack and Jeferson Quero(17:00) Sal Stewart(20:00) Bryce Eldridge(23:00) CJ Kayfus(26:00) Luke Keaschall(30:00) Travis Bazzana(33:00) JJ Wetherholt(37:00) Kevin McGonigle and Konnor Griffin(40:00) Remaining Shortstop prospectsSurfsharkGo to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on the Prospect Podcast, Geoff Pontes and J.J. Cooper discuss the organizations stood out in our Hit+ and Stuff+ metrics. Using sourced pitch and hit tracking data from all levels of the minors, we've put together overall organization rankings from 1 to 30 in each category.(00:00) Explaining Hit+ and Stuff+(13:35) Why the Dodgers rank so highly(21:30) The Orioles rank very high in pitching(31:15) What the Red Sox and Blue Jays are doing(32:00) The Mets' MiLB pitching is becoming a juggernaut(37:30) The Tigers' hitting has kept improving(40:00) How the Rockies and Nationals can improveStuff+ Rankings: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-mlb-farm-system-statcast-pitching-rankings/Hit+ Rankings: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-mlb-farm-system-statcast-hitting-rankings/Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide, plus an extra 20% off select favorites and more limited-time deals during their Early Black Friday Sale. Use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off. Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and national writer Peter Flaherty recap an impressive weekend at the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida, including their takeaways from watching 16-year-old phenom Striker Pence. Rudner and Flaherty also break down the latest intel from college fall workouts across the country.(4:30) Breaking down Striker Pence(10:55) Vanderbilt commit RJ Cope(13:22) Oregon State commit Blake Bowen(16:27) Tennessee commit Trevor Condon(20:35) Vanderbilt commit Sean Duncan(23:50) 2027 uncommitted righty Soren Etheridge(28:21) How much can you take away from these showcase events?(34:50) Vanderbilt fall intel(38:41) The latest on Coastal Carolina righty Cameron Flukey(41:45) Florida righty Liam Peterson adds to his arsenal(44:05) Could Kansas contend for the Big 12Go to MeUndies.com/foul and enter promo code foul for up to 50% off! Our Sponsors:* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ba2022Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy