Blue Jays Talk

Blake Murphy and Kevin Barker are in for an offseason edition to react to Kyle Tucker signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets signing Bo Bichette, and what it means for the Blue Jays. They start with Bo and what the Jays' lineup will look like without their long-time shortstop and his fit at third base with the Mets. Then, they discuss where the Jays may turn for an impact bat, how aggressively they should approach Cody Bellinger's market, and whether adding to the bullpen is a higher priority at this point. Finally, Blake and Kevin...

Kyle Tucker has reportedly signed with the Dodgers for a four-year, $240-million deal - after going down to the wire (again) with LA, what does Toronto do next? Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi debate whether or not the Jays truly missed out on the services of the four-time All-Star or if they dodged a bullet with the monster price tag. They also read listener texts (25:07) on what the next move should be for the Jays - is it time for a pivot to Cody Bellinger, or should the Jays more seriously consider bringing back Bo Bichette? Plus, MLB Network's...

What can we expect from the newest member of the Blue Jays in Kazuma Okamoto? Former Yomiuri Giant - and former Blue Jays first baseman - Justin Smoak (1:14) stops by to chat with Sho Alli and Jesse Rubinoff on his one-time teammate, playing in Japan, and how he viewed a terrific run for the Jays in 2025. Afterwards, Sho and Jesse are joined by SiriusXM MLB Radio analyst and former MLB GM Jim Duquette (12:54) to discuss his recent X post regarding the pursuit of Kyle Tucker, what could be next for Bo Bichette, and where he sees next year's offseason...

Sho Alli and Jesse Rubinoff are joined by former Blue Jays first baseman and 11-year MLB veteran Justin Smoak to chat about his former Yomiuri Giants teammate, Kazuma Okamoto. He shares what the newly signed Blue Jay is like on and off the diamond, the difference between playing in Japan vs. in MLB, his experience watching the Jays' World Series run, memories from the 2015-16 teams, and much more!

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any...

Jeff Blair and Sho Alli listen in on the Toronto Blue Jays' newest addition, Kazumo Okamoto's press conference. They follow up with their thoughts on the move, a discussion on what the six-time NPB All-Star brings to the lineup, and a projection of what comes next in the Blue Jays' offseason, including where the team stands in Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker's market.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

The Blue Jays have officially announced their signing of six-time NPB All-Star Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal! Jeff Blair (3:30) stops by Sportsnet Today with Sho Alli and Zack Bodenstein to break down the signing, and what it means for the Blue Jays going forward from an alignment perspective and in free agency. Plus, what is the landscape of MLB as the off-season continues? Afterwards, Yahoo Sports' Jordan Shusterman (17:52) joins for a deeper dive on Okamoto's play in NPB and how that will transition to MLB, and what it means for the Jays now that they have made...

The Blue Jays have reportedly reached a three-year, $30 million deal with right-hander Cody Ponce, who was named KBO MVP last season - what does this mean for the starting rotation? MLB Network's Jon Morosi (1:49) stops by the FAN Morning Show with Brent Gunning and Sho Alli to break down why fans should be excited and what this means for people like José Berríos or Trey Yesavage when the regular season arrives, and gets into the evolving closer market around baseball as well. Afterwards, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (21:31) discusses Ponce's stuff and whether or not it will play when he re...

Dylan Cease has reportedly signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Blue Jays! Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi take your calls and texts, and get into what this means for the team's rotation both next season and in the long-term - what it could look like with Cease pitching in front of a stellar Jays defence? Plus, they discuss what this means for the rest of the offseason - could more big money deals still be in the cards moving forward, whether that's Bo Bichette or someone else?

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The MLB GM Meetings are well underway in Las Vegas, and with a lot of offseason shopping to be done, where do the Blue Jays stand with the biggest free agents? Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson Smith joins Sho Alli and Daniele Franceschi from the lobby of the Cosmopolitan Hotel to discuss the Jays and how they are perceived with other teams around the league (1:25). Afterwards, Sho and Daniele discuss the prospects of bringing back Bo Bichette, and where the Jays could dabble with the free agent market for starting pitchers. Plus, John Schneider finished second in voting for AL Manager...

With the news that Shane Bieber has exercised his $16-million player option for 2026, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi (1:14) stops by to chat with Sho Alli and Zack Bodenstein. They get into reasons why he might opt in, what it says about his own abilities, whether or not the strong clubhouse culture played a role in the decision, and what it means for the starting rotation going forward into the off-season.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or a...

On a special Monday afternoon edition of Jays Talk, Sho Alli takes a final look back at Game 7 of the World Series, and takes your texts on the ending for the 2025 Blue Jays. He chats with Daniele Franceschi (6:02), Jesse Rubinoff (27:24), Zach Worden (52:33), and Ian Harrison (1:19:21) to get their thoughts on the final game of the season, and to look ahead at what's next. They get into the future of Bo Bichette, whether or not Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Chris Bassitt (among others) will return, and what the starting rotation could look like in 2026, including specific free agents that could make...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Game 7 and are joined by Dan Shulman (27:07), Shi Davidi (49:49) and Ben Shulman (1:09:26) to reflect on the season, crucial moments of the postseason run and look at tough roster decisions ahead for the front office, including whether Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, Shane Bieber, among others, will be back with the franchise.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Dodgers to end the season in crushing defeat, as the Dodgers win the World Series. They take your calls and texts, and discuss this wild game, including Miguel Rojas' game-tying blast off Jeff Hoffman with two outs remaining in the top of the ninth, Ernie Clement's deep flyout to Andy Pages, Isiah Kiner-Falefa's attempt to run home with the bases loaded, Shane Bieber giving up a solo bomb in extras to Will Smith, and everything in-between. They get into what's next for this ballclub...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 3-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday night. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the bizarre ninth inning, which included a wedged ball in the outfield wall to stop play on what would have been a game-tying hit from Addison Barger, followed by the lineout double play that ended the game seconds later. Had they ever seen the the wedged ball happen at the Rogers Centre, and how much blame does Barger deserve in...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz start the show by recapping the series. 2011 World Series champion Lance Lynn (25:04) joins to discuss Trey Yesavage, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and how pitchers can have good outings but poor luck. Sportsnet’s Madison Shipman (41:11) gives her thoughts on Yamamoto and Kevin Gausman against the Dodgers’ bats again. MLB Network’s Chris Young (1:05:36) joins to break down the versatility of Toronto’s hitting. Lastly, the Athletic Fabian Ardaya provides the latest from the Dodgers ahead of Game 6.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not neces...

Julia Kreuz and Sho Alli recap the massive Game 5 win vs. the Dodgers. They touch on Trey Yesavage’s outing, the back-to-back homers from Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., along with the run production late in the game (31:11). They’re joined by former Blue Jay Rance Mulliniks (50:28) to discuss Toronto’s brand of baseball, winning in the postseason and more. Lastly, Fox Sports’ Deesha Thosar (1:16:41) pops in to give her thoughts on the Dodgers being a loss away from the losing the series, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Toronto’s grit.

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Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-1 win over the Dodgers to take a 3-2 World Series lead as they head back to Toronto! They take your calls and texts, and get right to the man of the hour in Trey Yesavage, who carved the Dodgers for 12 Ks and no walks over 7.0 IP - with the context of the World Series, is that one of the best pitching performances in franchise history? They talk about the bats starting the game with back-to-back home runs from Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., get into the terrific...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s huge homer off Shohei Ohtani, Shane Bieber getting in done under pressure and the bottom of the order showing up again for Toronto (30:48). The Score’s Jonah Birenbaum (52:19) pops in to talk Mason Fluharty, Chris Bassitt and more. Afterwards, Fangraphs Michael Baumann (1:18:57) previews Game 5 and discusses the Blue Jays’ depth.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series to pull even at two games apiece! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the Jays bouncing back after the 18-inning loss earlier in the day - how important is it that the World Series is now a best-of-three, with two of those games potentially coming in Toronto? They chat about the big Shane Bieber start, and get into Chris Bassitt's terrific relief outing - what could his role be moving forward? They also discuss the offence...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the incredible 18-inning Game 3, where the Blue Jays’ pinch-hitting left their lineup lacking offensive juice, Eric Lauer was incredible,  Shohei Ohtani’s was intentionally walked a lot but potentially not enough and more (25:41). Foul Territory’s Erik Kratz (51:14) discusses the Blue Jays’ locker room after the marathon game, and Yahoo Sports’ Jordan Shusterman (1:16:13) gives his thoughts on Ohtani’s heading to the mound and the likelihood the series will shift back to Toronto. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily re...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-5 walk-off loss vs. the Dodgers in a marathon 18-inning Game 3 of the World Series. They take your calls and texts, and debate where this game was won and lost - does this fall on John Schneider over-managing with early hooks for Bo Bichette, Alejandro Kirk, and Addison Barger, or does it fall on the offence that replaced them late in the game? They get into the efforts from the bullpen, including Eric Lauer and Jeff Hoffman, and discuss the effects this might have on both the Blue Jays...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Games 1 and 2 and the spectacle that was World Series Weekend in Toronto. They also touch on the starts of Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s gem in Game 2 (35:09). Afterwards, former Blue Jay Shawn Green (50:56) breaks down the series as it moves to Dodger Stadium and the keys for each respective team. Lastly, Dodgers broadcaster Stephen Nelson (1:15:53) touches on his Rogers Centre experience and what to expect from Glasnow in Game 3.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily re...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 5-1 loss vs. the Dodgers in Game 2 of the World Series. They take your calls and texts, and discuss the masterful performance from Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto - what more could the Jays' bats have done against him in this game? Was this a 'tip your cap' moment with Yamamoto looking like he did? They get into the start from Kevin Gausman, chat about the batting order both in this game and going forward, and look ahead to Game 3 with Max Scherzer on the mound.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 11-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Addison Barger's grand slam, the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history! They discuss Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk both going yard in the win, the bats pushing Blake Snell out of the game in the sixth inning, John Schneider pushing all the right buttons with both pinch-hitters and the bullpen, and the start from Trey Yesavage. Plus, they get into Bo Bichette making his first career...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz discuss their excitement ahead of Game 1 and news of the Blue Jays’ roster release. They’re joined by MLB.com’s Sonja Chen (32:48) to discuss the Dodgers roster, their starting pitching rotation and more. Next, Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (51:35) discusses Bo Bichette’s return, bullpen usage and the lead-up to Game 1. Lastly, the Athletic’s Eno Sarris (1:10:45) talks Trey Yesavage’s start vs. the Dodgers and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s postseason thus far

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the posit...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez to discuss why this Blue Jays team is special and his confidence level that Toronto can win the World Series. MLB.com’s Ayako Oikawa (20:08) discusses the fandom for the Dodgers in Japan. Former Blue Jay Ricky Romero discusses attending Game 7 and why he’s rooting for the Blue Jays despite growing up in LA. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (50:15) comes on to talk about the key advantages for the Blue Jays and Dodgers. Lastly, Baseball Prospectus’ Craig Goldstein (1:13:18) dives deep into the starting pitching staff of the Dodgers and...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Jeff Blair to discuss his appearance in the documentary about the demise of the Montreal Expos and how this Blue Jays team compares to others in team history. The Score’s Jonah Birenbaum (51:59) joins to reflect on Toronto’s season and the ups and downs throughout the year. Lastly, the Athletic’s Levi Weaver (1:18:16) breaks down where the Dodgers and Blue Jays hold advantages as we begin previewing the 2025 World Series. 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessa...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Game 7 as the Toronto Blue Jays are off the World Series behind a massive George Springer three-run homer. They also break down key game decisions like using Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt out of the bullpen (32:48). Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith (51:58) joins to give his view of Toronto’s season, Game 7 and more. Lastly, Jomboy Media’s Chris Rose (1:14:58) discusses last night’s game, the Jays’ season and the LA Dodgers.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position o...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 4-3 win over the Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS to book their ticket to the World Series for the first time since 1993! They take your many calls and texts, and get right to the biggest swing of the night: George Springer launching a three-run bomb in the bottom of the seventh inning! They discuss Springer's big moment, the pitching changes that included Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt, Jeff Hoffman closing the game in the ninth, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being named ALCS MVP. Plus, we go on the...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the Game 6 win including Trey Yesavage’s start, Jeff Hoffman’s two innings of relief and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s special playoff run. Afterwards, they look ahead to Game 7 (34:17) and what starting pitchers we could see make an appearance. Sportsnet’s Joe Siddall (51:28) breaks down changes to Addison Barger’s swing, Guererro Jr.’s heater and more. Lastly, Angie Mentink (1:16:04) of Root Sports Northwest previews the Mariners side of Game 7.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 win over the Mariners in Game 6 of the ALCS to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Toronto! They take your calls and texts, and discuss the pitching performance that saw Trey Yesavage turn out 5.2 IP of two-run ball while Louis Varland and Jeff Hoffman lock it down late - could Hoffman still be available tomorrow despite two innings of work in Game 6? They get into the offence coming through, including another solo blast for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger smashing a two-run shot of his own amidst a...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 6-2 loss vs. the Mariners in Game 5 of the ALCS. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the question on everyone's mind: why did John Schneider bring in Brendon Little over Seranthony Domínguez or Jeff Hoffman to start the eighth inning to face Cal Raleigh? They debate the reasoning behind the decision, listen to Schneider's own reflections on the move, and discuss what could have gone differently (if anything). They get into the start from Kevin Gausman, the injury to George Springer, and how you b...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap Max Scherzer’s incredible performance last night and highlight the big hits and clutch defensive plays leading to the win. Afterwards, Sportsnet’s Chris Black (30:06) dives into Andres Gimenez’s home run, Daulton Varsho’s bases-loaded walk and Addison Barger throwing out Josh Naylor at third base. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi (50:25) reflects on Scherzer’s outing and what the removal of Anthony Santander from the roster means. Following that, Nathan Bishop (1:07:49) of ‘The Light Bat’ Substack outlines the Mariners’ side of the first 4 games and in what capacity Bryan Woo could factor into the rest of the se...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 8-2 win over the Mariners in Game 4 of the ALCS! They take your calls and texts, and get right to Max Scherzer's 5.2 IP of two-run ball - how important was that moment for 'Mad Max' with John Schneider atop the mound? They get into a four-RBI night for Andrés Giménez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. blasting his fifth home run of the playoffs (a Blue Jays playoff record), and discuss the bullpen as well, which saw Seranthony Domínguez get the ninth inning over Jeff Hoffman. Plus, with at lea...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the win vs. the Mariners, where Toronto’s approach prevailed, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was a triple away from the cycle, and Shane Bieber rebounded after a tough 1st inning. Afterwards, ESPN’s Doug Glanville (31:34) discusses the Dodgers-Brewers series, where Milwaukee is facing a 0-2 series deficit. Sportsnet’s Dan Shulman (50:07) checks in from Seattle to discuss expectations for Max Scherzer, his thoughts on Game 3 and more. Lastly, Mariners broadcaster Gary Hill Jr. (1:16:10) discusses Luis Castillo, when we can expect to see Bryan Woo, and the atmosphere in Seattle.

The views and opinio...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 13-4 win over the Mariners in Game 3 of the ALCS! They take your calls and texts, and get right to the start from Shane Bieber - was that his best start in a Jays uniform? How important was it for the team to pick him up after a rough first inning? They discuss the offensive explosion that saw the Jays launch five home runs, three coming off George Kirby - what did they change in their approach after the first two games in Toronto? Plus, they get into Max...

Madison Shipman in-studio joins Blake Murphy to discuss how the Mariners are game planning vs. the Blue Jays and why Toronto is struggling to put together hits (26:46). Afterwards, Angie Mentink (50:11) of Root Sports Northwest pops in to talk all things Mariners, including Josh Naylor’s series, Cal Raleigh, and she expands on Seattle’s pitching staff. Lastly, MLB.com’s Mike Petriello (1:19:45) discusses first-pitch swinging, the Dodgers' strategy of allowing their starters to go deep in games, and more.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessa...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the Game 2 stinker, where Toronto’s ALCS bats remained quiet, the bullpen got lit up and more. Afterwards, Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer Rob Ducey (30:41) discusses his MLB career, the Jays-Mariners series, and the state of baseball in Canada. Following that, Foul Territory’s Erik Kratz (50:18) tries to calm the fanbase heading to Seattle and tells a legendary John Schneider story. Lastly, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (1:13:50) comes in-studio before he travels to Seattle to discuss Toronto’s chances of coming back, Josh Naylor and previews the starting pitching matchups ahead. 

The views...

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker break down the Blue Jays' 10-3 loss vs. the Mariners in Game 2 of the ALCS. They take your calls and texts, and get right to the offence - where have the bats gone after such a successful ALDS? Is it all Mariners pitching, or has the team failed to make meaningful in-game adjustments? Is there a different configuration of the batting order that might lead to more productivity? They discuss the Mariners bats bombing the Jays' bullpen, Trey Yesavage with a rough second playoff outing, and also look ahead to the next few games...

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz recap the Game 1 loss, where Toronto struggled against Bryce Miller and Kevin Gausman was yanked in controversial fashion. Afterwards, Sportsnet’s Buck Martinez (25:26) joins to discuss what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. mentioned to him that could explain his late-season struggles before the postseason. Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz (51:28) comes in-studio to break down the series and look ahead to Trey Yesavage’s start today. Lastly, Fangraphs’ Meg Rowley (1:17:26) provides the Mariners’ perspective, including Cal Raleigh’s home run and Seattle’s postseason.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and gues...