Baseball Bar-B-Cast

The Los Angeles Dodgers are picking up where they left off last season, sitting in 1st place in the National League West with a 7–2 record. While they’ve had early-season success, the Toronto Blue Jays aren’t exactly in the same form just yet this season. However, the Jays are looking to turn their early season around with a big rematch starting on Monday.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the action from the weekend in baseball, which saw the Dodgers sweep the Washington Nationals and the Blue Jays get surpri...

The Pittsburgh Pirates will play their first game of the 2026 season at home and the excitement will be at an all-time high after they promoted Konnor Griffin to the big league club. The 19-year-old top prospect is set to make his Major League debut, becoming the first teenage position player in the game since Juan Soto made his debut.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the not-so-surprising news of Griffin’s promotion following his outstanding 2025 minor league season. They then get into the reported contract extension the Pirates are tr...

On Tuesday night, Shohei Ohtani started his first game for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season and appeared to already be in midseason form. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player struck out six batters over six innings of scoreless ball en route to LA’s 4–1 win over the Cleveland Guardians.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman review the start from the Japanese superstar, discuss why this could be the beginning of a possible NL Cy Young campaign and highlight how funny it is that Ohtani sometimes pitches and hits in th...

The biggest storyline heading into the 2026 Major League Baseball season was how teams would adapt to and utilize the newly implemented Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. After a weekend’s worth of games, it’s already making an impact on outcomes, and we couldn’t be happier about it.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the instant success that ABS has been, both in terms of its importance in games and for fan entertainment. They dive into early statistics surrounding the challenges, including which catchers are succeeding and why hitters appear to be get...

One of the best parts about Opening Day is getting to see players you’ve heard about in your favorite team’s minor league system play their first game in the big leagues. Normally, it can take a little while to adjust to major league talent; however, quite a few of them already made an impact for their teams.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the impressive debuts from the young stars, including Jake DeLauter, JJ Wetherholt, Carson Benge, and Munetaka Murakami, all hitting their first career home run and Kevi...

Baseball season has officially arrived! The 2026 season will kick off tonight in California when the New York Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants. As part of the start of the grind that is the regular season, we tell you about some of the most important names you need to know in baseball for this year.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the top 50 most notable names, including four important members of the Los Angeles Dodgers who aren’t named Shohei Ohtani and one very large presence in the Bronx looking to...

The start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season is just two days away, so now is the perfect time to take a look at the projected win totals for all thirty teams this season. There are a few interesting projections this year after a busy offseason that could influence changes in the standings from last season.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman make their predictions and explain why they would take the over or under on projected wins for each team. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off an incredible season...

The start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season is less than a week away, which means it’s time to make one bold prediction for every team. While a lot of these picks may seem far-fetched—like Giancarlo Stanton stealing a base for the New York Yankees or Luis Robert Jr. leading the New York Mets in WAR—some of these might actually come to fruition.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about their picks for the American and National League teams, which include Edwin Díaz possibly reaching the 50-save mark in...

When the 2026 World Baseball Classic started, there were a few favorites to win the tournament, including the United States, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. However, in the end, the last team standing was Venezuela, as they took down Team USA 3–2 on Tuesday night. Behind clutch hitting and pitching, Team Venezuela captured its first-ever WBC title in Miami in what could be considered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the action from the championship game that saw the Venezuelan side shut down the al...

The United States are returning to the championship game of the World Baseball Classic for a third consecutive tournament. However, in what was billed as one of the most star-studded baseball games ever played, the tightly contested matchup ended in a controversial strike three call that has left Dominican Republic players and fans shaking their heads.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Team USA’s 2–1 victory that saw Paul Skenes and a dominant U.S. bullpen shut down the high-octane offense from the DR that we’ve seen all tournament. They t...

Pool play for the 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic has wrapped up and we’re now down to the final eight teams. With the quarterfinals set to kick off on Friday night in Miami and Houston, it’s time to look at the matchups and who might move on to the semifinals.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz is joined by SNY MLB insider reporter Chelsea Janes as they break down each game in the quarterfinals, including the United States taking on Canada and whether the bad vibes that surrounded them against Italy are gone...

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic has already provided a few memorable moments for teams across the globe. However, on Monday night we might have seen the biggest upset of the tournament so far when Team Italy took down powerhouse Team USA, which has left us all wondering how it happened.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap the incredible win by the Italians and discuss how the United States could now find itself knocked out of the tournament based on the results of Italy’s game with Mexico tonight. They al...

So far in the 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic, the teams that we have come to expect positive results from are holding up their end of the bargain. With Team USA, Japan and the Dominican Republic all proving to be who we thought they were, pool play has seemed like just a tune-up for these powerhouses.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down all the action from the WBC this past weekend, which saw the United States handle Great Britain and Brazil with the help of the superstar friendship duo...

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic is off and running, with a few games of pool play already in the books, including Team Japan mercy-ruling Team Chinese Taipei following a historic second inning. With Shohei Ohtani hitting a grand slam and Japan scoring 10 runs, the defending WBC champs are putting all challengers officially on notice.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the opening games, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto picking up where he left off last October and Team Australia getting off to a hot 2–0 start in Pool C. They then pr...

The old saying in baseball is that “momentum is only as good as the next day’s starter,” which shows how important having a good pitching staff is to a club. As part of our 2026 regular season preview, it’s time to figure out who will do the best job of limiting their opponents’ offense.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman draft all 30 MLB clubs based on who they feel will have the best pitching and hitting this season. While every squad wishes they had a Tarik Skubal, Shohei Ohtani or Paul Skene...

You can’t win a baseball game without scoring runs, and since it’s such a pivotal part of winning, it’s time to take a look at all 30 teams and who might have the best offensive production this season. With the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers leading their respective leagues last season, will another team be able to outslug them this year?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman draft all 30 teams based on who they think will score the most runs this season, from most to least. While the Dodger...

What do Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Bobby Witt Jr., along with countless other All-Stars, have in common? They’re all looking to become part of just the second United States team ever to bring home gold in the World Baseball Classic. However, it won’t be easy to be the last team standing, despite all the star power the team will have at its disposal.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman give a complete preview of the Team USA squad as they try to avenge their loss in the 2023 edition of t...

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic starts next Wednesday, and now is the time to get familiar with every squad looking to be the last team standing. While the United States of America has one of its best rosters ever in the tournament, which international teams should they have their eyes on?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down every international team’s roster to try and figure out who poses the biggest threat to Team USA. They are joined by the creator of Yakyu Cosmopolitan and NPB expert Yuri Ka...

With Spring Training games in full swing, baseball fans are starting to get familiar with the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. Although ABS isn’t brand new to baseball, as it’s been used in the minor leagues for a few seasons, it will be new to the majors in 2026 — so now is the time to learn all about it.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman give you the history of the ABS challenge system and explain how we’ve gotten to the point where it will be implemented in the game. MLB catcher...

The Major League Baseball Players Association had a major shakeup this week after union head Tony Clark resigned from his position following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law. This shocking news has caused a ripple effect with collective bargaining agreement discussions set to begin next offseason.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why this controversy is such a big deal as the players’ union looks for strong leadership ahead of upcoming negotiations. They then dive into the newly elected leader, Bruce Meyer, and why he is an interesting ch...

With Spring Training fully underway in Florida and Arizona, we’re starting to hear more and more from those in the baseball world about their thoughts on this offseason. Between how New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge voiced his displeasure with his club’s slow-moving offseason and Bryce Harper not being too happy with how he was spoken about by Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, things are getting spicy.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about which of these headlines are actually big deals and which aren’t, includ...

With the wonderful sounds of spring training filling the air in Arizona and Florida, there have already been a few unfortunate injuries that have knocked out several top MLB stars from getting their work in. Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday have all been sidelined with hamate injuries, and it’s bringing us all down.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the impact these injuries will have on their clubs, including what Team USA might do since Corbin Carroll will not be able to start and play in the Wo...

As pitchers and catchers start to report to their teams’ camps this week, signaling the official return of baseball, it’s time to take a look back at each club’s offseason and give them a final grade for their work.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman go through all 30 teams division by division, talking about the newest additions and subtractions for each side, as well as which teams could’ve done a little bit more.

Did the Los Angeles Dodgers do enough to bolster their squad and try for a three...

Tarik Skubal has 54 career wins in Major League Baseball, but on Thursday he may have earned his most lucrative victory yet—against his current club. The two-time Cy Young Award winner won his arbitration hearing against the Detroit Tigers, and the ramifications could be larger than many anticipate.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the historic win for Skubal, his agent Scott Boras, and the entire Players Association. Skubal will make a record $32 million after winning his arbitration hearing. This decision sets a precedent for future cases and could help determine Sk...

The San Francisco Giants signed Luis Arráez to a one-year deal, with the hope that the three-time batting champion will be able to help solidify their offense after their blockbuster deal that brought Rafael Devers to the Bay last season. However, after finishing at 81–81, are the Giants doing enough to try and compete for a title?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine the questionable offseason that President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey has navigated for his Giants. While being in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers does present som...

After the free-agency frenzy that saw Kyle Tucker shockingly go to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bo Bichette signing with the New York Mets and Cody Bellinger opting to run it back with the New York Yankees, teams are starting to look more and more set for the 2026 season. However, there is still plenty of time for teams to do some last-minute shopping to bulk up before Opening Day.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman make their choices for the one thing that every team needs from now until Game One of the...

José Ramírez has been a member of the Cleveland Guardians organization since 2011 and is on track to one day be immortalized in Cooperstown with the greats of baseball. However, over the weekend, the seven-time All-Star signed an extension to stay in Cleveland until 2032, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play for the franchise.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the deal that will keep Ramírez with the Guardians into his age-39 season. The six-time Silver Slugger’s extension, while surprising, isn’t shocking conside...

When the New York Mets signed Bo Bichette and traded for Luis Robert Jr., many wondered if President of Baseball Ops David Stearns was finished making major moves this offseason. On Wednesday night though, Stearns had one more big surprise up his sleeve when he acquired someone from his past days in Milwaukee.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the big trade that saw the Mets deal for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers in exchange for a package of top prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. With Peralta...

The New York Mets struck big last year when they reeled in Juan Soto from the Bronx to headline an eventful winter. However, after a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Amazin’s have been on a mission to retool this offseason, and thanks to David Stearns, they’ll go into 2026 with plenty of new faces and hope for success.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the retooled lineup that the Mets have assembled, which includes signing Bo Bichette and trading for Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. In addition to the...

The Los Angeles Dodgers did it again. The defending back-to-back World Series champions have had yet another big-time offseason. After adding star closer Edwin Díaz, they went out on Thursday night and brought top free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker into their already star-studded lineup, solidifying them even more as the Evil Empire of baseball.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the shocking—at least to some—move of Los Angeles once again bolstering their roster as they look for the first three-peat in baseball since the New York Yankees’ 1990s dynasty...

When the Chicago Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, many were left wondering if there would be another big move left in their arsenal. That question was answered over the weekend when they agreed to a deal to bring three-time All-Star Alex Bregman to the Windy City.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the Cubs’ five-year, $175 million deal with the former Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox star to help solidify their lineup and continue their stellar offseason. Could this be the move that helps get Chicago back to...

As the baseball world prepares for Spring Training being a month away, some of the biggest free agents in the sport remain on the open market. Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette are the three names that continue to circulate among the big spenders, but the question remains: where are they going to land come Opening Day?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jordan Shusterman is joined by guest host Jack Harris from the California Post as they discuss the free-agent game of musical chairs, as well as take a look at whether the defending champion...

With the recent success of Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, teams throughout baseball have been clamoring to add stars from Japan to their rosters. The Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays did just that by bringing in Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto, with hopes of having similar impacts on their game.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jordan Shusterman is joined by guest host Eric Longenhagen from FanGraphs to talk about the two signings and how their skill sets might be adjusted to the major league level. They then check in...

For the final podcast of the year, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the latest on NPB stars Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto as their MLB posting windows close, analyzing where they could sign and how their profiles contrast with previous Japanese imports like Munetaka Murakami and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The guys take a hard look at the differences between pitching and hitting projections for international talent, highlighting Imai’s adaptability and Okamoto’s ready-made bat for contending teams. They discuss the best roster fits for Imai, focusing on the Giants, Mets, and Phillies, among others, and debate which team...

The Chicago White Sox made a surprising signing right before Christmas when they agreed to a deal with Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. As his posting window was nearing a close, there was a thought that the big-time power bat might not find a team. However, Murakami will be taking his power stroke to the South Side.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz is joined by special guest host Dani Wexelman as they break down the two-year, $34 million deal that will send the two-time Central League MVP to Chicago on a very much prove-it deal...

With the holiday season upon us and the end of the year within reach, it’s time to take a look back at the year that was with some of the best moments from the show in 2025. Come take a journey throughout the year and listen to some of the biggest names in baseball.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are first joined by Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez and Cal Ripken Jr. Pedro talks about the Boston Red Sox and gives some pitching insight, while Cal discusses the anniversary of his Ir...

With roughly three months until the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA’s pitching rotation just got a huge bump as they go for their second championship in the tournament. Tarik Skubal was announced as the latest starting pitcher added to the roster, and adding the reigning AL Cy Young might be the biggest addition they’ve had yet.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the impressive rotation that has been assembled behind Skubal, which includes NL reigning Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan and Logan Webb. The...

There has been a lot of hype around Japanese superstar slugger Munetaka Murakami, as he was posted this offseason. With his posting nearing expiration, many are wondering which MLB team might make a move for the first baseman, or if there is a chance that he might not sign at all and stay in Japan for next season.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the fascinating posting of Murakami and why teams like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Seattle Mariners, among a few others, could be a...

The Polar Bear has gone extinct in Queens as career New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has joined the Baltimore Orioles. A fan favorite for seven seasons—during which he set the franchise home run record, captured the single-season rookie home run record, and won multiple Home Run Derby titles—Alonso will be wearing orange and black next season.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the surprising five-year, $155 million contract the Birds gave Alonso and why it’s awesome to see a superstar join a team like the Orioles instea...

Reactions are still coming in following the shocking news of Edwin Díaz leaving the New York Mets after six seasons and joining the reigning back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers. We’re starting to get a better picture of what led the All-Star closer to take his talents out west.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman get into the offer that the Mets made to try to keep Díaz. While they fell short on the dollars side, some are left wondering if the reliever simply wanted to join Los Angeles instead. The...