Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

Buster Olney, Jeff Passan and Tim Kurkjian react to the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, grading all 30 teams’ moves at the deadline. It’s a baseball extravaganza crossover event with The Baseball Tonight Podcast and Sources Tell Jeff Passan. The guys discuss Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox, Freddy Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays, Luis Arraez to the Philadelphia Phillies, Luis Garcia Jr. to the New York Yankees and more. Plus, Alden Gonzalez, Jorge Castillo, Jesse Rogers and Kiley McDaniel join to deliver their grades. Later, Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer stops by t...

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the Detroit Tigers trading Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Is this move really bad for baseball? Or is this about a team looking for immortality? Plus, the Tampa Bay Rays solidify their rotation by trading for Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets. The New York Yankees get a bat, securing Luis García Jr. from the Washington Nationals. The White Sox make a move for Luis Castillo in their bid to win the AL Central. And which team does Buster owe an apology?

0:00 Welcome

0:10 D...

Alden Gonzalez joins Buster Olney to discuss Hunter Greene’s name being floated on the trade market, the abundance of starting pitching available, the real reason the Los Angeles Dodgers would want Tarik Skubal, why MLB would love Skubal on the Dodgers, the Angels finally realizing they’re not close, and the Washington Nationals looking to extend Foster Griffin. Then, the voice of the New York Yankees Michael Kay stops by to discuss stirring his tea with the arm of his glasses, his food peculiarities, Yankees’ triage trade deadline strategy, the need for a right-handed catcher and a swing-and-miss reliev...

Hembo and Buster discuss the latest on Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Plus, what in the world should the Mariners do at the trade deadline? Then, they discuss the Nationals’ lineup historic turnaround, how Yordan Álvarez is practically perfect in every way, the Blue Jays lineup falling off a cliff, and Pete Crow-Armstrong flipping a swing-decision switch few players ever have. Then, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stops by to talk about the Snakes’ sneaky turnaround. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets.

0:00 Welcome

3:20 Hembo joins

Eric Hosmer and Buster Olney discuss how Hos has been through every trade deadline experience imaginable during his MLB career. Then, they talk about another electric afternoon from Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, Salvador Perez breaking George Brett’s home run record for the Kansas City Royals, the Red Sox and Nationals making the first big trade of the season, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger hitting the IL, and the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2026 featuring Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltran and Jeff Kent. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets.

0:00 Welcome

3:18 Eric Ho...

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy joins Buster to discuss the magic of Jacob Misiorowksi, World Series aspirations, and what the team is looking for at the traded deadline. Then, Jorge Castillo stops by to talk about the drama with MLB changing pitch clock rules for batters this week because of José Caballero, if Tarik Skubal will stay or go in Detroit and Buster’s latest intel on Padres’ closer Mason Miller. Plus, the guys decide on the perfect traded deadline fits for the Braves, Phillies, Cubs, Mariners, Red Sox, Dodgers and Yankees. Next, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Later...

David Schoenfield joins Buster Olney to discuss the Dodgers beating the Phillies on an unusual double play, the ideal landing spot for Mason Miller, the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal decision coming due, why it’s officially time for the Blue Jays (and the Astros) to sell, and if Pete Crow-Armstrong is gaining ground on Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about the glut in the American League, the Dodgers looking locked in, a future MVP in the National League, the Red Sox getting power from third, if the White Sox can dream of a World Seri...

Jesse Rogers joins Buster Olney to discuss Boston's incredible 13-game win streak, turning them from sellers to buyers at the trade deadline. They also discuss why Shohei Ohtani's knee injury opens the door for Pete Crow-Armstrong to contend for the NL MVP race. Jesse takes us inside the White Sox war room with exclusive access as they made the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft last week, and the reflect on the importance of Jorge Castillo's ESPN.com article about the lack of Latino representation in the MLBPA.

0:00 Top of the First

2:50...

Tim Kurkjian, Hembo and Buster Olney discuss whether the MLB All-Star Game’s “Sandlot” break was cool or a flop, how many current division leaders will hang on, the most confusing things in baseball, impactful bats that may be moved at the trade deadline, if the Padres should trade Mason Miller, x-factor deadline teams, and which impending free agents have lost and made the most money. Next, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Then, Todd Radom shares his thoughts on his 30th-straight All-Star week, and administers the weekly quiz. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 

Eduardo Pérez joins Buster Olney to discuss Jordan Walker beating Kyle Schwarber in the 2026 Home Run Derby on his last swing, in front of a hostel Philadelphia crowd. They talk about the key to Walker’s victory in the final round, hitters struggling with the magenta balls, Philadelphia fans showing out, how to make the All-Star Game matter again, and the balance of player participation versus needing a break from the game. Then, Buster hits All-Star Game media day and chats with Mason Miller, James Wood, Ernie Clement, Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson and Walker. Lat...

David Schoenfield joins Buster to hand out midseason MLB grades on the eve of the All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Which teams passed the first half of the season with flying colors, and which teams need to retake the exam? Plus, the White Sox select Roch Cholowsky No. 1 in MLB Draft, the AL MVP picture, and is Tarik Skubal actually the player most likely to be traded? Later, Buster talks to Phillies sluggers Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber about competing in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. Finally, Buster answers your Bleacher Tweets.

0:00 Welcome

2:30 David Schoenfield...

Phillies manager Don Mattingly joins to discuss Philadelphia's dramatic turnaround and if he's planning on returning to manage next season. Then, ESPN MLB Draft expert Kiley McDaniel stops by to discuss which of the top 3 players the White Sox will take at No. 1, and which teams have the deepest minor league prospects to land a big name on the trade market (you probably won't like the answer).

Plus Sarah Langs and Bleacher Tweets!

0:00 Justin Verlander announces retirement, Marlins and Red Sox on a hot streak

2:25 Don Mattingly on Phillies turnaround

4:09 Managing...

Two-time World Series champion David Ross joins Buster Olney to discuss a story he had never previously heard about the 2016 Chicago Cubs on his Lovable Reunion podcast, if he ever has to pay for dinner in Chicago, the biggest threat the Dodgers’ threepeat quest, why it’s actually a good thing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is skipping the All-Star Game, Zack Wheeler’s All-Star snub and Dalton Rushing learning to be a “servant to the pitcher.” Plus, did David Ross make Jon Lester more money, or the other way around? Then, Hembo stops by to talk about the Dodgers’ huge run differen...

Albert Pujols joins Buster Olney to discuss why Junior Caminero is a legit superstar, and what it’s like competing in the Home Run Derby when your team is hosting the All-Star Game. He also talks about the pressures of managing a team in a major market like the New York, and how he would approach an opportunity like managing the Mets. Then, Jesse Rogers joins to talk about Marlins manager Clayton McCullough’s decision to take out Eury Pérez after seven perfect innings, and a move the New York Yankees should consider right now. Also, in honor Taylo...

Paul “Hembo” Hembekides and Buster Olney play a game of “Trend or Blip,” looking at the Marlins, Rays and Rangers. Then, they discuss why Aaron Judge is the rising tide that lifts all boats for the Yankees, the most obvious trade-deadline match, how bad is this American League — historically speaking, and more on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s slog of a season. Then, Buster talks to longtime pro Rick Monday about snatching the American flag from field-invading protesters in 1976. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. And finally, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets.

0:00 Welcome

3:01 Hembo

Tim Kurkjian and Buster Olney discuss the Red Sox sweep of the Yankees and if Boston can dream about the postseason, the Mets firing manager Carlos Mendoza and what it means for the GM David Stearns, why the Angels firing GM Perry Minasian probably won't change much in Anaheim, the Tigers falling out of playoff contention and looking likelier than ever to trade Tarik Skubal, Junior Caminero raking the Rays to the AL's best record, why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is baseball's biggest mystery, and the Rangers losing Wyatt Langford.

4:01 Tim Kurkjian

24:16 Bleacher Tweets

<...

Buster Olney is joined by Jorge Castillo and Alden Gonzalez as they take a deep dive into the top World Series contenders and debate which team has the best chance to dethrone the Dodgers as World Series champions. Plus Sarah Langs and Todd Radom join!

0:00 Welcome + Thursday recap

2:50 State of the Dodgers, injuries + Shohei Ohtani greatness

8:39 Will the Dodgers land Tarik Skubal?

13:20 Atlanta Braves

15:40 New York Yankees

20:29 Seattle Mariners

23:02 Philadelphia Phillies

25:45 Milwaukee Brewers

30:07 Tampa Bay Rays

31:47...

Paul “Hembo” Hembekides and Buster discuss the continued strangeness around Rafael Devers refusing to leave the game after being pinch run, Devers calling the situation a “misunderstanding,” Buster Posey not addressing it with the team, the Kansas City Royals’ Jac Caglianone finding his own, the Cincinnati Reds’ Chase Burns keeping the riverboat afloat, why the Seattle Mariners are the biggest challenger to the New York Yankees in the American League, and if New York Mets’ ace Freddy Peralta is worth the big money he wants. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets.

0:00 Welcome

3:54 Pau...

ESPN.com’s David Schoenfield joins Buster Olney to discuss Rafael Devers’ tantrum after being pinch run, the reality that MLB owners are ready to shut down the sport, the Marlins sweeping the Giants, Kyle Tucker being dropped to seventh in the Dodgers’ lineup, Kyle Schwarber’s three-homer Saturday, a fun series between the October-bound Brewers and Braves, if the Orioles are still alive and the Tigers hanging around in the Al Central. Then, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol stops by to talk about Jordan Walker as an NL MVP candidate, JJ Wetherholt’s enthusiasm, Dustin May finding his stuff, and which...

ESPN MLB analyst Doug Glanville joins Buster Olney to discuss the San Francisco Giants listening to trade offers on Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames, what it’s like to play in the league while being the subject of trade rumors, and whether the Tigers, Red Sox, Mets, Orioles and others should buy or sell at the deadline. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Plus, Todd Radom on Left O’Duol, the man who opened the door for Japanese players coming to America. Finally, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets.

0:00 Welcome

2:43 ESPN MLB...

Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera joins Buster Olney to discuss CJ Abrams leading the All-Star voting for NL shortstops, his team’s offense racking up runs, leadership from his young core and adjusting to life as a new dad. Then, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers stops by to talk about why the Cubs need to loosen up, incoming makeovers for the Giants and Mets, why the White Sox have staying power, the Cardinals continue to amaze and confuse, and if Nick Kurtz is the AL MVP frontrunner with Aaron Judge injured. Later, ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell does a deep dive...

Tim Kurkjian joins to talk about Jacob Misiorowski's latest historical performance: a 15-strikeout complete-game 1-hitter. Buster and Tim also discuss Tarik Skubal's return and what that means for the Tigers, the white hot White Sox, and Pete Crow-Armstrong's correlation to the Cubs' success.

Braves All-Star first baseman Matt Olson then joins to discuss one of the most underrated parts of his game: his arm. He also shares a surprising story about the closest he's come to missing a game during his iron-man streak and is wise enough to not share some inside secrets of his batting approach...

Yankees pitcher and AL Cy Young frontrunner Cam Schlittler joins the show to discuss his mindset, his epic postseason debut against the Red Sox last year, how he learned to hit 100 mph, and he shares a great story about how Aaron Judge helped him in a time of need.

Jorge Castillo then joins to discuss Schlittler's dominance, the storybook walk-off home runs from Bryce Eldridge and Braden Montgomery, the Cardinals surprising season, and if Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is on the hot seat.

Plus Sarah Langs and Bleacher Tweets!

0:00 Welcome<...

We begin with Braden Montgomery hitting a spectacular walk-off home run in his MLB debut. Hembo then stops by to discuss the crazy Athletics-Brewers game from Monday, the Red Sox woes, why Alex Bregman is doing so poorly at Wrigley Field for the Cubs, how Ohtani's two-way season this year exceeds any season of Babe Ruth's, and more.

Eduardo Perez then joins to preview the best MLB prospects in the College World Series starting on ESPN this weekend, why Las Vegas will be an even worse ballpark for pitchers than Coors Field in Denver, Cristopher Sanchez's claim...

Eric Hosmer joins Buster Olney to talk about Jacob Misiorowski's latest firecracker outing where he threw 45 pitches over 101 mph! Is he the best pitcher in baseball over Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, and Cristopher Sanchez? They also talk through: Aaron Judge's injury and what it means for him and the Yankees this season, Fernando Tatis Jr's struggles, and the AL Wild Card Race.

David Schoenfield then stops by to chat Misiorowski, Houston's recent surge, and Roki Sasaki's emergence for the Dodgers.

Plus Bleacher Tweets where Buster discusses what's happening with the Red Sox organization.

0:00...

Hembo joins the show to discuss Cristopher Sanchez's historic month, a superstar the Red Sox should trade for, Michael Harris II's incredible improvement, Ben Rice's breakout, Bobby Witt Jr.'s obscurity, and how ABS has dramatically helped left-handed hitters.

Blue Jays broadcaster Dan Shulman then stops by to discuss all things Toronto and how the Blue Jays finally have light at the end of the tunnel. Him and Buster then get into a discussion for a manager that is replacing Aaron Boone as most fiery in MLB.

Sarah Langs takes us through some amazing pitching...

Jessica Mendoza joins us ahead of the Women's College World Series title rematch between Texas and Texas Tech, recapping all of the drama the tournament has given in the last week (brawls, slander, pregnant pitchers, unique game management... and more!). She also dives into the Dodgers season so far and what she thinks Ohtani's next mountain to climb will be.

Washington Nationals All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams then gives us the inside details on his "alien" nickname, the toughest pitcher to hit, and the Nationals surprising top-ranked offense.

We end with Bleacher Tweets. Is there a...

Tim Kurkjian joins Buster Olney as they play a game of "It's Over, It's Not Over" to discuss which division races are already decided as we enter the month of June. They also talk more about the potential for a lockout next season.

Cleveland Guardians rookie second basemen Travis Bazzana then joins to discuss his homeland of Australia and their spiders, his approach to hitting that allows him to draw walks at a record-setting pace, and the Guardians attempt to go for another division title.

0:00 Top of the First: Yankees, Mariners, White Sox

1:54...

Jesse Rogers joins the show to discuss the news today that MLB owners formally proposed a salary cap for the first time since the 1994 strike. He and Buster dive into how the players union feels about it, and how it affects the prospects for a lockout when the current CBA expires on Dec. 1. They also discuss how the Brewers continue to be successful year-after-year, and where Tarik Skubal might end up.

Sarah Langs joins as she does every Friday for The Numbers Game, and Todd Radom tells us about his new book.

0:00 Intro

0:43...

Hembo joins the show to discuss Houston's no-hitter and if it might impact their "seller" status at the trade deadline. Buster and Hembo also discuss Tarik Skubal's potential destinations, including the team Buster thinks will land him. They also hit on JJ Wetherholt's rise, Jacob Misiorowski's dominance, and Nolan McLean's struggles.

Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy then joins the show to discuss his game, why he was upset about his college coach's decision to move him from a two-way player to solely a pitcher, and the Cardinals quicker-than-expected rise.

0:00 - Top of the First: Hitters, Uribe...

On today's episode, Buster Olney and David Schoenfield break down the Brewers surge and the Cubs fall, discuss if Tarik Skubal could be traded midseason, why the Astros decade of dominance is over, and if Shohei Ohtani is the favorite in the NL Cy Young award race.

Tony Gwynn Jr. then joins us to discuss the Padres-Dodgers recent series; is it the best rivalry in baseball? Plus Mason Miller's dominance and why the MVP conversation around Ohtani is feeling like it did around Michael Jordan.

Sarah Langs tells us why Ohtani, Sal Stewart, and Jacob...

Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight podcast! Hembo joins us to talk about the National League's dominance over the American League, the Mets youth movement, Brice Turang stating claim to the best 2nd baseman in baseball, the Yankees bullpen issues, and the Giants historically low walk percentage.

Then Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry DiPoto joins to discuss top prospect Colt Emerson's booming big league arrival, Julio Rodriguez's early-season success, why Cal Raleigh is struggling, and his approach to the trade deadline.

0:00 - Intro + last night

1:37 - Hembo joins the...

Jacob Misiorowski joins the show to talk about his lights-out performance against the Yankees, the first time he hit 100 mph, his unique relationship with manager Pat Murphy, and more. Then Tim Kurkjian stops by to discuss why hope prevails for the ailing Tigers (and the rest of the AL), the white hot White Sox, the loaded NL Cy Young Race, the Phillies surge, and the best baseball story of the week in St. Louis.

0:00 Intro and welcome

0:41 Weekend Headlines: Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, and White Sox

2:27 Jacob Misiorowski joins the show<...

Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight podcast! Jorge Castillo joins the show to discuss the loaded NL Cy Young Race between Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski, and a 4th pitcher who might be the best of all. Buster and Jorge then break down which players on the Mets, Red Sox, and Astros could be dealt at the trade deadline, and finish by discussing what Anthony Volpe should do to keep himself on the Yankees Roster.

White Sox GM Chris Getz then joins as we go inside Chicago's rebuild into an early-season playoff contender. He shares what...

Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight Podcast! Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin joins the show to discuss his adjustment to life in the Big Leagues, the toughest pitchers he's faced, and his favorite ballparks he's played in so far. Hembo then swings by to share why several stars, including Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are struggling. Then injury expert Stephania Bell goes in-depth on Tarik Skubal's surgery. We end with Bleacher Tweets about the Orioles and Padres!

0:00 Intro + Top of the First

2:21 Konnor Griffin Joins

2:48 Griffin's favorite...

Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight podcast, publishing a day early because of breaking news surrounding Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. His agent, Scott Boras, joined us to give us the details surrounding this first-time surgical procedure on an MLB player that could cut Skubal's recovery time in half. He also shares his memories about the late Bobby Cox.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers then hops on to discuss the surprising reason for the Cubs early-season success, and who they could target at the trade deadline. We then switch to the AL where he tells us which playoff-favorite teams he's...

Welcome back to the Baseball Tonight Podcast! Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos joins us to detail why he's not getting too excited yet about the Braves best start since 1998, how Matt Olson is getting even better, and his reaction to 62-year-old manager Walt Weiss' tackle during last month's brawl. Yankees fan Rich Eisen then stops by to talk about his favorite John Sterling memories, the time he creeped out Don Mattingly, and how scary the Yankees rotation can be with Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole on the way back. Plus Sarah Langs and Todd Radom!

0:00...

Benches cleared after Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez hit Red Sox batter Trevor Story on Tuesday. Valdez said it was not intentional, while Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said it was a "low moment" for the team. Speculation abounds that Valdez was upset about the Boston stealing signs, rather than the two home runs they hit before Story was beaned. Eduardo Perez joins to break it all down. Later on, Hembo hops on to discuss Matt Olson's hot streak, Rafael Devers slow start, and the rookie who is raking for the Cubs.

0:00 Welcome

0:41...

Reds Manager Terry Francona joins the show to discuss Elly De La Cruz's improvements this year, what has made rookie Sal Stewart so special early on, and why Boston is such a brutal place to leave as a manager. Then Hunter Pence swings by to talk about two Japanese "rookies" who are lighting up the big leagues: Munetaka Murakami with the White Sox and Kazuma Okamoto with the Blue Jays. He also discusses the biggest threat to the Dodgers' crown and why the Giants have struggled to start the year. We end by giving our tribute to the legendary...

The Boston Red Sox received bad news with star pitcher Garrett Crochet headed to the IL, just a few days after firing manager Alex Cora. Buster Olney and Alden Gonzalez discuss the Red Sox fate this year. They also dive into the Dodgers tactic of benching Shohei Ohtani as a DH when he pitches; how the Atlanta Braves have the best record in baseball; and the resurgence of the Seattle Mariners. Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman joins the show to discuss Toronto's season, and Sarah Langs plays the numbers game.

0:00 Welcome

1:23 Matt...