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Just Baseball’s Adrian White argues that while Chicago’s 2026 start has been rough, several players already give the rebuild something to lean on: Grant Taylor has looked like a high-leverage (and maybe future rotation) weapon, Munetaka Murakami has shown the advertised power and defense at first, and Miguel Vargas has looked more comfortable at third with a signature game in Miami. Davis Martin has quietly stabilized the rotation, and Noah Schultz (and possibly Sam Antonacci) is poised to join the big league staff after Lenyn Sosa was traded to Toronto.
The Dugout
Presented by Just Baseball
April 15, 2026
April 15, 2026
Buying or Selling Hot Individual Starts
Jack, Aram, and Peyton run through a “buy or sell” on the hottest starts in baseball - first on hitters (home runs, WAR, and whether the early slash lines stick), then on pitchers (ERA lines, stuff vs. sequencing, and who’s really different vs. a small-sample mirage). They dig into everything from Jordan Walker’s power surge and Andy Pages’s Dodgers line to rookies like Kevin McGonigle and arms like Parker Messick, Eduardo Rodríguez, and Taj Bradley, before closing with clutch week moments.
April 14, 2026
Just Baseball’s Cristian Crespo explains how the Marlins are carrying 2025’s momentum into 2026: a soft early schedule, a contact-heavy offense ranking near the top in slugging and OPS despite modest home run totals, and a rotation led by a rebounding Sandy Alcantara - with bullpen volatility as the main worry.
April 14, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden argues the Tigers’ 7–9 start is worrying mainly because core bats (Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson) have lacked power while the club again leaned on shaky depth pieces instead of adding offense. He still sees the pitching staff as roughly fine with room to improve, and he frames the slump as fixable with time and better luck rather than a reason to panic in mid-April.
April 13, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ryan Herrera explains that even with Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd hurt, Chicago’s rotation has been the Cubs’ strongest unit early in 2026, with a league-leading staff ERA through the first couple of weeks. He focuses on Edward Cabrera’s strong first two starts versus a rougher outing against Pittsburgh, and on how the group is trying to cover for Boyd on the IL and Horton out for the year.
April 13, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup: April 9-12
Peter and Aram recap the weekend slate, running through each series result. They go over who’s hitting (O’Neill Cruz, Jordan Walker), who’s pitching (Jose Soriano, Mason Miller), and who’s in trouble (Astros’ staff and injuries, Yankees getting swept by Tampa, Blue Jays’ injury pile). They also dig into Elly De La Cruz’s right-handed production, the Jazz Chisholm baserunning/rules moment with the Yankees, and the Dodgers still looking like the team to beat.
April 13, 2026
Just Baseball’s Damon Sharbyani profiles Blue Jays Rule 5 reliever Spencer Miles, who missed 2025 with Tommy John, rebuilt in the AFL, was taken from the Giants, and won an Opening Day bullpen job off his raw stuff. The piece walks through his four-seam, sinker, gyro slider/cutter profile, and curveball, and notes how he tunnels pitches by handedness.
April 12, 2026
Just Baseball’s Daniel Curren looks at Jordan Walker’s hot start in 2026 for the Cardinals - higher fly-ball rate, closed stance, steeper attack angle, better zone swing and chase numbers - and compares that path to Aaron Judge’s 2022 fly-ball jump, while noting that early whiff and pull-profile numbers still argue for caution.
April 11, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ethan Hyatt highlights early-2026 rotation standouts - honorable mention Parker Messick, then Cam Schlittler, Chase Burns, José Soriano, and Emerson Hancock - with stats on strikeouts, walks, whiff rates, and run value, and contrasts them with slower start Cy Young types Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.
April 11, 2026
BIGGEST Takeaways From MLB's First Two Weeks (w/ ESPN's Hembo)
Jack and Peter are joined by Paul Hembekides to recap MLB’s first two weeks: the ABS challenge system is boosting walks, Sandy Alcantara is back to Cy Young form (0.74 ERA), and 19-year-old Konnor Griffin debuted with a double and a record 9-year, $140M deal. The Cubs lose Cade Horton for the year and shelve Matthew Boyd, straining their rotation. Jordan Walker is crushing the ball post-swing change, Drake Baldwin continues his rise in Atlanta, and the group debates Jacob deGrom’s all-time standing. Plus: best current futures bet and how Dodgers spending is impacting CBA talks.
April 11, 2026
Just Baseball’s Tommy Pelle explains that Taylor Ward has been the early standout for Baltimore, leading off with elite on-base and slugging despite no home runs yet, driven by elite chase rate, high squared-up rate without barrels (launch angle), and a spike in production against right-handed pitching - backing the idea that executive Mike Elias acquired him for more than platoon value.
April 10, 2026
Just Baseball’s Taylor Greenhut argues that Drake Baldwin has already shown he belongs as an offensive catcher - through a strong 2025 rookie year, early 2026 production, and Statcast support (exit velocity, hard-hit rate, barrels, bat speed, and plate discipline) - and that skepticism about his background undersells how well the profile lines up with elite hitters.
April 10, 2026
Buy or Sell: Hot Starts for First Place Teams
Peter and Aram open with Ballpark Pal data on the early-season home run drop - weather, more drag on the ball, and pitchers throwing fewer competitive pitches. They take a “buy or sell” tour of every club sitting in first, from the Dodgers and Yankees through the Guardians, Rangers, Marlins, Braves, and Brewers, plus a skeptical look at the Reds.
April 9, 2026
Two of the worst home run days in the last decade happened recently, and teams are averaging fewer than 1 HR per game so far in 2026. While there are a lot of factors at play, the most interesting is the change in pitcher approach that's leading to fewer home run candidate fly balls.
April 9, 2026
Just Baseball’s Michael Monreal writes that after two rough years on his Diamondbacks contract, Eduardo Rodríguez has opened 2026 looking like his old self, with a standout World Baseball Classic and scoreless regular-season starts against the Dodgers and Braves. Monreal ties the early Statcast-style trends (fewer walks, more grounders) to whether the rebound can last, and frames Rodríguez as a possible swing piece for Arizona’s rotation.
April 8, 2026
Just Baseball Goes Live at 4:30pm ET!
Peter and Ryan will recap a chaotic early MLB week: Sandy Alcantara pulled two outs shy of back-to-back CG shutouts before Miami’s bullpen blew it; Paul Skenes rebounding from a rough Opening Day with a dominant outing; and 19-year-old Konnor Griffin is nearing a 9-year, $140M deal. They'll hit on Injuries, Soler/Lopez, and Boston’s early struggles turning around.
April 8, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden writes that while offseason talk focused on Oakland’s pitching, the Athletics’ offense has been the early problem in 2026, with extended core bats (Soderstrom, Rooker, Wilson, Butler) posting weak lines and little power through early April. He still expects Nick Kurtz to rebound on quality of contact but flags Wilson (chase and breaking-ball plan against him) and Butler (strikeouts, launch angle/exit velo trends) as worrisome.
April 8, 2026
Unpacking the Drama in MLB at the Outset of the Season
Jack and Aram power through while sick. They hit the Blue Jays’ skid and injuries, the Giants’ slow start and Vitello-Chapman clubhouse noise, and the Wilson Contreras-Brewers HBP drama with Yelich’s response. They also cover the Red Sox’ brutal 2–8 start, Cubs rotation worries (Horton, Boyd), Soto on the IL, and clutch-week shout-outs for Ramírez, Pages, and Wood.
April 7, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jay Staph ranks MLB teams by up-the-middle defense (catcher, second base, shortstop, center field), leaning on Outs Above Average, Gold Glove résumés, and how that support lifts pitching.
April 7, 2026
MLB Is Already DRAMA-PACKED: Contreras, Vitello and the Blue Jays
Two weeks into 2026, MLB is already chaotic: Willson Contreras extended his Brewers feud by getting hit for the 24th time and issuing a threat, with brother William involved from the opposing side. Giants manager Tony Vitello was ejected just 10 games into his MLB tenure amid controversy and a 3–7 start. And Toronto, the defending AL champs, are spiraling early - swept, blown out, injury-hit, and struggling badly with runners in scoring position. Aram and
April 7, 2026
Just Baseball’s Zach Lutz explains how walk years can either drive career years or expose weaknesses, then spotlights five hitters with a lot of money on the line in 2026 - plus honorable mentions - by tying each player’s recent trends, health, and market narrative to what a strong season would mean for their next contract.
April 6, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ethan Hyatt explains how the Blue Jays entered 2026 with a deep rotation but quickly lost multiple starters to injury, while Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease have still pitched well early on. He walks through what happened to Cody Ponce (ACL), Trey Yesavage (shoulder), Shane Bieber (elbow fatigue), and José Berríos (stress fracture), and why Toronto will need patience and health to match its ambitions.
April 6, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup | Recapping Every MLB Game! April 3rd-5th
Aram and Peter recap the MLB weekend. The Yankees surged to 7–1, the Mets dominated the Giants 19–3 across two games, and the Phillies stayed red-hot with a 10–1 win in Colorado. Detroit’s offense broke out, the Reds claimed a series in Texas behind strong pitching, and the Pirates quietly reached 5–3. The Dodgers looked like defending contenders in Washington, the Brewers lead the NL Central at 6–2, and the Red Sox are already struggling at 2–6. A chaotic, revealing start - and it’s only April.
April 5, 2026
Just Baseball’s Gabe Shumway writes that the AL Central owns the early 2026 AL Rookie of the Year conversation. He walks through why Chase DeLauter, Munetaka Murakami, Kevin McGonigle, and Carter Jensen each have a credible case, with early stats and scouting angles through the first week of the season.
April 4, 2026
Mets Early Issues, Buying or Selling the Opening Week Narratives, Weekend Preview
Peter and Ryan kick things off with a Mets check-in after a slow start. Ryan rolls through ten “mild to scorching” hot takes for Peter to evaluate, including Soriano as an Angel All-Star, Dom Smith vs. Ozuna, Sandy leading the NL in innings, the Astros’ offense, and Shea Langeliers as “this year’s Raleigh.” They close with a preview of the weekend's action.
April 4, 2026
Just Baseball’s West Jones writes that Andrew McCutchen signed with the Rangers, forced his way onto Opening Day with a strong spring while Joc Pederson scuffled, and has already quieted doubts with loud early-season offense and clubhouse energy. The article blends career context with early 2026 stats, then looks ahead to how his role could grow.
April 3, 2026
Buying or Selling the Biggest Narratives From the First Week of Baseball
Opening Week is done, and the overreactions are in full swing. Peter Appel and Ryan Finkelstein sort through the biggest Major League Baseball narratives - buying some, selling others.
April 3, 2026
Konnor Griffin Called Up, Who's Struggling Out of the Gates in 2026?
Peter and Aram preview Konnor Griffin’s Pirates debut (service time, PPI, lineup fit with Oneil Cruz and Jared Triolo), then rate early slumps on a 1–10 “panic meter” for hitters and pitchers. They treat the numbers as tiny samples and focus on who looks off mechanically or statistically versus who is carrying last year’s worries into April.
April 2, 2026
Just Baseball’s Damon Sharbyani writes that with a harder four-seamer, a rebuilt changeup, and a delivery tweak (looking away from the target), Dylan Cease’s Blue Jays debut hints at the kind of profile that could support another Cy Young run, while stressing it’s still a one-start sample.
April 2, 2026
First Impressions From MLB's First Week
Jack and Aram break down the Colt Emerson and Cooper Pratt pre-debut extensions, then run through early-season standouts among young hitters (Murakami, DeLauter, Stewart, Caissie, Wetherholt, and others) and pitchers in new spots or breaking out (Cease, Gore, Soroka, Cabrera, McCullers, Burns, Harrison, Sasaki, Littell). They close with clutch moments of the week: walk-offs, Blue Jays drama, and a nod to Cal Raleigh shaking off a slow start.
April 1, 2026
Ohtani DOMINATES, Painter Debuts & More | MLB News and Storylines
Opening week of 2026 MLB was all about dominant pitching debuts - Painter, Ohtani, Senga, and Chandler impressed, while McClanahan’s return stood out. Add Alonso’s first Orioles homer and Fried dealing for the Yankees, and the season is off to a loaded start.
April 1, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ethan Hyatt writes that early in 2026, Toronto’s headline offseason pickups are already delivering. Notably Dylan Cease, Kazuma Okamoto, Tyler Rogers, and Jesús Sánchez with Cease’s debut strikeout binge, Okamoto’s power and defense at third, Rogers’ ground-ball relief work, and Sánchez’s hot start and new plate discipline standing out after a busy winter following the Jays’ World Series run.
April 1, 2026
Just Baseball’s Shaan Donohue explains why Connelly Early is hard for projection systems to love. He doesn't have one dominant pitch his mix of secondaries, two fastball shapes, and command could still let him beat modest inning and back-of-rotation forecasts. He ties a possible step-up from Early to Boston’s winter pitching adds (Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray) and how locking in a rotation spot could push Payton Tolle toward the bullpen.
March 31, 2026
Just Baseball’s Joe Browne writes that Luis Robert Jr. has already changed games for the Mets with a walk-off homer, a patient approach (including a long battle against Paul Skenes on Opening Day), and a center-field arm that discouraged Pittsburgh’s running game. He ties that early surge to better lineup context and David Stearns’ on-base emphasis, while treating the sample as promising but early.
March 31, 2026
Just Baseball’s Brandon Hurley looks at Marcelo Mayer as Boston’s new option at second after years of turnover post-Dustin Pedroia. He walks through Mayer’s rough 2025 debut and wrist surgery, a spring focused on second with Caleb Durbin at third and Isiah Kiner-Falefa as depth, and why Mayer’s Statcast and defense matter. The outlook is everyday time at second if he stays healthy and improves against lefties, with more power possible as his playing time grows.
March 30, 2026
Just Baseball’s Daniel Curren recaps opening weekend: the new ABS challenge system (who’s winning challenges, big moments for Eugenio Suárez, Salvador Pérez, and Randy Arozarena), a wave of rookies putting up huge early numbers (Chase DeLauter, Munetaka Murakami, and others), and Mike Trout leading the league in fWAR after four games.
March 30, 2026
The 2026 MLB Season Is ALREADY Wild | Opening Weekend Recap
Peter and Aram open the season’s first Weekend Roundup with a fast tour of opening weekend - extra innings, walk-offs, and offenses rolling more than usual. They hit the big series and storylines before finishing on Guardians–Mariners and Chase DeLauter’s huge start.
March 30, 2026
Just Baseball’s Shaan Donohue argues that Cam Schlittler’s four-seam / sinker base and cutter as a “bridge” pitch explain why he could beat conservative 2026 projections, even if his secondaries are not elite on their own. He ties that to workload uncertainty, the Yankees’ rotation context (Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón), and what it would mean if Schlittler holds a real role through the stretch run.
March 30, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup: March 26-29
Peter and Aram are back for the first Weekend Roundup of the year, and they’re fired up about an opening weekend that felt wilder than usual - extra innings everywhere, walk-offs, and offenses putting up big numbers instead of the typical “pitchers ahead, cold weather” vibe. They work through the slate game by game and series by series, calling out rookies and young guys who popped, before closing on Guardians–Mariners, and Chase DeLauter’s historic start.
March 29, 2026
Fernando Tatis Jr. is already a six-win player with Platinum Glove defense and a refined approach at the plate - but his power hasn’t returned to his early-career levels. Just Baseball's Ethan Penrod breaks down what changed in his swing, what went right in 2025, and what merging elite offense with elite outfield play could mean for an NL MVP run in 2026.
March 28, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ethan Penrod argues the Padres are hard to read but talented, then makes four bold calls: Michael King returns to front-line form and lands in the Cy Young top five, Gavin Sheets taps into 30-homer power after a strong spring, Jackson Merrill bounces back from injury and enters the MVP conversation, and the Padres bullpen could rank among the best ever, stacked with high-end arms.
March 28, 2026
Just Baseball’s Paul Cifonelli argues that Yordan Alvarez is the centerpiece of Houston’s offense. He rarely plays a full season, though, and another long injury would sting more this year. The roster behind him is thin, with Jeremy Peña and Zach Dezenzo hurt and the pitching staff already shaky. No Astro can replace Alvarez’s bat. If the rotation and bullpen wobble, the lineup may have to do even more of the work in 2026.
March 27, 2026
Top 10 Players in Baseball for 2026
Who are the 10 best players in baseball heading into 2026? Aram, Peter, and Jack break down Peter’s top 10, trying to sort through a ridiculously stacked group of talent. You’ve got Shohei Ohtani coming off a historic 50/50 season and a World Series win, Aaron Judge putting up back-to-back MVP-type years, Bobby Witt Jr. turning into one of the most complete players in the game, and even Mookie Betts still doing everything at an elite level.
March 26, 2026
Opening Day Slate Preview!
Jack and Aram host the Opening Day episode of the Just Baseball show. They recap Wednesday’s Netflix game: the broadcast delay, how viewers reacted to the production, and New York’s 7–0 win. Strong Yankees pitching stood out along with an offense that attacked Logan Webb early (despite Aaron Judge's 0-4, 4 K night). They walk through Thursday’s full schedule, highlighting pitching matchups, debuts, and roster notes for each game.
March 26, 2026
Just Baseball’s Kevin O’Brien looks at whether Kansas City can still count on Salvador Perez’s bat in 2026 after a loud-but-mixed 2025. He walks through Statcast contact quality and bat speed, the ongoing chase-and-walk problems, and projected lines for the year ahead.
March 25, 2026
MLB Award Predictions, Yankees vs. Giants Opening Day Preview
Peter and Aram discuss the Pirates decision to option Konnor Griffin and what that means for service time and the NL Rookie of the Year race. They make their picks for NL and AL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP -each with a favorite and a long shot - before finishing with a preview of Yankees at Giants: Max Fried vs. Logan Webb, how the lineups match up, and why they both pick the Yankees.
March 24, 2026
Kauffman Stadium, long one of MLB's hardest parks for home runs, will bring the left- and right-field fences in by about nine to ten feet, a change that could add 40-50 home runs per season - a large jump vs. Kauffman's previously dead-last HR factor. Ballpark Pal discusses the methodology used to arrive at the new amount and analyzes which hitters and pitchers would have been most affected in the past.
March 24, 2026
Peter Appel's MLB Power Rankings for 2026
Jack and Peter spend the episode walking through Peter’s full 2026 MLB power rankings (30–1) with projected win totals. Peter explains the model, rotations, bullpens, and why certain clubs land where they do. They argue prospect upside versus big-league reality, hammer the Padres’ rotation and regression case versus Pirates pitching, and close with the top five, including Peter’s case for the Phillies at No. 2.
March 24, 2026
Are the Dodgers Still the Best Team in Baseball? | 2026 MLB Power Rankings
Just Baseball’s Jack and Peter run through a full 30-team preseason power ranking for 2026, attaching projected win totals and explaining how each club lands in its slot - breaking down rotation, bullpen, lineup, and depth, with some attention to schedule and division context. They debate the top of the board (Dodgers, Yankees, and the next tier of AL/NL contenders), a crowded middle that includes the Orioles, Braves, and Astros, and where the Mets fit after an aggressive winter.
March 23, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden argues that Connor Phillips is at a pivot point in 2026: after a brutal 2024 as a starter, a 2025 move to the bullpen let his fastball and sweeper play up (big whiff rates and velocity), but walks and non-competitive misses still show why he has spent so long in the minors, and he will need better command and contact management to stick.
March 22, 2026
Siding Over or Under on National League Win Totals
Jack and Peter go through National League win totals for all 15 teams from highest (Dodgers, 103.5) to lowest (Rockies, 54.5). Jack reads Aram’s over/under pick and reasoning for each club and Peter responds with his own projected win totals, where he agrees or disagrees with the line. The episode covers roster and rotation/bullpen notes for every NL team - including big splits on the Mets, Phillies, Cubs, Padres, and Cardinals - and ends with a quick look ahead to Opening Day.
March 21, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden writes that after a signature 2024 moment and strong second half, Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows has slipped on offense amid injury and uneven play, and his spring line (.175/.283/.225 through 15 games) raises questions even though his glove still profiles as strong. He argues the bar for Meadows is modest offense behind elite defense, but other options for the Tigers make Meadows’ path and playing time less secure on a contender.
March 19, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden argues that Athletics infielder Max Muncy could be Oakland’s next breakout: his spring training has shown a better approach (higher walk rate, lower strikeout rate), improved quality of contact (exit velocity up to 92.6 mph), and power potential (~20 HR reachable), while he continues to learn third base with the A’s willing to live with some early defensive growing pains.
March 19, 2026
Siding Over or Under on American League Win Totals
Peter and Jack break down every American League team’s win total from the Yankees at 90.5 down to the White Sox at 67.5. Standout calls include a slight under on the Yankees, the Mariners as the best team in the AL, a strong under on the Astros, and the Twins as Peter’s favorite over (72.5).
March 18, 2026
Just Baseball’s Drew Koenig argues that Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of the game’s biggest X-factors for 2026, and that Chicago’s title hopes may hinge on which version of PCA shows up. With Kyle Tucker gone, the Cubs need an MVP-caliber bat in the middle of the order and Crow-Armstrong has that ceiling if he can sustain his first-half form and improve his swing decisions and performance vs. lefties.
March 18, 2026
WBC Final Preview, NL Breakout Picks
Peter and Aram preview the WBC final and recap Venezuela’s win over Italy. They get into their NL breakout picks for 2026, featuring Oneil Cruz, Brett Baty, Cade Cavalli, Ezequiel Tovar, and others - with debate on upside, health, and roles. Plus the Pirates rotation as a potential top-five unit, the Rockies under Paul DePodesta, and the Marlins’ youth movement.
March 17, 2026
Just Baseball’s Taylor Greenhut argues that Didier Fuentes is the Braves’ most intriguing pitching option in 2026: the rotation is thinned by injuries, and Fuentes - a 20-year-old who was rushed into a debut last year - is having a strong spring. Greenhut suggests breaking him in as a multi-inning reliever, similar to how Atlanta used Spencer Strider and others, then moving him into the rotation when a spot opens.
March 17, 2026
USA vs. DR Recap, AL Breakout Picks
Peter and Aram recap the USA vs. Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic game - the standout arms, the defensive plays that mattered, and the controversial finish - then go pick by pick through their American League breakout lists for 2026 (five names each), making the case for who could take a big step this season and what they need to go right.
March 16, 2026
Just Baseball’s Kevin O'Brien explains how a healthy Cole Ragans could drive the 2026 Royals, covering his 2024 ace-level season, his 2025 injuries and strong return, his elite four-seam/secondary mix and barrel-rate issue, and his spring training Stuff+ so far. He concludes that a full, healthy season from Ragans could push Kansas City toward the playoffs and the AL Central race.
March 15, 2026
Reacting to Notable Stat Projections for the 2026 Season
Jack and Peter open with a WBC quarterfinal doubleheader preview before breaking down some 2026 projection oddities - such as the same fWAR for Geraldo Perdomo and Gabriel Moreno, Munetaka Murakami’s Joey Gallo-style outlook, and the Rockies dominating the worst-ERA list. Plus team projection debates involving the Padres, Guardians, Yankees, Brewers, and others.
March 14, 2026
Just Baseball’s Eric Treuden explains that with Josh Hader opening the season on the IL due to a biceps issue, Bryan Abreu is in line to close for the Astros. He outlines Hader’s impact and Abreu’s strong setup résumé, then argues Abreu’s two-pitch mix (four-seamer and slider) and high-leverage track record make him a good fit for the ninth inning in a critical walk year.
March 13, 2026
Just Baseball’s Zach Lutz names the five most dangerous bullpen trios for 2026 (Padres, Mariners, Brewers, Dodgers, Astros), using 2025 performance and 2026 outlook. He emphasizes that bullpens are volatile and that teams with multiple high-leverage, bat-missing arms can effectively shorten games to six or seven innings.
March 13, 2026
2026 MLB Rookie Draft, Cal vs. Randy Beef?!
Peter and Aram kick off the Just Baseball Show with the Randy Arozarena / Cal Raleigh WBC handshake drama. They cover Hunter Greene’s elbow procedure (out until July) and the Reds’ rotation depth. The centerpiece is their 2026 MLB Rookie Draft: they alternate picks to build full teams with the winner decided by combined bWAR/fWAR at the end of the season. Peter goes heavy on high-floor pitching and playing-time bets while Aram loads up on ceiling and takes upside arms.
March 12, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden explains how the Reds can cover Hunter Greene’s innings after his elbow surgery (out until July): Andrew Abbott becomes the de facto No. 1, with Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and Chase Burns rounding out the top four, and the fifth spot coming down to Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson. He also notes that Greene’s return isn’t guaranteed to be smooth and that rotation depth could get thin if others get hurt.
March 11, 2026
Top 10 MLB Starting Pitching Duos for 2026
Peter and Ryan go through Ryan’s top 10 starting pitching duos in MLB and push back on each other's rankings. Peter argues for the Braves and Pirates, defends Blake Snell, and gets Ryan to move the Dodgers above the Phillies. They agree the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez are the best one-two punch in the game, with the Dodgers’ Yamamoto and Snell at two and plenty of love for the Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rangers.
March 10, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jordan Leandre picks 10 National League players most likely to break out in 2026. He makes the case for young bats like Noelvi Marte, Jordan Walker, and Oneil Cruz, and for arms such as Clayton Beeter, Brandon Pfaadt, Braxton Ashcraft, and Justin Wrobleski, with reasons each could take a step forward. It’s a clear, quick guide to which NL names to watch this season.
March 9, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden looks at 10 hitters in make-or-break spots for 2026: limited options, crowded rosters, or the need to prove they’re long-term answers. He walks through each player’s 2025 results, role risk, and possible trade or waiver outcomes.
March 8, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jay Staph reports on Baltimore Orioles corner infielder Coby Mayo’s offseason focus after a rough start in the majors: he trained with machines and tough off-speed shapes to address his struggles (especially vs. right-handers) and carried his strong September 2025 into camp. With new Orioles additions like Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, and Chris Bassitt, Mayo’s improved approach and confidence are showing in early spring numbers.
March 7, 2026
AL East Preview and X-Factors + WBC Predictions
Aram and Peter close out their divisional previews with the American League East, breaking down all the lineups, rotations, bullpens, and X-factors for each. They wrap with World Baseball Classic picks.
March 6, 2026
Are the Padres Good Enough to Dethrone the Dodgers in 2026?
Aram and Peter preview the Padres' 2026 season, analyzing their lineup, pitching rotation, and deep bullpen. They discuss key depth additions like Miguel Andujar and potential regression for players like Ramon Laureano, before marking Joe Musgrove as the primary X-factor for the team's success this year.
March 5, 2026
Just Baseball’s Mason Linken looks at the Mariners’ late-inning bullpen heading into 2026, focusing on seventh-inning lefty Jose Ferrer, eighth-inning righty Matt Brash, and closer Andrés Muñoz. He argues that if this trio performs as expected, they could be one of the best back-end combos in the league and help Seattle get back to the postseason.
March 4, 2026
Can the Cubs Win the NL Central in 2026?
Aram and Peter analyze the Chicago Cubs' roster heading into the 2026 season, highlighting their high-octane offense and defensive capabilities as major strengths. While the rotation isn't considered elite, they believe it's solid enough to compete for the division title when combined with a reliable bullpen.
March 3, 2026
AL Central Preview and X-Factors
Jack, Peter, and Peyton break down the most wide-open division in baseball - the American League Central. They break down all five teams with full lineup, rotation, and bullpen rundowns, with an X-factor pick for each.
March 2, 2026
AL West Preview and X-Factors
Jack and Aram break down the American League West in another divisional review, from the Mariners’ World Series–ready roster and re-signing of Josh Naylor to the Angels’ watchability with Mike Trout, Zach Neto, and a retooled rotation. They run through lineups, rotations, and bullpens for all five clubs, name X-factors for each, and kick off with WBC exhibition buzz and the Jurickson Profar 162-game suspension news.
March 1, 2026
2026 Milwaukee Brewers Season Preview | Can the Crew Repeat?
Aram and Peter preview the 2026 Milwaukee Brewers, analyzing key player performances from last year and discuss potential X-Factors for the upcoming season, like Joey Ortiz and Andrew Vaughn. They also touch upon the Brewers' strategy of utilizing a deep farm system and optionable starters to maintain their edge in the NL Central.
March 1, 2026
Just Baseball’s Daniel Fox breaks down the race for the Red Sox’ fifth rotation spot. He lays out the cases for and against five candidates - Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, Kutter Crawford, Payton Tolle, and Patrick Sandoval - including upside, risk, options, and health.
February 28, 2026
NL West Preview and X-Factors
Peter and Aram run through a full NL West preview, from the Dodgers’ “embarrassment of riches” and Shohei Ohtani’s MVP case to whether the Rockies can finally be watchable. They break down every club with lineup, rotation, bullpen, and X-factors, plus quick hits on a possible Pirates extension for a young Pirates star and a debate on Mason Miller vs. Michael King.
February 27, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden argues that Jack Flaherty is underrated in the Tigers’ rotation despite a messy 2025. He points to Flaherty’s stronger underlying numbers and the fact that Detroit’s staff already fixed his issues once in 2024, suggesting that with less pressure after adding Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander, better command and breaking-ball location could make him a strong mid-rotation arm again in 2026.
February 27, 2026
NL Central Preview and X-Factors
Peter and Aram run through the 2026 NL Central preview and argue the division deserves more attention. They go through lineups, rotations, and bullpens and share their X-factors for each club including PCA for the Cubs, Sal Stewart and Chase Burns for the Reds, and Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler for the Pirates.
February 26, 2026
NL East Preview and X-Factors
Jack, Ryan, and Peyton open the Just Baseball Show’s division previews with the NL East. They also cover Hunter Brown as the Astros’ ace, Eloy Jiménez and JJ Bleday’s spring, and whether Roki Sasaki should start in OKC or work from the Dodgers’ bullpen.
February 25, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ryan Murphy argues that Emmet Sheehan is one of the Dodgers’ most underrated assets for 2026: after missing 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, Sheehan returned in 2025 with a 2.82 ERA, improved command, and a curveball-heavy approach that put him in the same chase/whiff tier as Blake Snell and Tarik Skubal. If that level holds, he’s a strong candidate for the back of the rotation or a versatile swing role behind Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, and Ohtani.
February 24, 2026
The Top 15 Relievers for 2026
Jack and Peyton open Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin and whether he should be the opening-day shortstop. They run through their 2026 Top 15 Relievers, highlighting Seattle’s pen, Jhoan Duran’s dominant inning vs. the Mets, and Mason Miller’s run after the trade to San Diego, plus brief Hall of Fame talk on Hader and Chapman.
February 23, 2026
Just Baseball’s Shaan Donohue explains why the Red Sox are moving Wilyer Abreu from a platoon role to an everyday one. He also notes that an everyday Abreu would add surplus value and make a Jarren Duran trade more plausible given Boston’s crowded outfield.
February 23, 2026
The Latest From MLB Spring Training
Jack, Aram, and Peyton kick off the Just Baseball Show with spring training in full swing - covering the Mets and Yankees, Tarik Skubal’s one-start WBC plan for Team USA, and the tough news on Pablo López. They run through standout prospects, dig into Freddie Freeman’s “retire a Dodger” comment and his top-five-all-time-first-base case, before closing with Marlins first-base experiments, the Cubs signing Michael Conforto, and Rhys Hoskins landing with the Guardians.
February 22, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jordan Leandre argues that Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is the last thing the club should worry about in 2026: he already anchored the lineup as a rookie after a slow start, put up strong underlying metrics, and will get high-leverage experience with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic alongside stars like Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber.
February 21, 2026
The Top 10 Prospects in Baseball for 2026
Aram and Jack reveal their Top 10 overall prospects for 2026, discussing what makes them elite, focusing on their potential, skills, and projected impact on MLB.
February 20, 2026
The Top 10 Starting Pitchers in MLB for 2026
Jack and Peter close out the Just Baseball Show’s top 20 starting pitchers for 2026 with the final 10–1, with deep dives on sinker-breakout arms, comeback stories, and a fairly clear top tier.
February 19, 2026
Just Baseball’s Paul Cifonelli examines the Astros’ roster crunch with five infielders and DH Yordan Álvarez, and outlines three paths: trading Paredes (with mock deals to the Brewers, Pirates, Yankees, and Phillies), rotating the DH to get more bats in the lineup, or keeping him as an expensive but high-end bench/insurance option.
February 18, 2026
Just Baseball’s Daniel Fox breaks down the Red Sox trade for Caleb Durbin from Milwaukee, covering his fit and outlook, the other acquired pieces (Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler), and the players sent out (Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, Shane Drohan). He writes that Durbin’s bat-to-ball ability and Fenway-friendly profile give Boston a useful regular, but the club’s lack of a true power bat in the middle of the order still leaves the lineup with limited punch.
February 17, 2026
Top 20 Starting Pitchers for 2026 (20-11)
Peter and Aram open with the Tony Clark resignation and Pablo López injury news before rolling through the bottom half of their top 20 starting pitchers.
February 17, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden breaks down the competition for the Reds’ fifth rotation spot in 2026. He profiles the main candidates - Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and depth options Chase Petty and Julian Aguiar - weighing upside, innings, and health for each.
February 17, 2026
Braves Injury Woes, Zac Gallen Returns, AJ Preller Extended
Jack and Aram open in spring training, focusing on the Braves’ early injury run and whether they’re still the NL East favorite. They cover AJ Preller’s extension with the Padres and Zach Gallen returning to the Diamondbacks on a qualifying offer. The check in on Rockies camp and Tony Vitello's first-day Giants presser before ending on some of the announced opening day starters.
February 17, 2026
Just Baseball’s Damon Sharbyani looks at what to expect from George Springer in 2026 after his career-year rebound in 2025. He goes through the underlying metrics that support the breakout as real, and credits Blue Jays hitting coaches for the instrumental swing changes that helped drive it.
February 12, 2026
Just Baseball’s Joe Browne looks at what the Mets can expect from Marcus Semien in 2026 after acquiring him from Texas for Brandon Nimmo: his defense should remain a clear plus, while the main unknown is whether his bat bounces back from two down years.
February 12, 2026
The Top 10 Corner Outfielders for 2026
Jack and Peter open with the recent injury wave then focus on the top 10 corner outfielders for 2026, with discussion on Roman Anthony, Tucker vs. Tatis, Acuña, and Aaron Judge’s historical standing.
February 10, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jay Staph looks at the Pirates’ one-year deal with Marcell Ozuna, his fit as a power DH, and what it means for Andrew McCutchen’s role and the club’s remaining moves. He argues that Ozuna is a clear offensive upgrade, that McCutchen’s second stint in Pittsburgh is likely over as a regular, and that the Pirates could still add at third base, with Isaac Paredes and Mark Vientos as possible trade targets.
February 9, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jordan Leandre argues that Kutter Crawford, who missed all of 2025 with knee and wrist injuries after a rough second half in 2024, is set up to be an unsung hero for the 2026 Red Sox. With the rotation rebuilt and Crawford likely squeezed out of a starting job, his best fit is as a multi-inning swingman who can bridge to Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock, ease the load on relievers like Greg Weissert, and still reach 100+ innings if he stays healthy and his fastball bounces back.
February 8, 2026
The Top 10 Centerfielders in MLB for 2026
Peter and Aram run through their panel’s 2026 top 10 center fielders, O’Neill Cruz’s breakout case and swing/approach concerns, and a WAR bet between Cruz and Michael Harris II. They also cover the Tarik Skubal arbitration outcome, the Tigers’ Framber Valdez signing, and why center field is the most volatile (and fun) position to rank.
February 7, 2026
Just Baseball’s Michael Monreal writes that after losing time from Tyler Rogers, Camilo Doval, Erik Miller, and Randy Rodríguez, the San Francisco Giants’ bullpen has fallen from one of the best to one of the worst. He outlines three realistic ways to fix it before Opening Day.
February 6, 2026
Just Baseball’s Damon Normohammadi argues that switch-hitting is increasingly rare and that several current switch-hitters have splits so large they’d be better off batting only from their stronger side. He makes the case for Elly De La Cruz, Jasson Domínguez, Dylan Carlson, and Xavier Edwards each dropping the switch-hitter label and focusing on one side of the plate.
February 5, 2026
Top 10 Third Basemen for 2026 + Framber & Skubal in Detroit
Jack, Peter, and Peyton lead with a big week: Tarik Skubal wins his arbitration case and Framber Valdez signs three years and $115 million with Detroit. The crew runs through their top 10 third basemen for 2026, from Jordan Westburg and Isaac Paredes up to a unanimous No. 1 in Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez, They also discuss Bo Bichette’s move to third, Junior Caminero’s ceiling, and whether the Tigers could shop Skubal at the deadline.
February 4, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden discusses Framber Valdez's new deal with Detroit, explaining why Valdez fits Detroit’s rotation and why the move matters for the Tigers after a quiet winter.
February 3, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ethan Hyatt writes that free-agent lefty Danny Coulombe would be an ideal final piece for the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen. He reviews the Jays’ current left-handed options (Brendon Little, Eric Lauer, Mason Fluharty), Coulombe’s recent performance and pitch mix, and who could be displaced if Toronto signs him.
February 2, 2026
Mariners Land Brendan Donovan in 3-Team Trade | Instant Reaction
Peter and Jack discuss the breaking news that Brendan Donovan is headed to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team trade involving the Cardinals and the Rays. They break down Donovan's fit with the Mariners, highlighting his versatility and consistent hitting that addresses Seattle's deficiencies at second and third base.
February 2, 2026
Luis Arraez, Brendan Donovan, and Eugenio Suarez Have New Homes!
Jack and Peter recap a busy weekend on the Just Baseball Show: the Rafael Devers trade tree keeps looking worse for Boston, Eugenio Suarez lands a one-year, $15M prove-it deal back in Cincinnati, and Luis Arraez joins the Giants on a one-year deal to play second. They also cover WBC insurance (Francisco Lindor denied for Puerto Rico, Miguel Rojas ruled out by the age-37 rule), the Mariners’ pickup of Brendan Donovan in a three-way trade, and the two marquee arms still unsigned - Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen.
February 1, 2026
Just Baseball's Taylor Greenhut ranks the top 10 starting pitchers still available as free agents with spring training approaching in less than a month. The list is headlined by Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen (both with qualifying offers attached) while featuring intriguing bounce-back candidates like Lucas Giolito and future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer looking for one final World Series run.
February 1, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden reports that the Athletics and shortstop Jacob Wilson agreed to a seven-year, $70 million extension with an eighth-year club option, continuing Oakland’s strategy of extending young core players. Wilson’s 2025 season showed elite contact and justified the deal. Snowden writes that Wilson’s bat-to-ball skills and fit in the A’s lineup make the extension a strong move for both sides.
February 1, 2026
The Top 10 Second Basemen in MLB for 2026
Peter and Jack start with the news of Jacob Wilson's new 7-year, $70 million extension with the Athletics before breaking down the top 10 second basemen heading into the season. They run through honorable mentions, then count down from Bryson Stott at 310 through Ketel Marte as the unanimous #1.
January 30, 2026
Just Baseball's Shaan Donohue writes that Corbin Carroll remade his offensive profile in 2025 by adjusting his bat setup, improving his swing geometry and attack angle. That tweak led to stronger pull contact, higher launch angles, and better barrel and hard-hit rates without more effort. Carroll has shifted from a speed-and-defense standout to a bat-first, power-speed threat with a realistic MVP ceiling.
January 30, 2026
The Top 10 First Basemen for 2026
Jack and Aram delve into the deep 2026 talent pool at First Base and rank their top 10 by offensive production, lineup impact, defensive value, and long-term reliability.
January 29, 2026
Just Baseball's West Jones argues the Rangers’ trade for MacKenzie Gore was a smart move - adding a quality lefty with two years of control behind deGrom, Eovaldi, and Leiter. The move bolsters Texas' rotation depth, taking pressure off Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker while still keeping top prospect Sebastian Walcott. West argues that Gore can still improve, and may benefit from the veteran mentorship of deGrom and Eovaldi.
January 29, 2026
Freddy Peralta to Mets, Mackenzie Gore to Rangers
Peter and Aram dive into the two major recent moves: Freddy Peralta to the Mets and MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers. They see both trades as clear wins and think Gore is set up to break out in Texas with better defense and a more pitcher-friendly park. They close with their top five utility players in MLB, with Brendan Donovan landing at #1.
January 29, 2026
Just Baseball''s Clay Snowden breaks down the Athletics' third-base situation for 2026. He reviews three in-house options (Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz, Brett Harris) and four external possibilities (free agents Miguel Andujar and Ramon Urias, plus trade targets Jace Jung and Nick Yorke).
January 28, 2026
Top 5 Utility Players for 2026 | Ranking MLB's Most Valuable Versatility
Peter and Aram dive into MLB's top utility players for 2026. They debate their choices based on positional flexibility, offensive contribution, and lineup adaptability.
January 28, 2026
The Top 10 DHs in MLB for 2026
Peter and Aram kick off the Just Baseball Show’s positional rankings with the designated hitter top 10 for 2026, diving into a loaded field where Shohei Ohtani is clearly number one. The panel debates close calls like Yordan Alvarez vs. Kyle Schwarber (health vs. durability), George Springer’s resurgence, and Mike Trout’s move to full-time DH.
January 28, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden writes about how the Rangers improved immediately by acquiring left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore, solidifying a thinning rotation with a controllable, high-upside arm without sacrificing their top prospect. In return, the Washington Nationals embraced a reset, adding five diverse prospects to bolster a depleted farm system.
January 28, 2026
Bellinger is Back to NYY, Luis Robert to the Mets
Peter, Ryan, Aram, and Peyton talk about Cody Bellinger’s five-year deal with the Yankees and why they see it as a solid “good, not great” move. They break down the Mets’ low-risk / high-upside trade for Luis Robert Jr. and finish with Mets options for an ace: trading for Freddy Peralta, a Padres deal for Mason Miller and Nick Pivetta, and Tarik Skubal’s arbitration case and possible trade.
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