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Just Baseball's Ethan Penrod examines how Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. flipped their disappointing first halves into a second-half surge that is driving the San Diego Padres' playoff push. Merrill shed his overthinking at the plate and returned to an aggressive approach, while Tatis fixed his swing mechanics and rediscovered his power. With both stars heating up at the right time, the Padres have climbed into Wild Card position and look like a dangerous October team.
The Dugout
Presented by Just Baseball
August 15, 2026
August 15, 2026
The Ten Biggest Surprises in Baseball | 2026 MLB Season
Tampa Bay has baseball’s best record, the White Sox have surged to the top of the AL Central, and Washington is scoring far more than anyone expected. Aram and Jack rank the five biggest surprises in each league, from breakout players and unexpected contenders to the Mets’ disappointing season. Which teams are built to last, and which are riding a hot stretch? They sort out the real threats from the mirages and what it could all mean for the playoff race.
August 14, 2026
Just Baseball's Taylor Greenhut writes that Didier Fuentes has quietly become one of the Braves' most valuable relievers in 2026, thriving with a 1.85 ERA and elite fastball-slider combo after a failed stretch-back attempt in the rotation. Greenhut argues that while Atlanta still views Fuentes as a future starter, his current high-leverage success - and the organization's thin in-house bullpen pipeline - makes keeping him in the pen the smarter move for now.
August 14, 2026
Wild Card Draft: Which Teams Will ACTUALLY Make the Playoffs?
Peter and Ryan go head-to-head in a wild card team draft, with Jack hosting and setting the rules: only teams that actually land a wild card spot count, and current division leaders are off the board. The two battle through the NL logjam and the crowded AL picture, leaning on win-total models, strength of schedule, and plenty of rotation-and-bullpen talk along the way. The biggest splits come on whether Philly's front three is enough, whether Arizona or San Diego survives the NL squeeze, and how far the Tigers and Marlins can push into the picture down the stretch.
August 13, 2026
Just Baseball's Matt Carroll argues that Milwaukee's Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill form the most underrated bullpen duo in baseball, highlighting their recent scoreless stretches and dominant late-inning work in a tied game against the Twins. The piece traces each pitcher's path to Milwaukee and shows how their combined eighth- and ninth-inning ERAs stack up against only two other teammate pairs league-wide.
August 13, 2026
NL Rookie of the Year Race, Explaining Gunnar Henderson & Edwin Diaz's Struggles
Jack and Peter kick off with one of the most fascinating NL Rookie of the Year races in recent memory, debating whether Sal Stewart's homer-and-RBI power surge or JJ Wetherholt's all-around WAR profile should win out with BBWAA voters - and why the betting market is treating it closer to a coin flip than the stats suggest. They also dig into Edwin Diaz's rocky return from elbow surgery, Gunnar Henderson's baffling slump and the mental side of his plate approach, and Jackson Merrill finding his swing again as the Padres' offense catches fire. The show closes with Aram's sit-down with sports card investor Jeff Wilson on the record $11 million Honus Wagner sale and the broader state of the hobby heading into a potential lockout.
August 11, 2026
Just Baseball's Jay Staph argues that Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a legitimate 2026 NL MVP challenger to Shohei Ohtani, thanks to an elite all-around season that combines top-tier offense, historic center field defense, and a league-leading 8.0 fWAR. Staph breaks down how PCA's two-way value—bat plus glove—may already exceed Ohtani's combined hitting and pitching output, especially with Ohtani sidelined from the mound by injury.
August 10, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup | Recapping Every MLB Game (August 7 -9)
Gerrit Cole won a heavyweight duel with Chris Sale in the Bronx, Payton Tolle punched out 14 as Boston stretched its winning streak to nine, and the Dodgers finally snapped a brutal seven-game slide. Across Friday and Saturday, the league delivered chaos everywhere: rookie Ryan Waldschmidt took Edwin Diaz deep in the ninth for a walk-off in Phoenix, Diaz blew another save the next night before Shohei Ohtani ended it in the 10th, and George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones made their presence felt in a 5-4 Yankees win over Atlanta. The crew digs into what a wild two-night stretch revealed about the teams trying to separate themselves from the pack.
There was plenty more to unpack. Max Scherzer moved past Walter Johnson into 10th place on the all-time strikeout list before Nathan Lukes delivered Toronto a win in the 11th. Jackson Jobe hit triple digits in his first major league start since Tommy John surgery as Detroit blanked San Francisco 8-0. Munetaka Murakami helped fuel a five-run sixth that kept the White Sox three games clear in the AL Central, while Tampa Bay quietly grabbed two straight in Seattle behind Drew Rasmussen and a shutdown bullpen. So how much should we believe in Boston’s surge - and has the Dodgers’ rough patch exposed something bigger?
There was plenty more to unpack. Max Scherzer moved past Walter Johnson into 10th place on the all-time strikeout list before Nathan Lukes delivered Toronto a win in the 11th. Jackson Jobe hit triple digits in his first major league start since Tommy John surgery as Detroit blanked San Francisco 8-0. Munetaka Murakami helped fuel a five-run sixth that kept the White Sox three games clear in the AL Central, while Tampa Bay quietly grabbed two straight in Seattle behind Drew Rasmussen and a shutdown bullpen. So how much should we believe in Boston’s surge - and has the Dodgers’ rough patch exposed something bigger?
August 8, 2026
Jack and Aram open on the Boston Red Sox as the team - and vibe - of the summer, breaking down their 12–11, 13-inning Game of the Year win over the White Sox and Caleb Durbin's walk-off as the perfect mascot for a club that simply will not lose right now. From there they celebrate Mickey Moniak's two-year extension in Colorado, run through a loaded minor league report headlined by Twins call-up Kaelen Culpepper and post-All-Star break heaters like Blake Burke, Josiah Ragsdale, and Theo Gillen, and dig into Nick Pivetta's bizarre rehab-assignment exit and the weird contract quirks that also tie back to Luis Castillo and Julio Rodriguez. They close with a weekend preview, hitting ace matchups from Zach Wheeler and Garrett Cole to Chris Sale, Drew Rasmussen, and more.
August 7, 2026
Top 10 MLB Teams & Trade Deadline Recap With ESPN's Buster Olney + NL MVP & AL Cy Young Races
Aram and Peter are joined by ESPN’s Buster Olney to break down the post-deadline landscape and which moves truly raised teams’ October ceilings. Then, they dive into two razor-thin award races: Shohei Ohtani vs. Pete Crow-Armstrong for NL MVP, and Cam Schlittler vs. Dylan Cease for an AL Cy Young race now wide open with Skubal in the NL.
August 7, 2026
Just Baseball's Carson Wolf writes that the Chicago Cubs addressed their biggest weakness at the trade deadline by aggressively adding pitching, acquiring Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Braxton Garrett while also picking up Tyrone Taylor in the Holmes deal. The piece breaks down each acquisition in detail, highlighting Gausman's underlying metrics, Holmes's groundball profile in front of Chicago's elite infield defense, Zeferjahn's high-leverage stuff, and Taylor's platoon value against lefties. Wolf argues the moves raise both the Cubs' ceiling and floor as they push for a National League pennant run.
August 6, 2026
MLB Trade Deadline Winners & Losers Part 2: National League + Angel Genao Called Up
Jack and Aram open with one of the coolest baseball stories you'll hear all year - the Lombard brothers homering on the same night, George in his Yankees debut and Jacob in his pro debut with identical launch angles and exit velocities - before breaking down Guardians prospect Angel Genao's call-up. The rest of the show is their National League trade deadline medal ceremony, with the Cubs and Dodgers taking gold for going big on Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, and Tarik Skubal, the Padres and Pirates earning silver and bronze for shoring up rotations and bullpens.
August 5, 2026
Trade Deadline Winners & Losers Part 1: American League + George Lombard Jr Called Up!
Peter and Jack kick off with the Yankees calling up George Lombard Jr. and sending down Anthony Volpe, breaking down what fans should expect from the 21-year-old shortstop and why his defense and plate discipline could make him an immediate upgrade. The rest of the show is their American League trade deadline winners and losers medal rankings for Tampa Bay, Cleveland, the White Sox, and Angels on the buy side, with the Rangers, Astros, and A's among the biggest disappointments - plus debate on Luis Castillo and Brenton Doyle in Chicago, the Guardians adding Foster Griffin, Nathaniel Lowe, and Jo Adell, and the Rays swinging for Freddy Peralta and Liam Hicks.
August 4, 2026
2026 MLB Trade Deadline Live Stream | Reacting to Every Trade!
The Just Baseball crew breaks down all of the deals from the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline right up to the final buzzer.
August 3, 2026
Just Baseball's Ryan Finkelstein evaluates the Tampa Bay Rays' deadline pivot to acquire Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets after missing out on Tarik Skubal. The Rays bought low on a struggling Peralta, while the Mets recouped three Rays prospects that fall short of the top-100 package New York sent to Milwaukee in January but still offer meaningful upside.
August 3, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Hyatt reports that the Chicago Cubs acquired veteran starter Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays in their second trade of deadline day, sending outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene to Toronto. The move replaces Jameson Taillon with a more proven arm as Chicago pushes for a second straight postseason berth. Toronto, meanwhile, adds two contact-oriented, on-base-heavy prospects who fit the organization's developmental profile.
August 3, 2026
Tarik Skubal Traded to the Dodgers, Luis Garcia to Yankees + Other Notable Deals
Peter and Aram skip the weekend roundup to dive into a scorching hot stove, led by Peter’s massive Tarik Skubal-to-the-Dodgers scoop for Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith. They argue Detroit actually landed a strong return while big-market clubs sat it out. They also break down Luis Castillo heading to the White Sox, Freddy Peralta’s move to the Rays, Camilo Doval to Pittsburgh, the Brewers-Guardians Bo Naylor/Craig Yoho swap, and the Yankees adding Luis Garcia Jr., plus a look at what’s still in play before Monday’s deadline stream.
August 2, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden covers the long-expected blockbuster sending Tarik Skubal from Detroit to Los Angeles for Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith. He frames it as another Dodgers flex toward a three-peat while arguing the Tigers got a fair, near-term return for an expiring ace.
August 1, 2026
Just Baseball's Ryan Murphy traces Tommy Edman's injury-riddled path from St. Louis to Los Angeles - including his 2024 NLCS MVP run and subsequent ankle issues - and how a healthy mid-June 2026 return has him hitting .321/.398/.468 and quickly reclaiming his value for the Dodgers.
August 1, 2026
MLB Trade Deadline Final Predictions + Weekend Preview
Peter and Jack kick off their trade deadline predictions show with reactions to AJ Minter landing in Minnesota and the Twins officially joining the buyer pool, then Peter lays out his three predictions while Jack pushes back with a Zach Neto-to-Atlanta swing-big idea. The duo rates five Discord mock trades (including a fan-favorite Zach Neto-to-Yankees blockbuster and a George Springer-to-Mariners fit), Jack predicts the Mets move ten players, Milwaukee adds two starters, and Adley Rutschman gets dealt, and they close with a preview of the best games of the weekend.
July 30, 2026
Homers are down sharply since the All-Star Break. Contact quality is the main culprit, but home runs are also running 15% below expected after accounting for how balls are leaving the bat. This could point to another ball change, but it isn't exactly clear yet.
July 29, 2026
Playing GM: What Every AL Buyer NEEDS
Jack and Aram go full "Playing GM" mode, walking through every American League buyer ahead of the trade deadline with semi-rapid-fire wish lists for the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, White Sox, Guardians, Rangers, and Mariners. They open by framing this as one of the weirdest deadlines in memory - a seller's market with barely any rental bats, 23 teams still in the wild-card hunt, and plenty of control-for-control creativity on the table. From Ryan Jeffers and Luis Arraez fixes for New York and Tampa to Zach Neto mega-trade hypotheticals in Boston, Reid Detmers and Tyler Stephenson targets for Chicago, Luis Robert in Cleveland, and a Matt Shaw-for-Emerson Hancock swap for Seattle, it's a full workshop on how AL contenders might actually patch their holes.
July 28, 2026
Just Baseball's Peter Appel spotlights four trade-deadline candidates flying under the radar instead of the usual headline names. George Springer is heating up as a rental bat for a contender. Ivan Herrera offers years of control despite defensive questions. Trevor Rogers has rebounded into ace-level form, and Francisco Alvarez could be moved with Luis Torrens entrenched behind the plate in New York. The piece argues these are the kinds of moves that could catch the market off guard, much like the Connelly Early-for-Curtis Mead swap.
July 28, 2026
Just Baseball's Peyton Ginas highlights several of baseball's hottest storylines: Jacob Misiorowski's historic velocity display against Colorado, C.J. Abrams finally breaking his second-half slump alongside James Wood, Pete Crow-Armstrong emerging as a legitimate NL MVP threat, and Dylan Cease putting together another dominant stretch of starts.
July 27, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden breaks down the Red Sox sending lefty starter Connelly Early to the Nationals for infielder Curtis Mead — the first major trade-deadline move of 2026. Boston traded from a surplus of southpaws to address infield injuries and add a breakout bat, while Washington flipped a reclamation project into a controllable young arm to bolster a thin rotation.
July 27, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup: Recapping Every MLB Game + Red Sox & Nationals Trade!
Jack and Peter kick off the Weekend Roundup with a deep dive on the Curtis Mead-for-Connolly Early swap, debating whether Craig Breslow or Paul Tivoni got the better end while wondering what it means for Christian Campbell's future in Boston. From there they sprint through all 15 weekend series, hitting the Marlins' historic 12-game skid against a suddenly hot Padres offense, Roki Sasaki's maddening inconsistency in Los Angeles, Jamison Taillon's brutal stretch in Chicago, Esmerlyn Valdez carrying the Pirates, Dominic Canzone's physical transformation in Seattle, and the Astros' lukewarm hot streak in a wide-open American League.
July 25, 2026
Which Bubble Teams Will Make the Playoffs? Red Sox, Mariners, Pirates, Cardinals & More
Peter and Jack size up every team on the 2025 postseason bubble, leaning on Peter’s simulation model (currently six-for-six on season win-total bets) and Fangraphs odds to argue over who gets in and who gets left out. They clash on the AL Central - Peter tabs the surging White Sox over the Guardians - while breaking down the Red Sox’ pitching edge, a tight Rangers–Mariners AL West race, and a crowded NL wild-card picture where Peter loves the Pirates’ offense but both agree the Padres are basically toast. They close with their wild card picks, and a preview for the weekend.
July 24, 2026
Tarik Skubal Mock Trades: Dodgers, Rays, and More
Tarik Skubal stands as baseball’s premier pitcher and the biggest potential difference-maker ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. Peter and ESPN’s Hembo explore a series of mock deals for the back-to-back AL Cy Young winner, outlining credible offers from each of the leading contenders. The Cubs, Braves, and Rays have all been connected to Skubal, while the Dodgers remain a possible dark-horse destination. Each team would face a distinct acquisition cost based on its farm system, roster construction, and competitive timeline. Any deal, however, would be difficult to complete. The Tigers are prepared to wait until the last possible moment, convinced they can still capture the AL Central - and more rival clubs are beginning to view them as legitimate contenders.
July 23, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Hyatt identifies five superstar hitters who have fallen below league average in 2026 and whose teams desperately need a second-half rebound. The list spans Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Jackson Merrill, Bo Bichette, Jarren Duran, and Gunnar Henderson - each profiled with the stats behind their struggles and what a turnaround would mean for their clubs' playoff hopes.
July 23, 2026
MLB Trade Deadline Preview: Most Valuable Assets Available
Jack, Aram, and Ryan dive into Just Baseball’s MLB trade deadline preview, walking through the top available assets with Mason Miller, Zach Neto, and Joe Ryan leading the pack while debating how years of control and salary shape what teams can realistically afford. They wonder whether this deadline could be a dud with 23 teams still within five games of a playoff spot, but also flag big-leaguer-for-big-leaguer swaps and a thin reliever market as potential wild cards. The crew goes deep on the catcher conundrum, from Shea Langeliers and Hunter Goodman to Adley Rutschman and Francisco Alvarez, plus rental starters like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and Shane Bieber before closing on where Mason Miller could land.
July 22, 2026
Just Baseball's Daniel Curren examines Esmerlyn Valdez's breakout as the Pirates' cleanup hitter, highlighting his elite power metrics while flagging his high strikeout and in-zone whiff rates as the key obstacles to sustaining his production. The article breaks down his batted-ball profile, dominance against fastballs and sliders, and what his swing-and-miss tendencies mean for Pittsburgh's playoff push.
July 21, 2026
Red Sox 14 Straight Wins, Brewers Best Record, Jays Collapse, AL Cy Young Debate, Yordan Triple Crown Pursuit
Peter and Aram dive into one of the wildest stretches of the season, starting with the Red Sox riding a 14-game winning streak that has flipped them from sellers to wildcard contenders. They also break down why the Brewers might be the best regular-season team in baseball, why the Blue Jays offense has completely stalled, and a heated AL Cy Young debate between Dylan Cease and Cam Schlittler (with Sonny Gray lurking). The show closes with Triple Crown watch for Yordan Alvarez, plus the absolutely unhinged story of the Angels' "Baseball Spy" getting fired for filming Rockies coaches from the stands.
July 20, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup | Recapping Every MLB Game (July 17 -19)
Aram and Peter break down a memorable MLB weekend featuring Travis Bazzana’s historic first career walk-off homer, Wilyer Abreu’s four-home-run surge and Julio Rodríguez’s walk-off return from the concussion IL, and what it all means for the second-half race.
July 19, 2026
Just Baseball's Matt Carroll writes that while the Milwaukee Brewers have built one of MLB's best offenses and sit 59-37 at the All-Star break, Christian Yelich is in one of the worst stretches of his career after a sharp post-June decline. Carroll digs into Yelich's plate-discipline data and finds he's become unusually passive at the plate, with career-low or near-career-low marks in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, chase contact, and other metrics. With Brewers fans expecting a World Series push rather than another early playoff exit, Carroll argues Milwaukee needs a more productive version of its longtime star to get there.
July 18, 2026
Burning Questions for Every AL Team + Francisco Lindor Trade Rumors?
Peter and Aram open with the Mets reportedly open for business at the deadline. Nearly everyone is available except Juan Soto and a few young pieces, with Francisco Lindor’s absence from that list fueling trade chatter and old Bo Bichette-to-Toronto speculation. The heart of the show is part two of their division-by-division tour: one burning question for all 15 American League teams, from whether the Rangers can hold the West and Cal Raleigh’s lost season dooms Seattle, to Yordan Alvarez’s triple-crown chase, the White Sox and Rays as deadline wild cards, Jose Ramirez’s return, Tarik Skubal staying put in Detroit, and whether Gunnar Henderson or Gerrit Cole can flip their seasons while Aaron Judge is out. They close with a full weekend preview, mixing Ballpark Pal projections with debate on Shane Bieber, Jared Jones, and a Yankees–Dodgers pitching duel.
July 17, 2026
Burning Questions for Every NL Team + Chase Burns Extended
Peter and Aram kick off the show by breaking down the surprising Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon trade to the Brewers before diving into Chase Burns’ historic seven-year, $105 million extension with the Reds. From there, they run through one burning question for every National League team heading into the second half, hitting everything from Kyle Tucker’s sluggish start in LA and Nico Hoerner’s slump with the Cubs to whether the Brewers will actually buy at the deadline and if Trea Turner can bounce back for the Phillies.
July 17, 2026
Just Baseball's Alex Murphy reports that Rays third baseman Junior Caminero avoided a serious hand injury after being hit by a pitch in the 2026 All-Star Game, with X-rays coming back negative and Caminero saying he expects to be ready for Tampa Bay's Friday doubleheader against Boston. The piece also highlights Caminero's breakout 2026 season, league-leading bat speed, improved plate discipline, and AL Player of the Month honors in June, as context for why the injury scare rattled so many Rays fans.
July 12, 2026
Just Baseball's Ryan Finkelstein and Clay Snowden break down the 2026 MLB trade deadline (August 3) team by team, sorting clubs into sellers, buyers, and those stuck in between. With a weak American League and a looming CBA, they argue this could be one of the most unusual deadlines in years - headlined by Detroit potentially shopping Tarik Skubal while contenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Rays look to add. The Mets stand out as a major seller with Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, and Luke Weaver among their top chips.
July 11, 2026
Just Baseball's Elijah Evans writes that Davis Martin and Sean Burke have emerged as the stabilizing forces of a Chicago White Sox rotation that entered 2026 with plenty of question marks. Martin has broken out behind a six-pitch "kitchen sink" approach, while Burke has turned a corner by adding a sinker and cutter to his mix and improving his command. With four years of team control beyond 2026, both look like long-term fixtures in the rotation.
July 11, 2026
MLB Trade Deadline Guide; Who Are The Buyers and Sellers?
Jack and Ryan break down Just Baseball's brand-new 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Guide in a rapid-fire Friday preview, walking through every clear buyer, seller, and team stuck in the middle with three weeks to go until August 3. They spend serious time on the seller's market - with a weak American League making it hard for anyone to wave the white flag - and go especially deep on the Mets, debating whether Francisco Alvarez, Mark Vientos, Luke Weaver, Clay Holmes, and Freddy Peralta could actually be on the move. From there they hit the contenders who need to add (Yankees, Dodgers, Brewers, Phillies, Braves, Cubs, Marlins), the teams that should buy or sell but probably won't (Angels, Royals, Reds), and cap it off with Ryan's weekend pitching matchup picks before All-Star week in Philly.
July 10, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Hyatt argues that while Kazuma Okamoto hasn't replicated his elite NPB contact skills in his first MLB season, he's still been a stabilizing force for a struggling Blue Jays lineup. Okamoto leads Toronto in wRC+ and fWAR among hitters, earned AL Rookie of the Month in June, and ranks among the league's top power hitters by barrel rate and exit velocity. Hyatt concludes that the adjustment period is understandable, and Blue Jays fans have little reason to be disappointed with their $60 million investment.
July 10, 2026
Checking in on 2027 Contract Options, Walker and Cags in Derby, a Dodgers "Conundrum"
Jack and Aram kick off All-Star week by breaking down the Home Run Derby field—highlighting new additions Jack Caglione, Jordan Walker, and Willson Contreras joining Junior Caminero and Ben Rice in what they're calling a true "ball knower's derby" built around bat speed. They then dig into the Dodgers' outrageous outfield logjam, mapping out the three-to-five-year plan with Kyle Tucker locked in, Teoscar Hernandez on the way out, and a Tulsa Drillers outfield stuffed with Josue De Paula, Mike Sirota, Zayvion Hope, and Eduardo Quintero. The show closes with a deep dive on 2027 player and club options, debating whether Bo Bichette opts in or tests a weak free-agent market, plus calls on Michael King, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clay Holmes, Sandy Alcantara, and Luis Robert Jr.
July 9, 2026
Just Baseball's Cade Lalim writes that Jake McCarthy has been a breakout offensive weapon for the Colorado Rockies in 2026 after arriving from Arizona. McCarthy is hitting .305 with an .861 OPS, recently made history with a leadoff homer, grand slam, and stolen base in the same game, and has helped fuel one of MLB's top offenses. While his underlying expected stats suggest some regression risk away from Coors Field, his elite speed and run production have made him a valuable trade chip or long-term core piece ahead of the deadline.
July 9, 2026
Just Baseball's Caleb Moody writes that Luis García Jr. has turned his 2026 season around after Washington moved him from second base to first, where he has already set a new career high with 19 home runs through early July. Improved contact quality backs up the power surge, and Moody argues the positional change may have eased the defensive pressure that weighed on García in 2025, giving the Nationals a legitimate third pillar alongside CJ Abrams and James Wood.
July 8, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden writes that Troy Melton has emerged as a frontline starter for the injury-depleted Detroit Tigers, combining elite command, soft contact management, and a deep six-pitch mix that has produced a 2.05 ERA despite modest early strikeout rates. Snowden argues Melton's stuff, pitch location, and unpredictability give him multiple paths to success, though his four-seamer remains a concern with five of his seven home runs allowed on that pitch.
July 8, 2026
Biggest All Star Game Snubs + Konnor Griffin Injury
Jack, Peter, and Peyton kick off with Konnor Griffin’s unfortunate finger injury and what it means for a banged-up Pirates lineup, plus Ben Rice officially joining the Home Run Derby. They dive into All-Star snubs, naming who should come out for each player that got left off.
July 7, 2026
Just Baseball's Jay Staph examines why Paul Skenes has struggled since mid-May 2026 despite his historic first two seasons, pointing to declining fastball velocity, spin rate, command, and mechanical changes compared to his 2025 delivery. The article argues that Skenes has lost lower-half engagement and tension from earlier hand separation and opening up sooner, which may explain his diminished heater rather than injury alone. Staph concludes that correcting these mechanics should restore Skenes' dominance, calling his slump a normal adjustment for a star pitcher.
July 6, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup | Recapping Every MLB Game (July 3-5)
A jam-packed Fourth of July weekend across baseball was headlined by the Cardinals’ 17-1 rout of the Cubs behind a Jordan Walker three-run homer. Dylan Cease struck out nine over seven scoreless to blank Seattle, while the Yankees snapped a seven-game skid behind Gerrit Cole and a go-ahead Ben Rice blast.
Elsewhere, Chase Burns helped the Reds hold serve despite Jacob Misiorowski’s strikeout showcase, Trevor Rogers shut down Cincinnati with support from a Samuel Basallo homer, and tight finishes plus wins from the Rangers, Rays, and Dodgers gave the guys plenty of standout arms, statement games, and weekend results to break down.
Elsewhere, Chase Burns helped the Reds hold serve despite Jacob Misiorowski’s strikeout showcase, Trevor Rogers shut down Cincinnati with support from a Samuel Basallo homer, and tight finishes plus wins from the Rangers, Rays, and Dodgers gave the guys plenty of standout arms, statement games, and weekend results to break down.
July 5, 2026
Just Baseball's Thomas Kelson writes that Pete Alonso has been worth every penny of Baltimore's record-breaking five-year, $155 million deal. Alonso is delivering consistent middle-of-the-order production, improved defense, and everyday durability while the Mets, who let their homegrown slugger walk, rank near the bottom of baseball in slugging.
July 4, 2026
Just Baseball's Ryan Herrera reports that Pete Crow-Armstrong earned NL Player of the Month honors for June after a historic stretch that included a .381/.468/.781 slash line, 11 home runs, and league-leading marks in wRC+ and fWAR. After a slow start through May, PCA broke out with clutch walk-offs, a cycle, and Cubs franchise records that only Barry Bonds has matched in MLB history.
July 4, 2026
Dodgers and Cubs Dominance, Picking an AL West Winner, Weekend Preview, Top 30 Stadiums
Peter and Jack dive int why the Dodgers look like the Death Star again. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani are rolling, the bullpen has never been better, and Peter makes his case that Roki Sasaki belongs in the closer role, not the rotation. They also break down the Cubs’ red-hot stretch (including that 23-run Padres beatdown), eulogize a free-falling San Diego offense, debate who, if anyone, wins a messy AL West, run through a weekend preview with Peyton, and close with Will Benton’s top-30 ballpark rankings from his 30 parks in 50 days tour.
July 4, 2026
Just Baseball's Alex Murphy writes that Drew Rasmussen is baseball's most underrated starting pitcher, having quietly put together one of the best stretches of any arm in the game during a 2026 season that has him in the AL Cy Young conversation. After overcoming three major elbow injuries, Rasmussen has evolved from a feel-good comeback story into a dominant force, posting a 2.45 ERA through 16 starts and earning AL Pitcher of the Month honors for June.
July 3, 2026
Buster Olney Breaks Down the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Market + Stars Struggling in June
As the August 3 trade deadline approaches, ESPN’s Buster Olney joins Aram Leighton and Peter Appel to sort through the biggest names in play, from Tarik Skubal and Byron Buxton to the Giants’ potential sell-off. Olney breaks down what’s real, which contenders could push hardest, and the under-the-radar players who may shape the stretch run.
July 2, 2026
Updated MLB Power Rankings: Risers, Fallers, and Players of the Month
Peter and Ryan kick off July with their monthly power rankings, walking through their top 30 team-by-team and landing on plenty of disagreements. From the Mets sitting near the bottom, to the Phillies vs. Braves, Yankees vs. Rays, and Peter’s surprisingly bullish White Sox take. They also crowned June’s Players and Pitchers of the Month, highlighting Pete Crow-Armstrong’s breakout plate discipline, Junior Caminero’s star turn, and Logan Webb and Drew Rasmussen dominating on the mound.
July 1, 2026
Just Baseball's Caleb Moody writes that while the Royals sit well out of playoff contention at 35–50, Jac Caglianone's June breakout has become one of the team's brightest storylines behind Bobby Witt Jr.'s MVP push. After a slow start and a rough 2025 rookie year, Caglianone is slashing .322/.402/.678 with a 193 wRC+ in June, ranking among the league's top hitters in OPS and underlying contact quality. Caglianone may finally be the consistent power bat the Royals need behind Witt in the lineup.
July 1, 2026
Checking In On Both Wild Card Races as they Heat Up
Peter, Jack, and Aram break down a packed National League wild-card picture where the Marlins’ 19–6 June surge, the Cubs’ offensive fireworks (and pitching injuries), and a formidable Phillies club have turned the race into must-watch baseball well before the Fourth of July checkpoint. They go team by team through NL contenders and what each should buy at the deadline while debating whether expanded playoffs are a gift in the NL and a curse in the AL. They also discuss the Guardians’ health, the Mariners’ need for right-handed bats, Houston’s buy-or-sell dilemma, and why this could be a quiet trade deadline.
June 30, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden makes the case that Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone deserves serious All-Star consideration after leading Seattle in OPS with a 153 wRC+ that ranks sixth in the American League. While Canzone's platoon role and lack of name recognition work against him, Snowden argues his production has been essential to keeping the Mariners competitive while Cal Raleigh has struggled.
June 29, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup | Recapping Every MLB Game (June 26-28)
A chaotic MLB weekend saw the Mets begin the post-Carlos Mendoza era with a loss to the Phillies, the White Sox explode for 22 runs against the Royals, and the Red Sox take back-to-back games from the Yankees behind strong starts from Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett. Aram and Peter break down the full slate, key performances, and standings movement across all six divisions entering the final days of June.
June 27, 2026
Just Baseball's Thomas Kelson writes that Juan Soto is having another elite season for the Mets, but his brilliance is being lost amid New York's collapse to 12 games under .500. With the roster underperforming around him and Carlos Mendoza fired, Soto's prime years risk being wasted on another disappointing Mets team, much like Jacob deGrom's tenure.
June 27, 2026
Carlos Mendoz Fired, MAILBAG Friday!
Peter, Jack, and Aram open the mailbag with the Mets firing Carlos Mendoza front and center - debating whether it was justified, how much blame falls on David Stearns, and whether Brett Baty and Mark Vientos should be moved as part of a reset around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. From there they hit under-the-radar bullpen arms and controllable trade candidates like Luke Weaver and George Kirby, fantasy buy-low picks including Corey Seeger, Julio Rodriguez, and Bo Bichette, a baseball-player World Cup dream team, 2020s time-machine what-ifs, Hall of Fame trajectories for Paul Skenes and Nick Kurtz, and a weekend preview powered by Ballpark Pal.
June 26, 2026
Just Baseball's Joey Peterson writes that Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers have become Milwaukee's most impactful offensive duo - and arguably the team's best "player" as a first-base platoon. Their clutch hitting fueled a Reds sweep and a 31-14 run since Vaughn returned from a hamate injury on May 4, giving the Brewers third-best first-base production in MLB without a big free-agent splash.
June 26, 2026
Are the 2026 New York Mets Officially DEAD?
The Mets came into 2026 projected as a strong playoff team, but a disastrous April changed the season quickly. A 12-game losing streak, MLB-worst 10-21 start, and major injuries to Francisco Lindor, Francisco Alvarez, Luis Robert Jr., and Jorge Polanco derailed the roster through the first half.
With Alvarez and Lindor back, there is still a path to recovery, but New York is 5.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot with a difficult schedule ahead. The discussion centers on whether the Mets can still salvage the season and how that uncertainty should shape their trade deadline approach: buy, sell, or take a middle-ground strategy.
With Alvarez and Lindor back, there is still a path to recovery, but New York is 5.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot with a difficult schedule ahead. The discussion centers on whether the Mets can still salvage the season and how that uncertainty should shape their trade deadline approach: buy, sell, or take a middle-ground strategy.
June 26, 2026
BIggest Takeaways From the First Half of the MLB Season
Jack, Peter, and ESPN's Paul Hembekides mark the MLB season's halfway point with a superlatives episode, kicking off with Phillies walk-off drama from Bryson Stott and Derek Hill before diving into preseason misses , players getting too much benefit of the doubt, and criminally underrated first-half stars like Ceddanne Rafaela, Otto López, and Brian Rocchio. The crew also debates second-half rookie breakouts, which teams are fool's gold versus ready to surge, and wraps by breaking down the David Peterson–Cole Mathis trade.
June 25, 2026
NL East Check In: Phillies Closing in on Braves? Marlins vs. Nats, Mets Dead
Peter, Aram, and Ryan open by asking whether the Cubs can survive with basically their entire rotation on the IL while their offense keeps putting up crooked numbers. From there they debate if the Phillies can catch the Braves in the NL East, pick the Marlins over the Nationals in a sneaky basement race, wave the white flag on a Mets team bleeding runs and losing Juan Soto, and spiral through the Twins' deadline dilemma: sell Joe Ryan and Ryan Jeffers, listen on Byron Buxton, or buy bullpen arms and talk yourself into the AL Central.
June 25, 2026
Just Baseball's Jackson Stafford examines why Sonny Gray's strikeout and whiff rates have dropped sharply in 2026 despite a strong 9-1 record and 2.95 ERA with the Red Sox. Stafford ties the decline partly to Andrew Bailey's pitch-mix philosophy and partly to an early-season adjustment period after joining Boston. With trade-deadline buzz building, Stafford explores whether the K-rate dip will hurt Gray's market value or whether his recent rebound and solid underlying metrics still make him a premium rotation upgrade.
June 24, 2026
Slow Starters Heating Up, Astros Buying, Prospect Update, Oklahoma Wins the College World Series
Jack, Aram, and Peyton kick off the show by diving into the guys who got off to brutal slow starts but are finally heating up as summer rolls in. From Carson Benge finding his rhythm with the Mets to Wyatt Langford, Jack Caglianone, Tyler Soderstrom, Alec Bohm, and Brian Reynolds all turning things around in a big way. Aram then takes the wheel for a prospect deep dive, spotlighting breakout arms and bats like Kade Anderson and Theo Gillen, before the crew debates whether the Astros are legit buyers at the deadline. Peter hops on to cap things off with Oklahoma’s improbable College World Series championship run.
June 23, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden writes that Zack Gelof has reinvented himself as a super-utility player for the Athletics after struggling in 2024 and missing time in 2025. By filling in at third, center, second, and right whenever injuries struck, Gelof has become indispensable — and his breakout offense is helping keep the A's in the AL West race.
June 22, 2026
Recapping Every MLB Game From This Weekend | Weekend Roundup! June 19-21
Peter and Jack blast through the June 19–21 Weekend Roundup across all 15 MLB series, led by the scorching Marlins sweeping the Giants and a bizarre Rafael Devers weekend that had him refusing a pinch runner in a one-run game. Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP-caliber June has the Cubs looking like a juggernaut (if still pitching-starved), while Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper fueled a Phillies beatdown of the Mets and the Orioles took two of three from the Dodgers in LA behind Gunnar Henderson and a Trevor Rodgers gem. Along the way they also chew on Zach Gallen's fading fastball, Reid Detmers trade-deadline value, and a Tigers sweep that knocked the White Sox out of first in the AL Central.
June 21, 2026
Just Baseball's Patrick Lyons profiles Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield, who has emerged as a legitimate candidate for both NL Rookie of the Year and a Rawlings Gold Glove after being traded from the Yankees this winter. Rumfield has been elite on both sides of the ball and his infield teammates credit him with saving errors and boosting their confidence.
June 19, 2026
Just Baseball's Greg Simbeck traces Royce Lewis's rocky path from No. 1 overall pick through repeated injuries, slumps, and a May 2026 demotion to Triple-A St. Paul. After mechanical adjustments and a shift toward positional flexibility, Lewis dominated in the minors and has returned to Minnesota hitting at a high level - raising hope that this version of the former top prospect can finally stick.
June 18, 2026
Just Baseball's Jay Staph writes that after finishing 2025 with the second-worst team wRC+ in baseball, the Pirates addressed their offensive void by signing Ryan O'Hearn and acquiring Brandon Lowe in a blockbuster trade - moves backed by unprecedented spending from owner Bob Nutting. More than 70 games into 2026, that revamped lineup has become one of the best in franchise history, pairing with an elite homegrown rotation to turn Pittsburgh into a legitimate playoff contender for the first time in over a decade.
June 18, 2026
REACTION: Jeff Passan Releases ESPNS Top Deadline Trade Candidates
Jeff Passan just released ESPN’s updated trade board for the 2026 deadline, and some of the early numbers stand out. Aroldis Chapman, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Arraez are all listed with a 90 percent chance to be moved before the deadline, which puts them above Tarik Skubal, the best pitcher on the planet and the biggest name in what is already being called the Skubal Deadline. Fink and Peter react to ESPN’s list and share their thoughts on which moves seem most likely to actually happen.
June 18, 2026
Just Baseball's Joey Peterson argues that Jackson Chourio's June tear is more than a hot streak - it's the clearest sign yet that he's tapping into his superstar ceiling. After a delayed start due to a WBC hand injury, Chourio has slashed .414/.453/.845 in June while cutting his chase and whiff rates and posting career-best bat speed, powering a Brewers surge that has vaulted Milwaukee from fourth in the NL Central to first.
June 18, 2026
All Star Voting Check in (Ridiculous), PCA's Improvements, Dustin May is BACK
Jack and Aram break down a wild Monday in baseball, starting with Pete Crow-Armstrong hitting for the cycle (and immediately getting picked off) in a Cubs win that still exposed their bullpen woes, plus Colt Keith’s three-homer day for the Tigers. They also rave about Dustin May’s complete-game shutout for the Cardinals, Chase Burns and Zach Wheeler on the mound, and a surprisingly healthy crop of center fielders league-wide.
June 16, 2026
Just Baseball's Caleb Moody writes that Cleveland Guardians top prospect Travis Bazzana has hit the ground running in his MLB debut. Despite modest contact-quality metrics, his walk rate, chase rate, speed, and stolen bases have him ranking among the American League's best second basemen, and in the conversation for an All-Star nod.
June 15, 2026
Just Baseball's Jackson Stafford argues that Ceddanne Rafaela has quietly built a compelling first-time All-Star case for the Boston Red Sox, pairing career-best offense (.291/.346/.457, 120 wRC+) with elite center field defense. Rafaela has improved his plate discipline significantly while ranking among MLB's best defenders, though questions remain about whether his hot start can hold up given his history of second-half slumps.
June 15, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup: June 12-14
Peter and Aram open the June 14 Weekend Roundup with Knicks title talk, then sprint through every series from the past few days, including the Marlins (and Otto Lopez) rolling, the White Sox pulling off a statement win over the Dodgers after Yoshinobu Yamamoto's near-perfect game died on a Mookie Betts boot, and an all-time silly Rockies-A's slugfest in Las Vegas. Along the way they touch Spencer Strider's scary injury news, Royce Lewis and the bonkers Cardinals-Twins series, Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice keeping the Judge-less Yankees afloat, Rodolfo Duran's big Padres weekend, Bryce Eldridge heating up for the Giants, and Michael Soroka looking like himself again in Arizona.
June 13, 2026
Just Baseball's Michael Monreal writes that Jung Hoo Lee's slow start to 2026 had Giants fans questioning his six-year, $113 million contract, but his play since returning from the injured list has silenced those doubts. After a rocky mid-2025 stretch, Lee is now hitting .335 with a 134 wRC+, ranking among the game's elite hitters and validating San Francisco's investment heading into 2027.
June 13, 2026
Buying or Selling Fangraphs Projections for the Rest of the Season
Peter and Aram spend Friday buying and selling some wild Fangraphs projections. From whether the Yankees really have a 78% shot at the AL East, to the Rangers as playoff locks, the Cubs lagging the Cardinals, and both the Padres and D-backs missing October. Aram then runs through the hottest names in the minors plus call-ups like Cole Carrigg and Daniel Espino, before the guys preview the best matchups of the weekend, including Tarik Skubal's return and Jacob deGrom vs. Ranger Suarez.
June 12, 2026
White Sox in First, Cubs Collapse, Cardinals are REAL, Acuna Hurt and more MLB Headlines
Peter and Aram break down one of the wildest stretches of the season, as the White Sox have improbably vaulted into first place behind surprise stars like Tristan Peters and Davis Martin while the Cubs have completely cratered from contenders to a .500 team with a pitching staff in shambles. They also hype the Cardinals' quiet rise behind Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt, vent about Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting the IL with another hamstring strain, celebrate Tarik Skubal's remarkably fast return for the Tigers, and close on the Brewers locking up prospect Luis Lara in yet another savvy pre-arbitration extension.
June 11, 2026
Just Baseball's Zach Lutz writes that Kyle Tucker's early 2026 season with the Dodgers has been a major letdown relative to his $240 million contract, with league-average offensive output and declining power metrics. The piece contrasts his elite track record with Houston and Chicago against current Statcast data showing evaporated barrel rate, diminished exit velocity, and defensive regression. For a $60 million AAV, the Dodgers expected a franchise cornerstone but have gotten a highly compensated passenger so far.
June 11, 2026
Just Baseball's Taylor Greenhut examines how Spencer Strider has reinvented himself in 2026 after elbow surgery, trading his elite fastball velocity for a four-pitch mix anchored by a new curveball. Despite averaging roughly 2 mph less on his heater, Strider's strikeout and whiff rates remain elite, and he's managing contact better than ever by inducing pop-ups and fly outs at career-best rates.
June 10, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Penrod digs into Manny Machado's disastrous 2026 start, where he's posting career-worst numbers across the board while the Padres offense ranks dead last in the league. The piece rules out bat speed and plate discipline as primary culprits, instead pointing to swing mechanics changes as the most likely explanations for his slump.
June 10, 2026
Las Vegas Chaos! Plus Skubal's Rehab, TEX and PHI Turnarounds, and More!
Jack, Aram, and Peyton break down the wildest game of the year so far, a 15-14, 12-inning Brewers-A's slugfest in Las Vegas that kicked off Athletics Week and got everyone talking about altitude, park factors, and what life will be like when the A's move in. They also dig into Tarik Skubal's dominant rehab outing after his nanoscope elbow procedure (with Blake Snell now on the same path), what it means for the Tigers at the deadline, and three breakout bats carrying their teams: Jung Hoo Lee in San Francisco, Josh Young in Texas, and Brandon Marsh in Philadelphia. The crew closes with a spicy Mike Trout-to-Philly trade thought, a Reds eulogy in the NL Central, surprise Cardinals staying power, and breaking news on Braden Montgomery's call-up to the White Sox.
June 9, 2026
Just Baseball's Shaan Donohue writes that James Wood has become the offensive anchor the Washington Nationals' rebuild needed, turning a strong but uneven 2025 debut into a true 2026 breakout built on elite plate discipline, more fly balls, and much better damage against breaking and offspeed pitches. Wood still strikes out plenty, but his patience and power are enough to support star-level production.
June 7, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden argues that the Detroit Tigers' bullpen has been one of the team's biggest problems in 2026, with no reliable late-inning arms to lean on. Veteran closers Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, and Will Vest have all underperformed in high-leverage spots, while depth options like Drew Anderson and Tyler Holton have also failed to earn trust.
June 6, 2026
Just Baseball's Michael Monreal writes that Bryce Eldridge is giving the struggling San Francisco Giants a much-needed homegrown offensive spark in 2026. After a rough 2025 cup of coffee masked by elite contact quality, the 6-foot-7 slugger has erupted over his last seven games and is already staking his claim as one of the club's best hitters.
June 6, 2026
Just Baseball's Patrick Walsh writes that after the Yankees lost Juan Soto in free agency, Cody Bellinger has delivered on the investment. He's rebounded from his post-MVP struggles in Los Angeles and a successful Cubs comeback to become one of the league's hottest hitters in 2026. Walsh traces Bellinger's career arc from his 2019 MVP season through his solid 2025 debut in New York to his current breakout, where he's raking at the plate, playing elite defense, and earning AL Hitter of the Month honors in May.
June 5, 2026
Just Baseball's Carson Wolf writes that Alex Bregman has not lived up to the Cubs' $175 million investment through the first two months of 2026, with a power outage (.356 slugging, five home runs) dragging his production well below his career norms. Wolf traces the slump to a career-high ground-ball rate and weaker pull-side authority rather than plate-discipline regression, while noting Bregman's history of rebounding after slow April/May starts in 2023 and 2024.
June 4, 2026
Buster Olney on CBA Negotiations & Tarik Skubal Trade Rumors + Mariners are HOT
Peter and Aram sit down with ESPN’s Buster Olney to break down early CBA talks—owners want a cap and floor, the union won’t budge, and a December lockout is on the table. Buster hits the trade market: Skubal rumors, Boston chasing a righty bat, and Houston saying Alvárez and Hunter Brown are off limits. After he leaves, they cover IKF’s Fenway comments, the Jazz Chisholm backlash, the Mariners’ hot streak, and Hader’s return in Houston.
June 4, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Miller writes that Nathan Lukes has gone from trade-rumor fodder to one of the Blue Jays' most important role players in 2026. After a brutal start tied to vertigo, treatment helped unlock a brief hitting surge before a hamstring injury sidelined him for nearly a month. Since returning in late May, Lukes has posted a strong slash line and added real value with his arm, even as Toronto's low walk rate and crowded corner-outfield depth leave his long-term roster fit uncertain.
June 3, 2026
Just Baseball's Matt Carroll writes that Willson Contreras has been a bright spot for the Red Sox since arriving in a December trade from St. Louis, leading Boston's offense with a .286/.384/.505 line and 144 wRC+ through 56 games. After a slow start, he's been crushing fastballs and pulling the ball at career-best rates while also settling in defensively at first base with +3 DRS and +3 OAA.
June 3, 2026
Players of the Month, College Baseball Ejections, MLB Headlines
Jack and Aram break down a loaded May slate: UCLA’s stunning regional exit and a heated debate over college ejections, then pivot to the Reds’ good-news/bad-news combo of Edwin Arroyo’s debut and Elly De La Cruz’s hamstring stint. They spend time on one of the wildest NL Pitcher of the Month races ever between Christopher Sanchez and Jacob Misiorowski, crown James Wood for NL Player of the Month (while making a strong case for JJ Bleday), and run through a crowded AL field before touching Carmen Mlodzinski's Pirates rotation drama, and the Dodgers clicking into “invincible” form.
June 2, 2026
Just Baseball's Zach Lutz writes that Miguel Vargas remains underrated despite a rocky 2024 trade from the Dodgers to the White Sox, tracing his climb from top prospect to 2025 rebound and a 2026 breakout driven by elite plate discipline, Statcast power, and clutch hitting. Vargas’s underlying metrics and RISP production are fueling a surprising South Side turnaround that national attention has largely overlooked.
May 31, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Hyatt examines why Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s power has dipped in 2026 despite a strong 2025 season and historic playoff run. The piece argues that a collapse in barrel rate - not just a higher groundball rate - is the main driver of his home run slump, while noting he remains productive with elite plate discipline and clutch hitting. Toronto's team power has fallen sharply, and Hyatt concludes the Blue Jays need Guerrero's bat to wake up if they hope to stay competitive amid injuries.
May 30, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Miller writes that Patrick Corbin has far exceeded expectations since the Blue Jays signed him to a $1 million deal amid a rash of rotation injuries. After years of poor results in Washington and a modest rebound in Texas, Corbin has posted a sub-4.00 ERA through his first 10 Toronto starts, though advanced metrics suggest regression is likely even as his slider and changeup have carried him.
May 30, 2026
Early look at 2027 MLB Free Agency & Rookie of the Year Check-in + Weekend Preview
Jack, Peter, and Peyton kick things off with AL and NL Rookie of the Year check-ins, Kevin McGonigle’s all-around game vs. Munetaka Murakami’s power in the AL, and JJ Weatherholt leading a loaded NL trio with Sal Stewart and Konnor Griffin. They walked through Just Baseball’s top 10 impending free agents, debating contract comps for stars like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Randy Arozarena, and Jazz Chisholm while acknowledging how much the looming CBA could reshape the market. The episode closed with a weekend preview spotlighting big pitching returns and matchups, from Jared Jones and Taj Bradley to Max Meyer vs. Freddy Peralta and Logan Webb’s Rockies return.
May 29, 2026
Just Baseball's Daniel Rotter examines why the surprising 34-19 Rays lead MLB in starter ERA (2.80) despite losing Ryan Pepiot for the year, and argues the staff has benefited from elite walk prevention, low BABIP, and a high strand rate that may not hold. He analyzes all five current starters, praising Rasmussen’s command and stuff while flagging regression risk for Martinez and others with weak strikeout rates and luck-driven run prevention.
May 29, 2026
Mailbag Episode: Surprise Trades, Who's Making the Playoffs, Universal Cy Young + more!
Peter, Jack, and Aram dive into a marathon mailbag that spends most of its time on jaw-dropping trade-deadline hypotheticals. Adley Rutschman to Cincinnati, Byron Buxton to Tampa, CJ Abrams to the Dodgers or Yankees, and more. Then they debate the Cy Young race led by Christopher Sanchez, crowning Jacob Misiorowski over Chase Burns and Nolan McLean as the young arm they’d build around, and breaking down whether the Mets, Angels, and surprise contenders should buy or sell. They also react to MLB’s proposed salary-cap framework, pick the Angels as the team with the bleakest next three years, and argue over playoff sleepers and busts.
May 28, 2026
Just Baseball's Jay Staph writes that Spencer Horwitz has been one of the best, and most overlooked, hitters on a strong Pirates offense in 2026, with elite contact rates and plate discipline at first base. The trade that brought him from Cleveland looks far better now than it did in December 2024, as the prospects Pittsburgh sent back have struggled while Horwitz has thrived. Staph compares Horwitz’s start to some of the best offensive seasons in recent Pirates history.
May 27, 2026
Misiorowski's Historic Start, Astros No Hitter, Minor League Performers
Peter and Aram open the show gushing over Jacob Misiorowski’s historic heater — 100 strikeouts, one earned run across his last five starts, and must-watch velocity that has him looking like the NL Cy Young frontrunner — plus why the Brewers look like a division favorite even without Brandon Woodruff or Freddy Peralta. They pivot to the league’s basement: the Mets’ historically bad offense and David Stearns’ rough first year with the checkbook, then the Astros’ wild combined no-hitter from Tatsuya Imai, Stephen Okert, and Alimber Santa against Texas despite baseball’s worst staff ERA. The back half turns more optimistic with the Nationals and Phillies heating up in the NL East, prospect heat checks on Ralphie Velasquez, Edwin Arroyo, Carson Millbrand, and Mike Sirota, and Gage Jump getting the call for Oakland.
May 26, 2026
Just Baseball's Harrison Bruns writes that the Minnesota Twins' 2026 playoff hopes hinge on a bullpen that collapsed after trading away four top relievers at the 2025 deadline and replacing them with minimal offseason spending. He tracks the pen's hot-and-cold stretches through the season's first two months and highlights how recent DFA moves and young arms like Travis Adams, Kendry Rojas, and Andrew Morris may be turning things around.
May 25, 2026
Weekend Roundup (May 22-24)
Peter and Aram run through the entire MLB weekend. They dig into Jordan Walker’s continued breakout and the surprising Cardinals, the Mets’ brutal offensive stretch (including Juan Soto scratching sick), Patrick Corbin outdueling Paul Skenes, and the Guardians looking like a real playoff team after stealing a series in Philly. They also hit the Dodgers finally beating Milwaukee behind Roki Sasaki finding his command and Logan Henderson dealing, Ryan Weathers and the Yankees–Rays pitching duel, Trea Turner’s brutal start for the Phillies, Casey Schmitt carrying the Giants’ offense, and Nick Kurtz’s historic on-base streak for the A’s.
May 24, 2026
Just Baseball's Adrian White reviews the White Sox at 26-24 through their first 50 games of 2026 and argues the rebuild is finally showing up on the major league roster. The middle of the order (Montgomery, Murakami, Vargas), depth pieces like Antonacci and Peters, and Davis Martin anchoring the rotation have made Chicago competitive again after back-to-back 100-loss seasons. The piece also highlights a more connected clubhouse and an aggressive, small-ball identity under Will Venable.
May 24, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden writes that while the Detroit Tigers' 2026 season has struggled, Riley Greene has become a more complete hitter despite a steep drop in home runs. Greene's swing path is nearly unchanged; improved plate discipline - especially against breaking balls and pitches on the outer edges - has driven a .333/.430/.486 line and 162 wRC+. Snowden believes his underlying contact quality suggests the power will return without sacrificing the gains in approach.
May 21, 2026
Reality Check on Big Time Free Agents: Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman + More MLB Headlines
Peter and Ryan break down a wild Wednesday episode by calling out Seattle’s bullpen handling in a brutal loss, then doing a full reality check on the huge 2026 free-agent bats and how pressure, fit, and ballpark context are shaping early returns. They hit every angle on Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Bo Bichette, then pivot to whether Shohei Ohtani can truly be the best hitter and pitcher at the same time over a full season versus peaking as a postseason superweapon. They close on two roster ripple stories: Boston needing more from Jarren Duran in a crowded outfield picture, and Luis Arraez looking fully back (and shockingly elite on defense) as one of San Francisco’s few bright spots.
May 20, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden writes that JJ Bleday has quickly given the Reds exactly what they were missing: a credible left-handed bat who improves lineup balance and forces tougher bullpen decisions for opponents. Bleday’s disciplined at-bats, lineup flexibility, and early power surge have stabilized Cincinnati’s outfield mix and added impact in key run-producing spots.
May 20, 2026
Cy Young Race Check-In, Young Catchers Dominating, Roki Resurgence, Other MLB Headlines
Jack and Aram bounced all over the league, leading with a loaded Cy Young check-in where Paul Skenes, Christopher Sanchez, Shohei Ohtani, Mason Miller, and a packed NL field made the race feel completely wide open while the AL conversation centered on Cam Schlittler, Dylan Cease, and Jacob deGrom. They also hit key prospect and roster movement storylines, including Colt Emerson’s arrival in Seattle, Nick Morabito getting the call, Roki Sasaki’s best MLB start yet, and tough injury/optioning news around Drake Baldwin and Royce Lewis. The episode closed with more young-bat chatter on Samuel Basallo and Dylan Crews, keeping the focus on who’s rising fast right now versus who still needs to adjust.
May 20, 2026
Just Baseball's Ryan Murphy writes that Max Muncy has evolved into an even more complete hitter in 2026, not just through raw power but through better batted-ball balance and sustained plate discipline. His turnaround can be tracked back to 2025 swing/vision adjustments and backs up his current production with elite expected metrics and quality-of-contact indicators. Muncy’s surge looks more sustainable than fluky, with a real chance this becomes the best season of his career.
May 19, 2026
Just Baseball's Cristian Crespo highlights Nolan Arenado’s early-season turnaround with Arizona after a poor finish in St. Louis and an ugly opening stretch in 2026. Arenado’s improving strikeout/walk profile, better quality of contact, and stance adjustments suggest he still has meaningful offensive value, even if his absolute peak years are likely behind him.
May 17, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup | May 15-17
The Just Baseball guys break down MLB Rivalry Weekend’s biggest storylines, including Cam Schlittler’s Subway Series gem, Clay Holmes’ fractured fibula, Juan Soto’s 250th homer, the Cardinals’ 11-inning walk-off, and what the Braves’ 31-14 start means for the NL East.
May 17, 2026
Just Baseball's Michael Monreal examines how Luis Arraez has become a surprise success story for the San Francisco Giants after signing a one-year, $12 million deal last winter. Despite skepticism about his declining bat and historically poor defense at second base, Arraez is hitting .330 with a 2.5% strikeout rate while leading all second basemen with +8 Outs Above Average - a stunning defensive turnaround. Through 41 games, his 1.3 fWAR has already eclipsed each of his previous two full seasons.
May 16, 2026
Just Baseball's Carson Wolf explains that Michael Conforto’s poor 2025 results against right-handed pitching looked worse than the underlying data, and that the expected rebound has shown up early in 2026 with the Cubs.
May 15, 2026
The Ohtani Conundrum, Cease and Miz Can't Be Stopped, White Sox Are Rolling + More!
Peter and Aram open by reacting to a scary Chase Dollander injury update, then went deep on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s absurd defense and why he’s tracking toward a truly historic glove-first season in center. They also broke down whether the White Sox can hang in the AL Wild Card race, compared the Cy Young cases for Dylan Cease and Jacob Misiorowski, and debated the Dodgers’ balancing act with Shohei Ohtani as a dominant pitcher but merely “human” hitter by his standards.
May 15, 2026
Just Baseball's Jay Staph explains that Cal Raleigh’s early-2026 collapse is not one simple problem, but a combination of mechanical disconnects on both sides of the plate and deteriorating quality-of-contact metrics. The article highlights how changes in Raleigh’s setup, load, and hand path are producing weaker fly-ball contact, while his chase/whiff trends and fastball results have also worsened.
May 14, 2026
Struggling Star Hitters and Early Deadline Look With ESPN's Paul Hembekides
Peter and Aram open with rough injury updates on the New York clubs, then bring in Hembo for a deep dive on why several stars are scuffling and what it’ll take for them to rebound. The conversation breaks down Cal Raleigh, Fernando Tatis Jr., Gunnar Henderson, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. through a mix of mechanics, approach, and game-planning, with Hembo explaining that each slump has a different root cause. They close by looking ahead to a potentially chaotic trade deadline, with major attention on teams like the Giants, Mets, and Astros and the possibility of true franchise-shifting names getting moved.
May 14, 2026
Just Baseball’s Joey Peterson highlights how Jacob Misiorowski has taken a major year-two leap, pairing elite velocity with sharper command and better composure to look like a true top-of-the-rotation arm. His dominant strikeout profile is now backed by pitch-level improvements across his fastball, slider, and curveball, making his early-2026 breakout feel sustainable.
May 13, 2026
Just Baseball's Daniel Curren explains how Shea Langeliers has gone from a streaky power catcher to one of MLB's most valuable hitters over the last 10 months. He highlights two core changes: better pull-side damage on airborne contact and a dramatic turnaround against four-seam fastballs, which used to be a major weakness. Together, those adjustments have pushed Langeliers into elite offensive territory.
May 13, 2026
Mock Draft 1.0, "Skubal Skope", Raleigh/Kwan Struggles + More MLB Headlines
Jack and Aram break down a packed episode by leading with Tarik Skubal’s minimally invasive elbow procedure and why it could get him back far sooner than expected, then pivot to quick-impact call-up talk on AJ Ewing and Henry Bolte. They also hit roster churn and buy-low situations with Alek Thomas landing with the Dodgers, Eric Lauer’s DFA, and what all of it means for contenders and fringe clubs. The back half dives into MLB Draft buzz, plus concern-meter check-ins on Cal Raleigh and Steven Kwan before closing on updates for Tetsuya Emi and Nathan Eovaldi.
May 12, 2026
Just Baseball’s Cristian Crespo writes that Tarik Skubal’s injury has blown open the 2026 AL Cy Young race and created real value beyond the favorites. He spotlights five longer-shot arms whose performance trends and underlying indicators could push them into serious contention as the season progresses.
May 11, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup (May 8-10)
Peter and Aram run through the full weekend slate, then zoom in on the early Patrick Bailey trade as a fascinating win-now vs. long-view move for both San Francisco and Cleveland. They spend time on how Bailey’s elite defense still makes him hugely valuable despite the bat, while also spotlighting Miami’s urgency and the Marlins’ momentum behind guys like Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez.
May 11, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Hyatt writes that Kazuma Okamoto has been the Blue Jays’ offensive stabilizer during a stretch where key hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have lacked power production. He highlights Okamoto’s strong early MLB profile (power output, quality of contact, and plate discipline) and adds that his competent defense at third base has further boosted his value for Toronto.
May 10, 2026
Just Baseball's Jordan Leandre writes that now is the best window for the Angels to trade Mike Trout because he is healthy, producing at an elite level again, and still carries meaningful market value despite his contract. The piece frames Trout’s performance against the Angels’ broader organizational issues (thin pitching depth, weak pipeline, and prolonged playoff absence), making a rebuild-focused move more logical than continuing to tread water.
May 9, 2026
Just Baseball's Ethan Penrod writes that Jackson Merrill’s slow start is more of a timing issue than a long-term concern, pointing to strong recent production and encouraging underlying contact metrics. He highlights Merrill’s improved bat speed and quality-of-contact profile as signs a rebound is likely, while noting chase rate and selectivity remain the main adjustment area.
May 9, 2026
MLB Mailbag! Early Buyers and Sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline
Peter, Aram, and Jack rip through a loaded mailbag by debating the best front-office/manager combos to build around, which NL Central club is most likely to push in at the deadline, and which underperforming contenders could pivot into selling. They also have a fun “build a pitcher from scratch” segment and a prospect-arc discussion centered on how quickly narratives can flip, then close by picking through the weekend slate with leans on matchups like Rockies-Phillies, Yankees-Brewers, and Braves-Dodgers.
May 9, 2026
Just Baseball's Carson Wolf writes that Ian Happ's sustained two-way value, durability, and strong 2026 start have turned his reliability into one of his biggest financial assets ahead of free agency. The piece highlights how Happ's year-over-year floor, not just peak stretches, makes him especially attractive in a weaker corner-outfield market.
May 7, 2026
Framber SUSPENDED, Rays Are Rolling, and Is CJ Abrams the Best SS in Baseball?
Jack and Peter recap a chaotic week in baseball, from Framber Valdez’s suspension to the surging Rays, red-hot Cubs, and fading Reds. They also sort through a wave of major injuries shaking up rosters across the league, including Carlos Correa’s season-ending setback. Plus, the guys debate whether CJ Abrams has played his way into the conversation as baseball’s best shortstop.
May 6, 2026
Tarik Skubal Injury News, MLB Headlines
Jack and Aram open by unpacking Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery and what it means for both his free-agent ceiling and Detroit’s short-term playoff outlook, then roll through a bunch of roster crunches around the league. They hit Seattle’s Bryce Miller/Luis Castillo decision, Miami’s catching and rotation moves, and how returning bats like Jackson Chourio and Sean Murphy can shift contender lineups, before diving into the polarizing-but-fascinating early breakout from Munetaka Murakami. They close by checking in on upside bets like Bryce Eldridge and Jake Bennett and finish with a heartfelt tribute to Yankees radio legend John Sterling.
May 6, 2026
Just Baseball's Caleb Moody explains that while Houston has stumbled badly out of the gate in 2026, Christian Walker has become a major bright spot and stabilized first base after the failed Jose Abreu signing. The piece contrasts Abreu’s steep decline in Houston with Walker’s early-2026 surge, supported by strong underlying contact/quality-of-contact metrics and improved defense. Walker can’t solve all of Houston’s issues, but first base is no longer one of the club’s biggest problems.
May 5, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden details how Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery is a massive blow to Detroit’s rotation and playoff outlook, especially with the team already dealing with heavy pitching injuries. He argues that replacing Skubal’s production is unrealistic in the short term, so the Tigers will need internal stopgaps and creative innings coverage while waiting for healthier options.
May 5, 2026
Just Baseball's Ryan Herrera details how Shota Imanaga has bounced back from a rough, injury-affected finish to 2025 and re-established himself as the Cubs’ top starter early in 2026.
May 4, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup (May 1-3)
Peter and Aram recap the weekend across MLB, moving series by series with game results, standout performances, and quick reactions to larger team trends. They highlighted strong showings from pitchers like Emerson Hancock and several key offensive contributors, while also discussing clubs trending up (like the Yankees, Cubs, and Rays) versus teams still searching for consistency (including the Giants, Angels, and parts of the Orioles roster).
May 3, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ethan Penrod explains how Xander Bogaerts has shifted the narrative in San Diego by improving his plate discipline and attacking hittable pitches more aggressively. The piece highlights that his rebound is being driven more by approach and zone decision-making than by raw bat-speed gains, especially in how he is handling fastballs. It frames his 2026 production as the version of Bogaerts the Padres expected when they signed him.
May 2, 2026
MLB Power Rankings + First Team All-MLB Through the First Month
Peter, Aram, and Jack rip through month-one MLB power rankings, hitting the panic buttons and buy-low spots from the Mets’ freefall and Devers’ rough stretch to the Marlins’ sneaky rise and why clubs like the D-backs and Cardinals still feel dangerous. They then roll into a loaded first-team All-MLB check-in, spotlighting monster starts from names like Ben Rice, Bryce Turang, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Corbin Carroll, and Yordan Alvarez. The show closes with a rapid-fire weekend preview and pitching matchups, with extra juice around young arms, bounce-back candidates, and Spencer Strider’s return setup.
May 2, 2026
Just Baseball’s Adrian White explains how Colson Montgomery’s temporary Arizona reset helped simplify his swing and approach, leading to a major power breakout for the White Sox. His offensive surge is backed by meaningful trends and is even more valuable because his defense at shortstop has improved enough to keep him at a premium position. Montgomery is a central reason Chicago can stay competitive sooner than expected if his contact profile keeps progressing.
May 1, 2026
ESPN's Buster Olney's Biggest Stories Of the MLB Season So Far!
Buster Olney joins for a full MLB Month in Review as the league turns to May. We break down early NL disappointments in the Phillies and Mets, assess the Red Sox in the post-Alex Cora era, and survey the MVP races led by Yordan Alvarez in the AL and Elly De La Cruz in the NL. We also cover the best individual performances of April and the storylines Buster is watching over the next month.
April 30, 2026
Just Baseball's Thomas Kelson writes that Adley Rutschman’s early 2026 performance looks like a real rebound, driven by stronger contact quality, improved launch profile, and much better results against off-speed and breaking pitches. He frames Rutschman as a key stabilizer for an injured Orioles roster and suggests Baltimore’s lineup ceiling rises significantly if this version of Rutschman holds while key teammates return. The piece emphasizes that it is still a small sample, but the underlying indicators are much more encouraging than in his 2024 second half and 2025 downturn.
April 30, 2026
Top Duos in MLB? Cam Schlittler, Shohei Ohtani Cy Young? Underrated Pitchers, Unsung Heroes
Peter and Ryan cover a loaded slate on the Just Baseball Show, headlined by whether Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart have already played their way into the top-tier duo conversation in MLB. They also dug into up-the-middle pairings (with a lot of love for Xavier Edwards/Otto Lopez), broke down electric starts from Cam Schlittler and Shohei Ohtani, and highlighted why the Padres’ depth has kept them rolling even while stars like Tatis and Merrill are still heating up. They close on AL West expectations, framing Seattle as the clear team to beat and a potential disappointment story if they don't take the division.
April 30, 2026
Just Baseball’s Zach Lutz writes that Tyler Glasnow’s healthy 2026 start is showcasing the best version of his career: elite run prevention, top-tier WHIP, and dominant strikeout-to-walk production. The piece highlights how his unusual extension, improved command, and a meaningful pitch-mix shift away from four-seamers toward breaking and sinker usage have made him even harder to hit. The overall case is that Glasnow’s underlying process changes now match his raw stuff, making his ace-level output look sustainable as long as he stays healthy.
April 29, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden writes that Carlos Cortes has gone from minor-league depth to a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat for the A's, driven by dramatically better swing decisions, lower chase and strikeout rates, and stronger quality of contact. He frames Cortes' breakout as sustainable rather than fluky, noting that Cortes is handling different pitch types well and forcing pitchers into unfavorable attack patterns.
April 29, 2026
Rob Thomson Let Go As Phillies Skipper, Bazzana and Emer Rodriguez Up, and More!
Jack and Aram break down the Phillies firing Rob Thomson, arguing the club’s early collapse says more about stale roster construction than managerial performance, then pivot to prospect and pitching buzz with Travis Bazzana’s call-up and Elmer Rodriguez’s debut for New York. They also hit Mason Miller’s absurd start (even with the scoreless streak snapped), debate April player/pitcher of the month races, and spotlight breakout arms like Jose Soriano, Paul Skenes, and Chase Dollander.
April 28, 2026
Just Baseball's Leo Morgenstern argues the Phillies' collapse is tied to a top-heavy lineup that can only function if Trea Turner produces like a star alongside Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. While Turner’s early numbers are poor, the piece emphasizes that his long track record and repeated rebounds from similar slumps suggest patience is still warranted, even as Philadelphia’s margin for error shrinks.
April 28, 2026
Just Baseball’s Taylor Greenhut highlights how the Braves’ hot 20-9 start has been powered by major rebounds from Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies, not just top-end stars. He explains that Harris’ stance adjustment appears to have unlocked the aggressive, impact-contact version of his bat again, while Albies has answered durability and production concerns with improved all-around results, including better output from the left side. Together, they’ve made Atlanta’s lineup deeper and more difficult to navigate from top to bottom.
April 27, 2026
Just Baseball's Peter Appel argues that while Tarik Skubal is still elite, small early-season dips plus heavy recent workloads open the door for a new AL Cy Young winner in 2026. He makes the case that Dylan Cease has reached a new tier through overpowering strikeout ability, a deeper pitch mix, better ground-ball outcomes, and improved weapons against left-handed hitters. Appel also addresses concerns about Cease’s efficiency and volatility, but concludes his profile is stronger and more sustainable than in prior seasons.
April 27, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup (April 24-26)
Peter and Aram ripped through the full weekend roundup, with the biggest spotlight on Boston’s chaos: Alex Cora’s firing, Craig Breslow’s roster decisions, and the fallout around the Kyle Harrison/Caleb Durbin shuffle even after a 17-1 Red Sox win. They also mixed in betting and award talk with a Dylan Cease AL Cy Young push, then bounced series-to-series across the league with Dodgers-Cubs highlights, Yankees chatter, and a bunch of prospect/young-guy check-ins.
April 26, 2026
Just Baseball's Patrick Walsh highlights how Ben Rice has become one of the Yankees’ best hitters early in 2026 while still facing uncertain usage against left-handed pitching. Rice’s production has forced a real lineup dilemma for Aaron Boone, especially with Paul Goldschmidt and Giancarlo Stanton also competing for first base/DH at-bats. It frames Rice’s lefty split performance as the key test that will decide whether he remains in a platoon or becomes a true everyday fixture.
April 25, 2026
Just Baseball’s Zach Lutz argues that Munetaka Murakami’s extreme three-true-outcome profile is exactly the kind of volatility the White Sox should embrace, because his elite power and patience still create star-level offensive value. The piece frames Murakami as both a market inefficiency (given his contract) and a sustainability test case, where supporting bats and opponent adjustments will determine how long the home run binge lasts. Even with regression, Lutz sees a high floor if Murakami settles into a Max Muncy/Kyle Schwarber-type outcome.
April 25, 2026
MLB Pitcher Stock Watch: Fallers
Peter and Aram break down a full “stock down” check-in on starting pitchers, separating established aces from younger darlings and explaining which rough starts look fluky versus genuinely concerning. They hit Garrett Crochet, Jesus Luzardo, Logan Webb, Ranger Suarez, Logan Gilbert, and Andrew Abbott in detail, then moved to Shane Baz, Jack Leiter, Ryne Nelson, and Emmet Sheehan, with a lot of focus on pitch usage tweaks, fastball location, and whether command trends are fixable.
April 24, 2026
Who Will Be The 2026 AL MVP?
About a month into the season, the early picture is starting to come into focus. José Ramírez is playing at an elite level. Can he sustain it and make a legitimate run at the AL MVP, or will Aaron Judge ultimately reclaim the spotlight?
April 24, 2026
Just Baseball’s Shaan Donohue traces Michael Soroka from his 2019 Braves peak through repeated Achilles setbacks and several organizations to a 2026 rebound with Arizona, when a new four-seam/slurve mix, a sharper changeup to lefties, and a lower arm slot closer to his amateur delivery have improved command and swing-and-miss even as some batted-ball numbers still hint at regression.
April 24, 2026
MLB Pitcher Stock Watch: Risers
Jack, Peter, and Peyton open the Just Baseball Show’s Pitcher Stock Watch and decide to run “stock up” only this time. They lead with José Soriano and whether this Angels run is “real” versus historically noisy, then bounce through trusted names and tweaks (Bryan Woo’s fastball experiment, Max Fried living in the zone and even dropping the windup mid-start, Christopher Sanchez grinding despite the Phillies’ mess, Shohei Ohtani looking like a Cy Young candidate on the mound with innings caveats, and Dylan Cease pairing huge swing-and-miss with zero barrels). They close the stock-up hit list with breakout types: Cam Schlittler, Randy Vasquez, Landen Roupp, Bryce Elder, Shota Imanaga, plus Emerson Hancock’s low-slot sweeper story.
April 24, 2026
Just Baseball’s West Jones explains how the Rangers–Mets swap of Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo has already paid off in the leadoff spot and in the clubhouse: Nimmo’s early slash and all-fields approach contrast with last year’s leadoff numbers, and his energy has been a visible lift next to stars like Corey Seager.
April 23, 2026
Just Baseball's Clay Snowden argues that the Reds’ needed offense is coming from within as Sal Stewart breaks out in 2026, with better chase discipline, elite contact quality, and an all-fields approach rather than a sell-out pull profile. He ties Stewart’s Monday homer to a disciplined at-bat against Jesse Scholtens and frames the breakout against last year’s small-sample flashes and the team’s limited winter lineup add (Eugenio Suárez).
April 23, 2026
Mets & Phillies Free Fall, Cubs & Reds Surge, Notable Player Streaks
Peter and Aram go full “we’re going streaking” mode and spin through the best and worst runs in the league right now, from the Mets’ ugly 12-game skid and the Phillies’ thin lineup catching up with them, to the Cubs heating up, the Reds’ pitching carrying a shaky offense.
April 22, 2026
Just Baseball’s Ryan Herrera explains why Nico Hoerner belongs in early NL MVP talk: elite defense (including recent highlights against the Phillies), a disciplined start at the plate (low strikeouts, strong walk rate, top-of-the-leaderboard counting and rate stats), impact on the bases, and a week of clutch hits during a Cubs win streak.
April 22, 2026
MLB Take Theater: Is Nico Hoerner the Best Second Baseman in Baseball?
Aram and Jack trade bold takes in another version of MLB Take Theater. They start with Jose Ramirez and whether 2026 could be his first 40/40 season, as he’s already tied for the MLB lead in steals with 8 and off to a strong start at the plate. Then they shift to Nico Hoerner, who’s building a case as the game’s top second baseman with 21 early RBI and a scorching recent stretch after his Opening Day extension. The episode wraps with a look at the week’s most clutch performers and final verdicts on each debate.
April 22, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden writes that the Guardians are outperforming preseason expectations in large part because rookie Parker Messick is pitching like a staff leader - mixing six offerings with strong command, limiting hard contact, and pairing with veteran catcher Austin Hedges on game planning. Snowden walks through how Messick sequences fastballs and secondaries by handedness and why the early numbers look more sustainable than a pure small-sample fluke.
April 21, 2026
Just Baseball’s Leo Morgenstern reframes Dave Dombrowski’s “elite” comments as a reasonable answer to a reporter’s question, walks through Harper’s 2025 numbers against Dombrowski’s “top 10” bar, and acknowledges why Harper still could feel singled out before pivoting to Harper’s loud early-2026 production and how he’s being pitched.
April 21, 2026
Just Baseball’s Caleb Moody writes that, despite a huge 2026 start and team control through 2028, the Nationals could get peak value by trading shortstop CJ Abrams this summer, citing his recurring second-half fade, poor shortstop defense, and interest from contenders who could shelter his bat in stronger lineups.
April 20, 2026
Just Baseball's Jordan Leandre writes that Reid Detmers is rewarding the Angels' decision to move him back into the rotation, posting a 3.57 ERA and 2.46 FIP through four starts in 2026. Leandre credits Detmers' success to a big jump in weak contact and barrel suppression, elite secondaries (slider, changeup, curveball) that complement an underwhelming four-seamer, and career-best command that has tightened his walk rate to 6.4%. Alongside breakout ace José Soriano, Detmers gives Anaheim two top-10 fWAR arms and a legitimate front-of-rotation foundation.
April 20, 2026
MLB Weekend Roundup: April 17-19
Ryan and Peyton cover every series from over the weekend, including the Mets’ brutal 11-game skid, the Nico Hoerner walk-off debate, Cleveland and Washington overperforming, and the Yankees flexing on the Royals. The Cardinals swept Houston despite a scorching Yordan Alvarez, the Rockies took two from the Dodgers at Coors, and the Braves rolled while Dom Smith keeps mashing.
April 20, 2026
Just Baseball’s Carson Wolf explains how Cubs rookie Moisés Ballesteros shook off an early-season struggle against high fastballs by adjusting his swing plane and bat speed, then went on a torrid run that shows up in elite quality-of-contact numbers and rookie leaderboards. The piece ties his 2025 Triple-A production and preseason prospect status to why his bat matters given questions about his long-term fit behind the plate.
April 19, 2026
Just Baseball Goes Live at 7:30 pm ET
The guys will recap all the MLB action from the weekend, and discuss who’s hot and who’s slipping. Chris Sale dominated with 7 strong innings and passed Tom Glavine as the Braves kept rolling. The Philadelphia Phillies continue to slide, Jordan Walker is near the top of the league homers, and Corbin Carroll returned with a grand slam for the Dbacks. The Cubs stayed hot, while the Mets and Blue Jays keep struggling.
April 19, 2026
Just Baseball's Zach Lutz goes buy-or-sell on eight of the loudest hot starts of 2026, leaning on Statcast data to separate real breakouts from BABIP mirages. He's buying Jordan Walker as an emerging star thanks to his reduced groundball rate, endorsing Andy Pages as a 5.0 bWAR player, and pounding the table for Kevin McGonigle as AL Rookie of the Year, while selling on Brandon Lowe cracking 40 homers given his bottom-decile exit velocity.
April 18, 2026
Just Baseball’s Jay Staph writes that Brandon Lowe has already delivered everything Pittsburgh wanted from the winter three-team trade - elite early power and on-base numbers at second base, a historic home-run pace, improved defense, and veteran leadership in a young clubhouse.
April 18, 2026
MLB Unsung Heroes So Far + Full Weekend Preview
Peter and Aram spotlight unsung heroes - guys off to strong 2026 starts who aren’t the usual headline names. They work through American League and National League hitters, then starters and relievers, with plenty of swing decisions, exit velo, and “why this might (or might not) last” talk. They close with a weekend preview of matchups and picks.
April 18, 2026
Just Baseball’s Harrison Bruns asks whether the Twins’ strong early record is real or another mirroring of past late fades. He credits a deep, balanced lineup (with standouts like Austin Martin and Ryan Jeffers) and flags average pitching, rotation workload, and HR suppression luck.
April 17, 2026
Just Baseball’s Kevin Henry argues that José Soriano is moving from “reliable rotation piece” to true front-line presence for the Angels - not only on early 2026 numbers (including elite run prevention and weak contact) but on presence, sharper command, and how the club carries itself on his starts, while noting that MLB hitters will eventually adjust and that the rest of the year will test durability and adaptability.
April 17, 2026
The Mike Trout Resurgence, Mason Miller's Cy Young Case, and More!
ck, Aram, and Peyton go deep on Mike Trout’s early-season surge - his hot week in New York, better contact and elevated-fastball numbers, red-light therapy banter, and why it feels like vintage Trout again (with nods to Griffey, career WAR, and not packing it in). They also hit Nick Pivetta’s flexor injury and what it means for the Padres’ rotation, whether Lucas Giolito is a natural fit for San Diego or Chicago as he holds out for money, and whether Mason Miller could realistically get into the Cy Young conversation after Eric Gagne-style comps. The show rounds out with the surprising Rays, a Mason Miller vs. starter trade/value rabbit hole, and a rapid-fire minor-league check across the minors.
April 17, 2026
Just Baseball’s Joe Browne argues that while the 2026 Mets were built around run prevention, their offense has been among the league’s weakest early on, with poor team slash, power, and quality of contact. He singles out Luis Robert Jr. and Francisco Alvarez as bright spots, while Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, and much of the rest of the lineup have underperformed, with Juan Soto injured.
April 16, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden argues that the Reds still have not fixed a long-standing outfield hole: early-season numbers and defense show TJ Friedl slipping, corners shaky (Spencer Steer, Will Benson, Noelvi Marte), and real answers unlikely without better development or outside moves. He walks through what Rece Hinds and JJ Bleday might change from Triple-A before closing with a broader critique of the org’s outfield pipeline.
April 16, 2026
Yankees & Mets Stink? McGonigle Extension, Duran Flips the Bird
Peter Appel and Ryan Finkelstein discuss the struggling Yankees and Mets - recent losses, lineup and bullpen issues, Francisco Lindor’s mistakes, and fan frustration with the front office and ownership. They also cover league news: Noah Schultz’s White Sox debut, Colt Keith’s extension with Detroit, the Braves’ strong start, Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai on the injured list and his comments on adjusting to MLB, and Twins reliever Jhoan Durán flipping off a fan after an abusive remark.
April 16, 2026
Just Baseball’s Clay Snowden argues that Emerson Hancock is turning into Seattle’s next homegrown rotation success story: after uneven seasons and so-so numbers in 2025, Hancock has reworked his arm angle and pitch mix in 2026, with Statcast-backed gains in movement, whiffs, and command. Snowden walks through those changes and starts the case that the breakout can last.
April 15, 2026
Just Baseball Goes Live at 4:30 ET
The Mets and Yankees started strong but have cooled off, now ranking among the worst offenses in their leagues over the past week. Peter and Ryan will also cover Noah Schultz’s White Sox debut, the Twins’ steady rise, the Pirates’ surprising balance led by Oneil Cruz and Brandon Lowe, Tatsuya Imai’s IL stint with arm fatigue, and the Braves’ hot offense despite a patchwork rotation.
April 15, 2026
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.
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
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.
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.
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