- 1 hour 28 minutesProblem plaguing the Blue Jays, White Sox's incredible turnaround and two teams making noise in the power rankings update
When the Toronto Blue Jays went on their incredible World Series run last season, there was plenty of hope that it was the start of what could be a dominant run by a stacked team. Fast forward to 2026, and Toronto finds itself in a bit of a sticky situation. Although, based on last year's success, all hope might not be lost just yet.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jordan Shusterman is joined by special guests Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi to break down what has gone wrong this year for the reigning American League champions and whether injuries are the main reason for their sluggish first two months. Even though the Blue Jays might be nine games back in the AL East, they currently hold a Wild Card spot, and with players returning from the IL, it still could be a very exciting summer in Canada.
Also on this episode, Jordan and Ben talk about the remarkable turnaround season the Chicago White Sox are having, which sees them sitting just one game back in the AL Central while also occupying a Wild Card spot. Instead of being sellers at the deadline, they could find themselves as buyers. However, with the injury to rookie sensation Munetaka Murakami, will the White Sox be able to tread water until he returns? The guys then discuss the Seattle Mariners' use of piggyback pitching, the New York Yankees continuing to impress and their thoughts on the latest power rankings.
2:37 - The Opener: White Sox roll on
19:54 - Nationals also offering a turnaround
35:01 - Issues plaguing the Blue Jays
51:30 - State of Toronto pitching and hitting
1:09:27 - Around the League: Mariners pitching strategy
1:21:38 - Power rankings thoughtsSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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1 June 2026, 6:55 pm - 1 hour 4 minutesPlayers & owners submit their first CBA proposals, Cristopher Sánchez might be the best pitcher in the NL & Bryce Harper’s bizarre TikTok
One of the biggest clouds hanging over the 2026 Major League Baseball season is the soon-to-be-expiring collective bargaining agreement between the MLB Players Association and the 30 team owners. The animosity between both sides, after comments were reported in the media, has many fans wondering whether a possible work stoppage could begin on December 1st when the deal expires.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the first proposals exchanged this week between the owners and the players, most notably the owners’ desire to implement a salary cap. While it is an encouraging sign that both sides are negotiating earlier than expected, are the differences between the two sides too large to overcome?
Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the incredible month of May from Philadelphia Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez, who is currently riding a historic scoreless innings streak. They also highlight the other outstanding starters in the Senior Circuit who are putting together great seasons and could make NL Cy Young voting extremely difficult. The guys then close out the show by making their picks for this week’s The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.
1:48 - The Opener: CBA negotiations
13:02 - Early responses to the offers
28:54 - We Need To Talk About: Cristopher Sánchez
39:23 - NL Cy Young race is stacked
43:28 - The Good
50:47 - The Bad
55:53 - The UgglaSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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29 May 2026, 5:00 pm - 1 hour 9 minutesAstros record first no-hitter since 2024, which teams are disappointing so far this season & Cubs are streaking the wrong way
Over the weekend, the Houston Astros pitched the first no-hitter since the 2024 season against their state rivals, the Texas Rangers. While the combined no-hitter thrown by Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and — in his MLB debut — Alimber Santa was the fifth in franchise history, we’re left wondering why there was so little buzz surrounding the now-rare occurrence.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jordan Shusterman is joined by Shea Station podcast host Jolly Olive to talk about the feat by the three Astros pitchers, including whether the no-hitter has lost its luster, why Houston might finally be figuring things out and why Santa’s debut can be tied to a feat last accomplished in 1892. They then discuss the other side of the no-hitter by taking a look at the offensive problems the Rangers have had this season.
Later, Jordan and Jolly draft the most disappointing teams so far this season, with the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox among the teams selected. They also dive into the Chicago Cubs’ rough 10-game losing streak, Abner Uribe’s controversial post-save antics and preview everything you need to know about the Women’s College World Series, which starts Thursday.
2:33 - The Opener: Astros throw first no-no of 2026
18:12 - Field Report: Cubs’ losing streak hits 10
26:53 - Disappointing team draft
52:28 - We Need To Talk About: Uribe’s antics
57:23 - Women’s College World Series previewSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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27 May 2026, 7:20 pm - 1 hour 2 minutesGerrit Cole to make first start since 2024, Brewers and Guardians make their impact known & the Pope gets a gift from the White Sox
It’s been a very long time since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. It was the last time that Gerrit Cole appeared in a Major League Baseball game. That all changes tonight, when the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner makes his season debut in the Bronx for the New York Yankees and hopes to regain the form that made him the ace of the staff.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the significance behind Gerrit Cole’s return to the Yankees, including his search for redemption after his last appearance on the Yankee Stadium mound, how close he came to leaving the club and why he’ll slide perfectly into the rotation. With a big series against division rival the Tampa Bay Rays starting tonight and a need to get back to winning ways, the Yankees hope their ace will get them back on track.
Later, Jake and Jordan talk about the Cleveland Guardians mopping the Detroit Tigers and how their different philosophy when it comes to roster construction is paying off so far in 2026. They then discuss the Milwaukee Brewers sweeping the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field to leapfrog them in the NL Central standings, as well as J.P. Crawford being willing to make a position switch so he can stay with the Seattle Mariners. The guys then make their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.
1:18 - The Opener: Gerrit Cole returns
19:34 - Around The League: Guardians mop the Tigers
28:45 - Brewers overtake the Cubs
34:43 - We Need To Talk About: Crawford eyes change
42:35 - The Good
50:21 - The Bad
54:48 - The UgglaSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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22 May 2026, 5:09 pm - 1 hour 7 minutesTarik Skubal eyes quick return to the Tigers, injuries continue to pile up, Dylan Crews returns to Nationals & early 2026 Draft preview
The Detroit Tigers are not having the type of season they expected in 2026. After a rough first two months, they find themselves in fourth place in the AL Central and nine games under .500. While the offense hasn’t been able to find its groove yet, the loss of a certain Cy Young-winning pitcher has clearly been felt.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss what’s gone wrong for the Tigers this season, including Tarik Skubal going down with an injury. However, the two-time Cy Young Award winner underwent the NanoNeedle procedure to help his arm and is already ramping up throwing during rehab. Will his return to the rotation provide the Tigers with a much-needed boost on both sides of the ball and help turn the season around?
Later, Jake and Jordan discuss even more injuries ravaging teams throughout the league, including Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin going down and Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers suffering a fractured hamate bone. They then talk about the Washington Nationals recalling top prospect Dylan Crews for another stint in the big leagues, as well as give an early preview of the 2026 MLB Draft, which is set to take place this July in Philadelphia.
1:29 - The Opener: Tarik Skubal eyes a return
24:04 - Sorry For Your Mentions: Tigers rough loss
31:54 - Around The League: Catchers going down
40:06 - The return of Dylan Crews
50:10 - Jordan’s Prospect Hut: Early look at the draftSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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20 May 2026, 6:28 pm - 1 hour 13 minutesShohei Ohtani getting hot right before Dodgers-Padres, Mets shock Yankees in Subway Series & Phillies getting right
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres both had successful Rivalry Weekends, sweeping their respective series. The two teams atop the National League West are separated by only half a game as they head into what will surely be an entertaining matchup beginning Monday night at Petco Park in San Diego.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the action from Rivalry Weekend and preview the NL West showdown between the Dodgers and Padres, including Shohei Ohtani getting his explosive bat back to standard form after a monster series in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels. They also react to the Subway Series, which saw the New York Mets take two of three from the New York Yankees following a shocking bullpen meltdown by the Bronx Bombers in the bottom of the ninth that allowed the Mets to walk it off in the 10th inning.
Later, Jake and Jordan recap the beloved POOP series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates, which saw the City of Brotherly Love sweep its in-state rivals and continue its winning ways under new manager Don Mattingly. They then get into the Tarps Off phenomenon that took place at the St. Louis Cardinals game this weekend, the Chicago White Sox taking the series against the Chicago Cubs and a look at all the other weekend results.
1:33 - The Opener: Dodgers & Padres successful weekend
14:45 - Dodgers vs. Padres preview
26:07 - Phillies getting back on track
35:15 - Around the League: Tarps Off
48:55 - Mets take Subway Series
55:09 - White Sox win Battle of Chicago
59:44 - Turbo Mode recapSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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18 May 2026, 7:23 pm - 1 hour 6 minutesYankees-Mets & Cubs-White Sox headline Rivalry Weekend, Tarik Skubal injury update & a player we love is mashing
The 2026 edition of Rivalry Weekend has arrived, and there are a few matchups that are even more exciting this year than in previous years. While the Subway Series between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets will certainly grab headlines, it’s the battle on the South Side that has suddenly become one of the most exciting series thanks to both teams’ recent play.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down each of the Rivalry Weekend matchups, including the Mets riding a winning streak while the Yankees look to turn their fortunes around, and the first time the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have faced off with both teams over .500 in 18 years. They also highlight Shohei Ohtani facing off against Mike Trout and the battle of the Bay Area.
Later, Jake and Jordan take a look at the updated injury news surrounding Tarik Skubal and why it’s an encouraging sign, as well as Max Fried, Cal Raleigh and Francisco Alvarez being slated to miss some time. The guys then make their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.
1:19 - The Opener: Rivalry Weekend
6:17 - The Subway Series
14:10 - Crosstown Series
26:44 - Around The League: Skubal update
38:22 - Other injuries popping up
44:20 - The Good, The Bad & The UgglaSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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15 May 2026, 6:31 pm - 1 hour 21 minutesPlayers to be a little worried about, Paul Skenes is dominating, Mets promote A.J. Ewing & Liam Hicks talks hitting
As the baseball season approaches the middle of May, there are plenty of good things going on in the game that fans should be excited about. With players like Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber having typical slugger seasons, there are a few players for whom it might be getting a little late early when it comes to not seeing the usual production we’re used to.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman take a look at some players they’re starting to get a little concerned about and try to predict which ones could have a decent rebound. Can guys like Fernando Tatis Jr., Cal Raleigh and Bo Bichette figure it out at the plate and return to form or are they in for what could be a very long season?
Later, Jake and Jordan welcome Miami Marlins slugger Liam Hicks to the show as he talks about the adjustments he made at the plate in the offseason that are paying off for him this year, what it’s like having pitches called from the dugout and the strategy the team uses for the ABS. They then talk about Paul Skenes dominating on the mound once again, the New York Mets calling up A.J. Ewing and the return of Anthony Volpe to the Yankees.
2:04 - The Opener: Players to be concerned about
33:45 - Liam Hicks joins the show
1:01:11 - Around The League: Mets call up Ewing
1:07:46 - Paul Skenes dominates
1:10:51 - Trout and VolpeSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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13 May 2026, 6:51 pm - 1 hour 19 minutesJacob Misiorowski emerges as Brewers ace, Braves take down Dodgers in possible NLCS matchup & a surprising May trade
The Milwaukee Brewers completed a sweep of the New York Yankees this past weekend that included back-to-back walk-off wins to help them crawl a little closer to the top of the NL Central. However, it was something their young ace did in his start that stole the headlines for the series.
On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the emergence of Jacob Misiorowski as the true number one in the Brew Crew’s pitching staff after he threw some of the fastest pitches ever by a starting pitcher en route to helping Milwaukee secure the win. Even though the Brewers traded away former ace Freddy Peralta this past offseason, “The Miz” is grabbing the number one spot by the horns and might not relinquish it for a long time.
Later, Jake and Jordan talk about the Atlanta Braves taking two of three from the Los Angeles Dodgers in what could be a possible NLCS preview come October, and they get into the interesting trade for baseball “sickos” that went down between the San Francisco Giants and the Cleveland Guardians. The guys then recap all the other action from this past weekend in baseball, including the New York Mets not having a great road trip, the Texas Rangers cooling off the Chicago Cubs a little and Kyle Schwarber not slowing down in the home run department.
2:26 - The Opener: The Miz throws fire
17:16 - Why the Brewers are just getting going
26:29 - Around The League: Possible NLCS matchup
33:03 - Remembering Bobby Cox
37:34 - Giants & Guardians make a trade
53:32 - Turbo Mode: Rest of weekend actionSubscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:
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11 May 2026, 4:51 pm - 1 hour 28 minutesCan the Cubs Keep This Up? Spencer Jones Hype, Red-Hot Rays & Yankees Pressure in the AL East
The Chicago Cubs are absolutely on fire and the boys are asking the big question: is this historic run actually sustainable? Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman dive into the Cubs’ nine-game winning streak, their dominance at home and what’s fueling the best record in baseball. Plus, they discuss the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays and whether they can seriously challenge the New York Yankees in the AL East.
Then it’s time to go around the league. The guys break down the Yankees calling up towering prospect Spencer Jones and debate whether the Bronx Bombers may have found another version of Aaron Judge. They also discuss the latest on Tarik Skubal after his successful elbow surgery before opening up the mailbag to answer your best questions from around the baseball world.
To close out the show, Good, Bad & Uggla makes its glorious return. The boys chat about Jim Palmer, Kazuma Okamoto, the painfully struggling offense of the San Francisco Giants and plenty more chaos from another wild week around MLB.
Timetamps:(1:00) – Chicago Cubs on a historic run: can they keep it up?
(21:30) – Tampa Bay Rays are on fire: can they compete with the Yankees?
(29:00) – Yankees call-up top prospect Spencer Jones
(41:15) – Tarik Skubal surgery update
(47:15) – Bar-B-Cast Mailbag
(1:04:00) - The Good
(1:10:00) - The Bad
(1:18:30) - The Uggla
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8 May 2026, 6:10 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesTarik Skubal Injury Could Cost Him Millions, Ohtani Panic & Early MLB Awards Picks
Tarik Skubal’s season—and possibly his financial future—just took a major hit. The Tigers ace is expected to miss 2–3 months with an elbow injury, and Jake and Jordan break down what this means not only for Detroit’s season but also for Skubal’s looming free agency. Could this injury cost him a historic contract? They also discuss Framber Valdez’s struggles on the mound and the fallout from hitting Trevor Story in a lopsided loss to the Red Sox.
Shohei Ohtani continues to be one of the most fascinating players in baseball, but is there cause for concern? The guys analyze his recent pitching performance and dig into the narrative that his hitting dips when he’s on the mound. Is this just small sample size noise, or something teams should actually be paying attention to?
To wrap things up, it’s time for some early-season hardware. With one month in the books, Jake and Jordan hand out their picks for AL and NL MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year. Who’s real, who’s surprising, and who might not last? The overreactions are flying—and that’s exactly how we like it.
Timetamps:(1:00) – Tarik Skubal our 2-3 months with elbow injury
(26:30) – Framber Valdez ejected for hitting Trevor Story
(35:45) – Shohei Ohtani continues to not hit when pitching
(45:00) – Carlos Correa suffers major ankle injury
(50:30) – Early season MLB awards
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