The Chicago Cubs have been in need of a big-time player to join their lineup and improve their offense after a disappointing 2024 season. Late last week, they finally did so by landing one of the most coveted trade chips on the block: Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the blockbuster trade that sent the three-time All-Star to the Windy City and why it doesn't matter that the Cubs had to trade a few notable prospects to land the Gold Glove outfielder. They also wonder why the Astros ultimately traded Tucker and weren't able to get an extension done for him sooner to avoid letting him reach free agency after the 2025 season.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan talk about another post-Juan Soto pivot from Brian Cashman, as the New York Yankees acquired the two-time NL Reliever of the Year, Devin Williams, from the Milwaukee Brewers. They then dive into the trade that saw the Tampa Bay Rays send Jeffrey Springs to the Sacramento A’s and how it's a move that will help solve the A’s spending conundrum. The guys close the episode by discussing a few other minor transactions in baseball, the Minnesota Twins being for sale and Jake talks about his MLB findings while in Vietnam.

(2:21) - The Opener: Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker
(16:31) - Jordan’s Prospect Hut: Who the Astros got in the deal
(30:48) - Around the League: Yankees trade for Devin Williams
(45:36) - Rays trade Jeffrey Springs to A’s
(52:15) - Turbo Mode: Twins are for sale
(56:11) - Baseball in the Wild

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When Juan Soto decided to take his talents from the Bronx to Queens, joining the New York Mets, it forced Brian Cashman to re-evaluate his offseason plans. With many wondering where the New York Yankees would pivot to post-Soto, we got our first glimpse late on Tuesday.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Cashman and crew signing former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. By bolstering the rotation, the Yankees are now trying to spread the wealth that was going to be used mainly on Soto and reinforce other needs on the team. However, following this move, the Boston Red Sox counterpunched by acquiring Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet in a trade on Wednesday.

Also, on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys take a look at the moves made by the Texas Rangers, including re-signing starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and trading for Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins to help their roster in hopes of better success in 2024. Jake and Jordan then give an update on the Scott Boras Offseason Scoreboard following his press conferences at the Winter Meetings and in Flushing before making their picks this week for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(3:36) - The Opener: Yankees sign Fried
(12:18) - Red Sox trade for Crochet
(26:05) - Turbo Mode: Rangers making moves

(32:09) - Blue Jays, Guardians, Pirates complicate trades
(37:42) - Scott Boras Offseason Scoreboard update
(47:16) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

As the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings wrap up in Dallas, the baseball world is still discussing the historic contract the New York Mets handed out to Juan Soto. However, on Tuesday, it was another young, budding superstar who had baseball buzzing, when more details emerged about Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki and his free agency.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the media scrum with Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, which provided a little more clarity regarding the pitcher’s intentions to come to the United States to pitch next season, whether taking the biggest deal is a priority for him and why he’s choosing a different route than fellow countryman Shohei Ohtani.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about the St. Louis Cardinals putting All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado on the trade block and where he could possibly wind up, whether the New York Yankees not offering a suite to Juan Soto during negotiations was truly a dealbreaker that led him to the New York Mets and they provide an update on the Scott Boras Offseason Scoreboard following Tyler O’Neill and Michael Conforto signing deals.

(1:35) - The Opener: Roki Sasaki update

(15:35) - One Dumb Question: Soto suite drama

(24:00) - Arenado on the trade block

(30:56) - Around the League: Free agent signings

(39:40) - Scott Boras Offseason Scoreboard update

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

Juan Soto made a decision on Sunday night to keep his talents in New York. However, the future potential Hall of Famer chose to swap boroughs, moving from the Bronx to Queens, where he will reportedly join the New York Mets.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss, live from the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas, the historic 15-year, $765 million deal that shook the sports world and created jubilation among Mets fans who hope the 26-year-old outfielder will help lead them to their first World Series championship since 1986. They then talk about where teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays may turn to after missing out on Soto, and why, for one team, there's no winning the PR battle at this point with fans.

Later on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan give an update to the Scott Boras Offseason Scoreboard following the massive contract the super agent landed for Soto, as well as break down Willy Adames joining the San Francisco Giants, Luis Severino signing with the A’s and a few other notable free agent signings that have gone off the board.

(0:41) - Jordan finds out about Soto’s signing
(3:20) - The Opener: Juan Soto to the Mets
(20:50) - Where do teams that missed out go from here?
(32:15) - Scott Boras Offseason Scoreboard update
(34:40) - Willy Adames to the Giants
(41:13) - Luis Severino to the A’s
(45:45) - Shane Bieber, Clay Holmes sign deals

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

The end appears to be in sight for the Juan Soto sweepstakes. With the Winter Meetings set to take place next week in Dallas, all signs point to the superstar selecting a team as the baseball world gathers for the annual event. But will this year’s most anticipated free agency end without one last twist?

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about where things currently stand for the teams still in the running to land the star outfielder. The guys discuss why this whole free agency process has been fairly simple, whether a team might make a late push before a decision is made and then make their picks for who Soto might ultimately choose.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, FOX Sports and Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis joins the show to discuss the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, Shohei Ohtani’s historic 50-50 season and Joe’s rise in the broadcasting world. Jake and Jordan also talk about MLB’s potential ‘Golden At-Bat’ rule before making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(0:56) - The Opener: Soto sweepstakes winding down

(12:20) - Around the league: Chapman to Red Sox

(18:51) - Hyeseong Kim will be posted

(22:50) - Joe Davis joins the show

(29:08) - Appreciation for Ohtani

(31:20) - Favorite moments from the World Series run

(39:40) - Joe on his rise in broadcasting

(49:03) - MLB’s possible Golden At-Bat rule

(56:58) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

Starting pitchers are always a priority for teams looking to contend for a title, and this offseason has proven that statement continues to ring true. The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs both struck deals with starting pitchers, as they hope it leads to a stronger rotation than what they had in 2024.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss Frankie Montas signing with the Mets and why this is only the first part of the Amazins' rotation overhaul, as well as Matthew Boyd joining the Cubs and whether this could be the only starting pitcher they bring in this offseason. The guys also react to the Los Angeles Dodgers extending Tommy Edman and Juan Soto’s troll job announcing his new sponsor.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys are joined by Pod on Lansdowne co-host Liam Fennessy as they discuss all the recent Juan Soto-Boston Red Sox rumors, as well as the reaction from the Fenway faithful regarding the possibility of the megastar joining the Sox. Later, Jake & Jordan talk about Bryce Harper participating in a home run derby with MrBeast, why comedian Druski was wearing a Mike Soroka jersey and Branson Arroyo’s “legendary” appearance on The Masked Singer.

(1:45) - The Opener: Montas, Boyd sign deals
(15:51) - Dodgers extend Edman
(21:57) - Juan Soto’s new sponsorship
(25:02) - Liam Fennessy joins the show
(38:00) - Baseball in the Wild
(53:05) - Brandon Crawford retires
(56:07) - A quick Thanksgiving recap

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

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📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

Now that we’ve had some time to digest the end of what was a remarkable season in baseball, it’s time to look back and remember some of the many highlights that we’ll never forget. It’s time for the annual end-of-year MLB Time Capsule episode.

On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are joined by Foolish Bailey as they go in chronological order, pointing out the most memorable moments from the 2024 MLB season, including some that you might’ve forgotten about. From the gambling scandal heard ‘round the sports world involving Shohei Ohtani to Jorge López throwing his glove into the stands and sparking the New York Mets’ rejuvenation, all the way to the infamous Paw Patrol curse on Aaron Judge and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series victory parade.

Also on this episode, the guys remember Pedro Grifol and his refusal to look at the solar eclipse, the infamous drunk rendition of the National Anthem sung prior to the Home Run Derby, the celebration of the Negro Leagues at the Rickwood Classic game and so much more.

(4:30) - February

(13:22) - March

(18:44) - April

(29:28) - May

(34:02) - June

(42:00) - July

(52:24) - August

(58:18) - September

(1:11:48) - October

(1:24:15) - November

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

Last offseason when Blake Snell was a free agent, it took him and his agent Scott Boras until March 19th to strike a deal with the San Francisco Giants. After opting out of his two-year contract at the end of this season, Snell has struck a deal a lot quicker, and richer, than last offseason.

Jake Mintz is joined by Russell Dorsey as they talk bout the two-time Cy Young award winner agreeing to a five-year, $182 million deal with the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers. They discuss why Snell didn’t get a contract like this last offseason following his Cy Young campaign and the importance that he brings as an anchor to a rotation that has a few question marks.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Russell get into the complaints from non-Dodger fans about Los Angeles issuing out another contract that includes deferred money, why it’s all fair what the Dodgers are doing and the reason why this signing hurts the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants more than other teams.
 

(1:48) - The Opener: Snell to the Dodgers

(15:31) - Scott Boras Scoreboard update

(19:53) - Explain This To Me Like I’m Five: Deferred money

(23:50) - The Dodgers and their contracts

(35:33) - What teams are affected by the Snell signing?

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

The hot stove has been burning for roughly a month now, and the first free agent is off the board. The Los Angeles Angels, as they've done frequently this offseason, struck a deal with starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi for three years and $63 million.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the surprising signing and why this could be a positive move for the Angels, who may benefit from the third Wild Card spot. While Los Angeles might not be done making moves, this deal should be an encouraging sign for fans that the team intends to compete in 2025.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys provide an update on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, including which teams they think are out of the running and whether this process could end up being meaningless if Steve Cohen is willing to offer a blank check. The guys also open up the BBQ Mailbag to answer listener questions, discuss the trade between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals and remember 1970 National League batting champ Rico Carty.
 

(1:47) - Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi

(10:37) - Scott Boras scoreboard—Juan Soto update

(25:18) - BBQ Mailbag

(40:51) - Reds-Royals trade

(46:48) - Non-tender roster updates

(49:34) - Remembering Rico Carty

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

On Thursday night, the inevitable took place when Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani were both named MVPs of their respective leagues for the 2024 MLB season. While neither result was shocking, the unanimous vote for both further proved how historic and impressive their campaigns were.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the decision from the BBWAA to name Ohtani and Judge the best in their leagues, why there truly should’ve never been a doubt that both would win in unanimous fashion and then go through the rest of the ballot to see some of the more unique votes for MVP that you might not have expected.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys are joined by New York Yankees infielder Caleb Durbin to discuss his placement on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, how adjusting his swing helped make him a better power hitter, the FOMO he felt watching this recent postseason run and his time at Washington University. Then, Jake and Jordan give the latest update on when Roki Sasaki may sign, before giving their picks for The Good, The Bad, and The Uggla this week.

(2:01) - The Opener: Judge & Ohtani named MVP

(7:07) - Reviewing the rest of the MVP ballot

(22:19) - Quick notes on the Cy Young award

(25:43) - Caleb Durbin joins the show

(38:32) - Adjusting Caleb’s swing for power

(42:36) - Caleb’s relationship with Yankees players

(50:42) - Caleb’s first interaction with Jake

(54:39) - Latest on Roki Sasaki

(1:02:05) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

One of the more highly debated subjects of the baseball offseason is when the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot gets released. This year, however, there will be no debate about if Ichiro Suzuki will be elected, but rather if he will become only the second player ever to be voted into Cooperstown unanimously, joining Mariano Rivera.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the case for Ichiro possibly collecting 100% of the votes and the reasons why there might be a handful of voters who don’t vote for him, despite his over 3,000 career hits and debuting in the majors at age 27. They also discuss the other potential first-ballot Hall of Famer in CC Sabathia, as well as take a look at the rest of the newest nominees to the ballot.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys discuss Paul Skenes running away with the NL Rookie of the Year award, Luis Gil winning the AL honors despite it being a much closer race than expected and why the Manager of the Year award is a little silly. Jake & Jordan then examine who might receive some MVP votes before talking about a new team added to the Juan Soto sweepstakes.

(1:57) - The Opener: 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot
(13:01) - Interesting first-time nominees
(29:12) - Rookie of the Year results
(34:40) - Manager of the Year results
(43:27) - Cy Young Award preview
(45:41) - A look at the MVP nominees
(59:05) - Turbo Mode: A new Juan Soto suitor

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_