Baseball Bar-B-Cast

When the Los Angeles Dodgers started the 2026 campaign, their hopes of becoming the first MLB team to three-peat since the ’90s New York Yankees dynasty seemed pretty good. While their team features All-Stars scattered throughout their roster, a lot of their strength revolved around their two-way superstar, Shohei Ohtani. Now, just weeks away from the postseason, he finds himself on the injured list. On this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss if the back-to-back defending champions fumbled the injury situation with the four-time MVP winner and if Ohtani will be ready for the NLDS. They then get into Los Angeles calling up top prospect Josue De Paula and if his impressive showing in the minors will be able to translate this early in his career to the big leagues. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan revisit their bold predictions for the 2026 season from March and see how many they’ve gotten right, which ones are still in play, and which have hopelessly fallen by the wayside. The guys then make their selections for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad and the Uggla before highlighting the importance of baseball on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 1:15 - The Opener: Shohei Ohtani to the IL 28:43 - Dodgers call up top prospect 33:47 - Re-examining bold predictions 1:00:00 - The Good 1:05:37 - The Bad 1:11:17 - The Uggla 1:14:54 - Weekend Preview Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Aaron Judge hasn’t played a game for the New York Yankees since the final day of May. Since then, the Bronx Bombers have been able to tread water in the American League despite a less-than-impressive offense over the past three months. However, on Monday night, the Yankees activated their captain with hopes that it will be the difference-maker for the team. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the return of Aaron Judge to the Yankees lineup, why opting not to do a rehab stint works out for him with the Colorado Rockies in town, and whether the team will be able to stave off a Boston Red Sox team right on their tails in the Wild Card race. The guys then get into the controversial umpiring from Doug Eddings after he told St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hancel Rincon to fix his hat, recap an entertaining series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, and talk about Shohei Ohtani admitting to probably not pitching again this season. 1:11 - The Opener: Aaron Judge returns 22:11 - We Need To Talk About: Doug Eddings goes too far 37:43 - Around The League: Phillies-Braves recap 49:20 - Corbin Burnes is back 52:30 - Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch again in 2026 Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Adley Rutschman returned to his old stomping grounds on Thursday night to face off against the team that traded him a little over a month ago. Donning the colors of the Boston Red Sox now, the All-Star catcher hasn’t exactly gotten off on the right foot with his new club. However, with his return to Baltimore, Adley showed his old and new teams why he can be a dangerous hitter when he’s going right at the plate. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman highlight Adley’s two-home-run performance against the Baltimore Orioles, which helped propel the Red Sox to a 6-5 win over their division rival. The guys sink their teeth into the turnaround Boston has had this season and why Adley can be such an important piece of the lineup. They then look at other players who were moved before the deadline last month and try to determine which moves were winners and which were losers. Later on the show, Jake and Jordan take a look at the curious case surrounding Shohei Ohtani, his injuries and the Los Angeles Dodgers. After getting an extremely rare night off from playing, are injuries catching up to the two-way superstar, and if so, can the team get him right before the postseason? The guys then close the show by making their weekly picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla. 2:15 - The Opener: Adley returns to Baltimore 14:22 - Trade deadline winners & losers 29:05 - We Need To Talk About: Shohei Ohtani’s injuries 41:54 - The Good 48:35 - The Bad 53:59 - The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

On Tuesday, the baseball world was shocked to learn that longtime Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno had agreed to sell the franchise to Stan Kroenke, and fans of the Halos are ecstatic. After cries from the fanbase to sell the team, Moreno did just that — and to someone who has a pedigree of winning. Is the future bright for Angels fans? On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the $4 billion deal that sees the owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Arsenal FC, the Denver Nuggets and other professional franchises take over a bewildered baseball team that has been longing for success. They highlight some of Kroenke’s championship wins, whether the Angels will remain in Anaheim and what the future could mean for franchise star Mike Trout. Later on the show, Jake and Jordan welcome former MLB player and current broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs to talk about the exciting Friday Night Baseball watch-along on Apple TV that the guys will be doing starting this Friday. Ryan then talks about his time playing in Japan, why the Seattle Mariners are such a disappointment and the incredible game-saving catch by Colton Cowser. The guys then end the show by talking about the latest in the Los Angeles Dodgers-Mark Walter situation, the San Diego Padres calling up top prospect Ethan Salas and the Baltimore Orioles claiming Luis Robert Jr. from the New York Mets. 1:16 - The Opener: Angels get sold 29:51 - Ryan Spilborghs joins the show 47:01 - What is wrong with the Mariners? 58:41 - Around The League: Orioles claim Luis Robert Jr. 1:02:11 - Padres promote Salas 1:04:45 - Latest in Dodgers-Walter drama Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The American League this season hasn’t had a completely impressive showing from a wins perspective. While there are many teams under .500, there is one division that has three teams with winning records, as well as two teams that are within two games of reaching the .500 mark, which means we will surely get a dogfight down the stretch. The question now is: how many of the teams in the AL East will make the postseason? On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap an impressive showing this weekend from almost every team in the AL East, which saw the leading Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles all sweep their weekend series, as well as the New York Yankees taking three of four from the Boston Red Sox. With the Yankees and Red Sox seemingly locked into a wild-card spot at the very least, and the Blue Jays and Orioles less than two games out of the final spot, it’s a real possibility the postseason will feature four of these teams. Later on the show, Jake and Jordan talk about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ weekend at Comerica Park against the Detroit Tigers, where Tarik Skubal made his emotional return to the team that traded him just a few weeks ago, as well as how it seems manager Dave Roberts is prioritizing Shohei Ohtani’s bat over his pitching for the rest of the season. They then talk about Pete Crow-Armstrong’s impressive day, which might have just solidified his first-ever National League MVP trophy, as well as recap all the other action in baseball from this weekend. 1:25 - The Opener: AL Beast 18:59 - Yankees beat the Red Sox 29:35 - Big takeaways from the AL East 32:30 - Field Report: Skubal’s return 46:31 - Around The League: PCA for MVP 55:19 - Turbo Mode: Weekend Recap Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The Atlanta Braves completed a sweep of the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on Thursday night. The game featured a matchup between Chris Sale and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and while the latter threw a great game, it was the 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner who stood out with a complete-game shutout. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about what was a career-defining outing from Chris Sale against the Dodgers, one that felt very much like a throwback performance from starting pitchers of old. They discuss the excitement of hopefully getting to see Sale pitch in the postseason again after he was injured during the Braves’ last playoff run and whether he can possibly add another Cy Young to his trophy case. Jake and Jordan also talk about Tarik Skubal returning to Detroit this weekend to face his old club, Shohei Ohtani eyeing a return to the mound on Sunday and why the Dodgers losing Roki Sasaki to the IL comes with unfortunate timing. The guys then welcome Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers to discuss his incredible turnaround this season, playing behind Jacob Misiorowski and getting Aaron Judge out as a position-player pitcher. They then close the show by making their picks for this week’s The Good, The Bad and The Uggla . 1:41 - The Opener: Chris Sale’s complete-game shutout 16:59 - Could the Braves and Dodgers meet in October? 24:09 - Skubal, Ohtani and Roki updates 33:36 - Jake Bauers joins the show 49:29 - Playing with Jacob Misiorowski 58:40 - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The San Diego Padres have been a franchise since 1969, and while they’ve won two National League pennants, the ever-elusive World Series championship still eludes them. However, on Monday, there was a renewed sense of optimism and commitment to the team when the baseball world was introduced to the team’s new owners, who hope to finally end the club’s 57-year drought. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap all the highlights from the introductory press conference of new Padres owners José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, including their backgrounds, why this should be viewed as a separate investment beyond their other business dealings and why this is a different type of ownership group than we’re used to seeing. They also talk about the Padres’ game Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which saw Mason Miller finally give up a home run and Paul Skenes show signs of life in their victory. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan take a look at the Triple Crown case that Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez is making, what might be the one category in which he could lose a step and which stat they would sub out to make the achievement more modern. The guys also highlight the Cleveland Guardians looking to pull away in the AL Wild Card race, highlight Boston Red Sox starter Payton Tolle’s success on the field and give props to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh for finally getting hot after a sluggish season. 1:28 - The Opener: Padres' new owners say hello 25:36 - We Need To Talk About: Alvarez and the Triple Crown 46:16 - Around The League: Paul Skenes looks better 51:16 - Payton Tolle continues to impress 55:18 - Cal Raleigh is finally hot 57:41 - Guardians are in Wild Card position Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

As the baseball world enters the final month of the regular season, teams are all ready to make their final push to try and lock in their spot for the postseason. While the Wild Card spots have allowed more teams into the dance, some are still eyeing a possible division championship. With the Atlanta Braves being a mainstay at the top of the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies, on their hot streak, look ready to make a move to the top of the division. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the Phillies' nine-game win streak after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals and completing an incredible ninth-inning comeback on Sunday. Even though the Phillies and Braves will face off six more times before the season ends, there’s a real reason to believe that the City of Brotherly Love is not ready to settle for an NL Wild Card spot just yet. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan talk about the incredible game from Randy Arozarena on Saturday, as well as Kade Anderson’s debut in the same game and why the Seattle Mariners still have a good chance to possibly snag the AL West with their schedule the rest of the way. The guys then react to the breaking news that the Houston Astros are parting ways with GM Dana Brown, Shohei Ohtani getting closer to being back on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers and recap all the other action from this weekend in baseball. 2:15 - The Opener: Phillies on Fire 14:51 - We Need To Talk About: Randy Arozarena 27:38 - How Sweep It Is: Encouraging News for Dodgers 37:39 - Sweeps from the Weekend Recap 49:26 - Astros Part Ways with GM 1:00:02 - Turbo Mode: Weekend Recap Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Jordan Shusterman is back from vacation, and he re-joins Jake Mintz to take stock of the stretch run as October rapidly approaches. The hosts kick off the show by drafting their "main characters" for the remainder of the regular season—the 10 key individual players who will dictate, impact, and define the playoff picture, including Fernando Tatis Jr., Kyle Schwarber, Ronald Acuña Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, Jose Ramirez, and Cal Raleigh. Next, the guys break down the Seattle Mariners calling up the top pitching prospect in baseball, Kade Anderson. They discuss what makes the former LSU star so special, how he fell to the Mariners at the third pick in the draft, and what to expect from his debut against the Cubs. They also address the bizarre update surrounding Ketel Marte, who was moved from the restricted list to the 10-day IL following a team meeting with Diamondbacks executives. Finally, it’s Friday, which means an action-packed edition of "The Good, The Bad, and The Uggla”. Highlights from "The Good" include Milwaukee Brewers prospect Sawyer Strosnider hitting his first pro home run directly to his dad on the party deck and a gamer throwing a perfect game on MVP Baseball 2005 . "The Bad" touches on Jorge Polanco's season-ending ankle surgery and a non-definitive foul pole camera replay in Baltimore. "The Uggla” features a raccoon reaching through the Citi Field floorboards for peanuts and Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev revealing his diehard obsession with the Cincinnati Reds. Timetamps: (00:00) — Introduction & Jordan Returns From Vacation (01:57) — Rest-of-Season Main Characters Draft (Tatis, Schwarber, Acuña, PCA, J-Ram & More) (37:48) — Mariners Call Up #1 Pitching Prospect Cade Anderson (48:30) — Ketel Marte's Bizarre IL Update & Diamondbacks Meeting (56:15) — The Good: Dad Catches Son's 1st Pro HR & MVP 2005 Perfect Game Milestone (01:05:10) — The Bad: Jorge Polanco's Season-Ending Injury & Orioles Foul Pole Camera Controversy (01:13:55) — The Uggla: Citi Field Raccoon & Daniil Medvedev's Diehard Reds Obsession (01:21:28) — Weekend Series Preview & Outro Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The reigning back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have overwhelmingly been the odds-on favorite to win their 10th championship this season and become the first team to three-peat since the ’90s New York Yankees dynasty. However, despite their big offseason acquisitions and trading for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before the trade deadline, could there be something — or even someone — that will get in the way of the Dodgers pulling off the ultra-rare feat? On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz is joined by MLB writer for The Athletic Katie Woo as they try to figure out which players, despite the Dodgers’ success this season, could get in the way of Los Angeles being the last team standing in October for a third straight year. They also dive into Edwin Díaz landing back on the injured list and why the yips chatter is growing louder for Kyle Tucker this season. Later in the show, Jake and Katie talk about the curious situation involving Ketel Marte not showing up for Monday’s game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park and whether there’s a larger problem at play here. They then discuss how Mark Walter’s recent selling spree could affect the Dodgers at some point, the concerning situation of ICE detaining a coach from the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners getting bludgeoned by the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. 1:44 - The Opener: Dodgers’ Threat to Three-Peat 22:28 - We Need to Talk About: Marte Going MIA 35:40 - Around the League: Walter’s Selling Spree 44:01 - ICE Detains a Padres Coach 49:42 - Brewers Bludgeon the Mariners Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Every season, we see baseball players make their long-anticipated debut in the bigs. It’s the culmination of hard work and time paying off to achieve one of the hardest goals a baseball player can work toward. However, what we saw on Saturday at Wrigley Field might’ve been the most incredible debut by a player in the history of the sport. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz is joined by broadcaster Kevin Brown as they recap the amazing debut by Joshua Báez of the St. Louis Cardinals, which included him hitting three home runs in his first MLB game and helped the Redbirds take the series from their divisional rivals. They then discuss Báez’s background that led to him getting the call-up and how a broadcaster like Kevin goes about handling the moment for TV. Later in the show, Jake and Kevin take a look at the current crazy American League Wild Card standings, which have the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox leading the way, all the while seven other teams are vying for the third and final spot. They then get into the troubles that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker is facing while playing at home, Paul Skenes’s start getting bumped to Wednesday and recap all the other action from baseball this weekend. 2:23 - The Opener: Joshua Báez’s debut 21:33 - We Need To Talk About: AL Wild Card standings 51:43 - Who gets the last spot? 54:30 - Turbo Mode: Tucker’s home issues 1:03:35 - Paul Skenes gets bumped 1:06:43 - Weekend action recap Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Major League Baseball returned to Iowa for the first time since 2022 on Thursday night, with the Philadelphia Phillies defeating the Minnesota Twins in the third-ever Field of Dreams game. Taking place a stone’s throw away from the famous field from the movie, the game featured everything a baseball fan could want, including Kyle Schwarber going deep twice. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz is joined by MLB insider for SNY Chelsea Janes, as they recap all the action from the Phillies’ victory out by the corn, the theatrics behind the pregame festivities and why the game is important to baseball. They then try to figure out what other unique locations MLB could play a regular-season game in and how Bryce Harper is embracing his corny side. Later in the show, Jake and Chelsea dive into the complications that the New York Yankees and the New York Mets are facing this season, including how much the Bronx Bombers are relying on Aaron Judge to return this season and if David Stearns can fix the mess that’s in Flushing. They end the show by making their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla . 0:37 - The Opener: Phillies win in Iowa, next unique ballpark 12:56 - Recap of Field of Dreams game 22:37 - Can David Stearns fix the Mets? 37:30 - Will Aaron Judge return? 46:12 - The Good 51:19 - The Bad 54:58 - The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

When the 2026 season started with Paul Skenes having the roughest start of his MLB career against the New York Mets, many thought it would be just a blip on his greatness radar. Unfortunately, it might have been a precursor for things to come this season for the Pittsburgh Pirates ace, and now we’re left wondering if something is truly wrong with Skenes. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss yet another concerning start for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner and try to figure out what’s going on with Paul Skenes. They make a comparison between him and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who has also suffered a major falloff after his great 2025 campaign, and discuss whether the World Baseball Classic can be used as an excuse. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan talk about Jackson Merrill being at the forefront of the San Diego Padres’ hot offense, which has put them right back in the mix for a potential NL Wild Card spot. They then highlight the Chicago White Sox giving out a Pope hat as part of a giveaway, Tim Anderson announcing his retirement and play a fun game surrounding the 2026 Heart and Hustle Award winners. 1:11 - The Opener: Paul Skenes’ concern grows 19:13 - Cal Raleigh’s falloff from 2026 29:53 - Around The League: Pope mania reaches new high 37:25 - Tim Anderson announces retirement 43:37 - Padres are getting hot 48:38 - Thoughts on the Phillies 54:23 - Heart and Hustle Award game Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman take stock of the standings following the trade deadline, kicking off with the chaotic and mediocre American League wildcard race. They break down the Seattle Mariners’ miserable weekend, where the team was swept at home by the Tampa Bay Rays while celebrating 50 years of franchise history in front of over 40 franchise legends. The guys evaluate whether Dan Wilson's squad can recover during a grueling August road trip or if Seattle's season is officially slipping away. The conversation shifts to the surprising Detroit Tigers, who have surged into second place in the AL Central with the American League's best run differential behind strong pitching performances and the return of Jackson Jobe. Jake and Jordan also cover the Oakland A's decision to part ways with long-time front-office executive David Forst after a disastrous season, as well as Chris Sale's historic pre-game ejection at Yankee Stadium before the first pitch was even thrown. Over in the National League, the hosts dissect the Los Angeles Dodgers' recent slump after dropping two out of three games to the surging Arizona Diamondbacks. They analyze whether the Dodgers' aging offense is showing early warning signs for October, review the Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen fatigue, highlight the New York Mets' hot streak against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and close out the show with a debate over when the "dog days of summer" actually begin and end. Timetamps: (00:00) — Intro & Debating the "Dog Days of Summer" (01:32) — AL Standings Check & Seattle Mariners' 50th-Anniversary Disaster (12:02) — Tampa Bay Rays' Dominance & Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles (22:31) — Detroit Tigers' Surge & AL Central Standings Breakdown (28:56) — Yankees Beat Braves, Chris Sale Ejected Before 1st Pitch & Red Sox Drop Series to A's (34:53) — Oakland A's Part Ways with Executive David Forst (38:40) — NL West: Dodgers' Aging Offense Concerns & Diamondbacks' Surge (47:07) — Phillies Bullpen Woes, Padres Beat Astros & Mets Rock Pirates (59:43) — Weekend Quick Hits: Nats Sweep, Jacob Misiorowski's Dominance & Craig Kimbrel to Royals (01:08:38) — Final Thoughts & Defining the Baseball "Dog Days" Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the National League MVP race after Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani both hit two home runs in the finale of the Chicago Cubs' three-game sweep over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The guys dive deep into PCA’s leap as a hitter—including cutting his chase rate by 7.5%—and contrast his elite center field defense with Ohtani's offensive dominance and 85.2 innings on the mound. They also run through the rest of the MLB awards landscape, including Yordan Alvarez commanding the AL MVP, Dylan Cease battling Cam Schlittler for the AL Cy Young, Jacob Misiorowski facing Cristopher Sanchez for NL Cy Young, and key Rookie of the Year contenders. Next, the mailbag opens up for a series of wild conspiracy theories and listener emails. The hosts evaluate whether Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch traded Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers to fuel salary cap animosity, debate whether non-Dodgers front offices hold a "loser mentality," address a Washington Nationals fan's frustration over trading core stars, and discuss why Gen Z players keep trolling about whether Babe Ruth was a real person. Finally, it’s Friday, which means it’s time for "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly". Highlights from "The Good" include the Boston Red Sox's wild 13-inning comeback against the Chicago White Sox and Jefry Yan’s leaping strikeout debut for the New York Mets. "The Bad" covers Harrison Bader’s fire truck scooter accident and Kevin Gausman’s daughter roasting the Blue Jays. "The Uggla features Dave Dombrowski defending Alec Bohm using RBI statistics and Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio giving an unprompted rant about former Phillies players. Timestamps: (00:00) — Introduction & Cubs Sweep the Dodgers (02:18) — NL MVP Debate: Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. Shohei Ohtani (20:57) — Award Races: AL MVP, Cy Young & Rookie of the Year (30:13) — Mailbag: Tarik Skubal Trade & Salary Cap Conspiracy Theories (39:22) — Mailbag: Front Office Mindsets & Nats Fan Despair (53:30) — Mailbag: Does Gen Z Believe Babe Ruth Was Real? (57:44) — The Good: Red Sox 13-Inning Comeback & Jefry Yan's Leaping Debut (01:06:40) — The Bad: Harrison Bader's Scooter Incident & Gausman's Daughter Roasts Blue Jays (01:10:09) — The Uggla: Dave Dombrowski Defends Alec Bohm's RBIs & Vic Fangio's Phillies Rant (01:16:09) — Weekend Series Preview & Outro Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The biggest get of the trade deadline season made his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, with hopes that Tarik Skubal could end the mini-skid they had been on. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Dodgers and extended LA's losing streak to five. However, there's no need to panic about the defending back-to-back champs. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap Skubal's pretty good debut for his new team and why him landing in Los Angeles ultimately wasn't a shocking outcome. They then dive a little deeper into the actual deal, including the players the Detroit Tigers received in return for Skubal, whether they could've gotten a better deal by waiting until closer to the trade deadline and why there's even more intrigue surrounding the Dodgers this postseason. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan are joined by Boston Red Sox MassLive beat reporter Chris Cotillo to examine how the Red Sox did at the deadline, including the shocking acquisition of Adley Rutschman, the impressive winning stretch they've been on and what turned Craig Breslow into being a little more aggressive than we've been used to seeing. The guys then close the show by highlighting George Lombard Jr.'s impressive debut for the New York Yankees, the "new" look Philadelphia Phillies post-deadline and Jacob deGrom reportedly blocking a trade to the Atlanta Braves. ] 1:14 - The Opener: Skubal's first Dodgers start 20:48 - The return for the Tigers 30:10 - Chris Cotillo joins the show 38:02 - How good are the Red Sox? 49:45 - End of the Marcello Mayer era in Boston 55:51 - We Need To Talk About: Lombard Jr.'s debut 1:06:38 - Around The League Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The 2026 MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and with teams all looking to load up their rosters for a postseason push, we saw quite a few surprises before the deadline hit 6 p.m. ET. Between the Los Angeles Dodgers, not shockingly, trading for Tarik Skubal and the Boston Red Sox, shockingly, trading for Adley Rutschman, it’s time to look at all the activity from deadline day. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down all the deals that went down over the past few days, including the Philadelphia Phillies picking up Luis Arráez despite an already crowded infield, the New York Yankees trading for Luis Garcia Jr. to help their struggling offense and the Tampa Bay Rays adding Freddy Peralta to bolster their rotation. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan discuss all the moves that didn’t happen, including which teams they’re surprised didn’t make many moves before the clock struck six, which teams may have overpaid in their deals, and which GM had the best trade deadline. 1:13 - Where we stand heading into the deadline 18:23 - Foster Griffin gets traded 24:52 - Final deals come in before the deadline 31:26 - Casey Mize to the Padres 40:12 - Notable names not traded 53:53 - Yankees and their deadline 1:00:25 - Arráez and Skubal on the move 1:13:36 - Rutschman gets traded 1:23:49 - Winners and losers of the deadline Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

With the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline rapidly approaching this Monday, we're entering the final stretch as teams try to bolster their rosters and make one last postseason push. Since it's the final episode before the Baseball Bar-B-Cast Trade Deadline live show, we had to welcome ESPN Senior Baseball Reporter Jeff Passan to discuss all the potential deals that might—or might not—go down. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman chat with Jeff about whether Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is likely to be on the move, why he'd love to see him stay in the Motor City and whether anyone can stop the Los Angeles Dodgers from acquiring him. The guys then dive into why the San Diego Padres' asking price for closer Mason Miller is higher than anyone expected, which teams to keep an eye on before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline and what David Stearns might do with the New York Mets roster as they navigate a disappointing season. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan make their weekly picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla, including the Tigers calling up top prospect Max Clark and San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader getting into a scooter accident that ended his season. They also talk about the Women's Professional Baseball League kicking off this weekend and Joel Embiid posting about baseball. 0:52 - Jeff Passan joins the show! 3:43 - The latest on a Tarik Skubal trade 19:38 - How could the Dodgers not get Skubal? 28:16 - Teams that could go big at the deadline 30:16 - Current asking price for Mason Miller 33:04 - What do the Mets do at the deadline? 39:02 - How Jeff distinguishes "BREAKING NEWS" 47:34 - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal took the mound on Wednesday at Comerica Park with his future very much up in the air. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching this Monday, many in the stands and around the baseball world wondered if this would be the two-time Cy Young Award winner's final start for the Detroit Tigers. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why this could be the end of the line for Skubal in Detroit, as the Tigers continue to mull whether they will trade their ace despite still being in a postseason push. The guys then determine which team makes the most sense to acquire Skubal and what a potential trade package could look like if the Tigers decide to pull the trigger before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan try to identify the one player that the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, and other probable sellers will trade by Monday, and why now could be the perfect time for each club to think about the future. They close the show by taking a look at the current state of the Seattle Mariners following their first win at Dodger Stadium since 2009, Shohei Ohtani's biceps becoming a bit of a concern and an early look at the upcoming 30 for 30 podcast about the Ohtani-Ippei betting scandal. 1:58 – The Opener: Skubal's farewell? 10:48 – Who are the Skubal buyers? 34:02 – We Need To Talk About: Which players are the sellers trading? 53:23 – Around The League: Mariners vibe check 1:03:24 – Shohei Ohtani has a biceps problem 1:07:11 – Ohtani-Ippei 30 for 30 podcast Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals officially kicked off trade deadline season, completing a straightforward one-for-one swap this past weekend. The Nationals sent third baseman Curtis Mead to the Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Connelly Early, with both teams addressing organizational needs by swapping young talent. The question now is: Which teams will be the next to make a deal before the August 3 trade deadline? On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast , Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down the deal, give credit to the Nationals for the long-term process that landed them the Red Sox left-hander, and wonder how Mead might fit in with Boston. They then recap both teams' victorious series from this past weekend, which saw the Red Sox take down the Toronto Blue Jays despite an impressive pitching performance from Dylan Cease, while the D-backs fell to the Nationals. Later in the show, Jake and Jordan are joined by Chicago White Sox pitcher Erick Fedde, who talks about his Pop-A-Shot dominance in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse and the success the White Sox have had thanks in part to the major contributions from Munetaka Murakami. The guys then recap the rest of the weekend's action, including the San Diego Padres possibly playing themselves out of trading Mason Miller, the Detroit Tigers possibly playing themselves into trading Tarik Skubal and the Los Angeles Dodgers failing to sweep the New York Mets in Queens. 1:18 - The Opener: Red Sox & Nats make a trade 21:31 - Successful weekend for both teams in the standings 27:30 - Erick Fedde talks Pop-A-Shot, White Sox success 44:48 - How Sweep It Is: Padres and Rays sweep 53:36 - Around The League: Tigers might be selling 57:01 - Dodgers fail to complete the sweep 1:01:07 - Turbo Mode: Weekend recap Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram: 🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social 🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ 📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq ⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz 🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_