The D1Baseball Podcast

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons spotlight Cincinnati head coach Jordan Bischel and the Bearcats’ new “Cheetah Lab,” a dedicated space for bunting and baserunning. They reflect on how Cincinnati has weaponized bunt hits and stolen bases since Bischel's arrival in 2024. They also debate the modern game’s reliance on walking and slugging, argue offenses should be multiple and consider whether coaches have become less involved in in-game tactics. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsor 02:04 Cincinnati Cheetah Lab 05:20 Why Small Ball Matters 09:50 MLB Stats on Bunts 13:07 Favorite Inside Plays 16:11 Coaches Calling Offense 21:52 Winning Different Ways 24:31 Wrap-up For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Homefield is the industry leader in game day gear by and for true fans. Our friends at Homefield design and research EVERYTHING, from the fit and fabrics to the vintage logos, to make standout gear that defines Your Game Day. Shop the very best of Homefield, like: T-Shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks featuring unique designs for your school–they’ve got over 180 partner schools, which means there’s something for YOU Retro-style jackets for every part of the season Premium hats, with retro designs AND a fit for everyone And, just launched: The Homefield Stadium Polo, inspired by the bold, vibrant game day polos of the 90s. You can shop the very best in game day apparel for your team NOW with Homefield. Take 15% off your first purchase with code D15 at checkout at www.homefieldapparel.com ! Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans and coaches. Use code D1 to save on your first order at kerristoncoffee.com! SUBSCRIBE TO THE D1BASEBALL PODCAST Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons revisit a debate from last fall about which programs would win at least one CWS title in the next five years. The pair start the episode by noting Oklahoma’s 11th-place finish in the SEC and discussing how that result both validates betting on the SEC and encourages the rest of the country. They argue Oklahoma’s toughest threat came from Georgia Tech and point to other non-SEC near-misses like North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, Florida State, and UCLA as evidence that a breakthrough is possible outside the league. The conversation also examines why Georgia, despite recent dominance and a top-eight seed run, hit a wall in Omaha, comparing their missing star performances to 2024 Tennessee’s leadership and unconventional pitching. They close by discussing how roster construction has changed dramatically in recent years and spotlight the unique role of Tennessee opener Chris Stamos. 00:00 Welcome and Thank You Astroturf! 00:35 Receipts From Our Own CWS Predictions 02:23 SEC vs The Field: Then, Now, and Moving Forward 04:10 Oklahoma's CWS Run: A Breakdown 07:37 Can A Non-SEC Win It All In This Era Of College Baseball? 10:14 Oklahoma's Blueprint 12:36 Getting Hot at Right Time 15:49 Georgia's Future Chances At A CWS Title 17:33 Why Georgia Hit A Wall 22:56 Chris Stamos Opener Story 25:16 Wrap Up For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Homefield is the industry leader in game day gear by and for true fans. Our friends at Homefield design and research EVERYTHING, from the fit and fabrics to the vintage logos, to make standout gear that defines Your Game Day. Shop the very best of Homefield, like: T-Shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks featuring unique designs for your school–they’ve got over 180 partner schools, which means there’s something for YOU Retro-style jackets for every part of the season Premium hats, with retro designs AND a fit for everyone And, just launched: The Homefield Stadium Polo, inspired by the bold, vibrant game day polos of the 90s. You can shop the very best in game day apparel for your team NOW with Homefield. Take 15% off your first purchase with code D15 at checkout at www.homefieldapparel.com ! Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans and coaches. Use code D1 to save on your first order at kerristoncoffee.com! SUBSCRIBE TO THE D1BASEBALL PODCAST Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons react to the first weekend of college football and use it to highlight parallels with college baseball. They start with how limited fall scrimmages can mislead evaluations compared to real games, and why joint practices or preseason tune-ups could be valuable. They discuss “mind palaces” built in the offseason, overreactions to early results, and how coaches’ real trust shows up once lineups, rotations, and play-calling are revealed. They compare program arcs and “high water marks” through examples like Clemson–Dabo Swinney and Texas Tech–Tim Tadlock, and debate whether first impressions are clues or conclusions using A&M baseball and Michigan football analogies. They also touch on hype expectations, quarterback/pitcher projection, and the impact of home environments and fan emotion. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:19 Thank You Astroturf! 00:35 College Football to Baseball Parallels 02:12 Joint Practices Debate 04:21 Mind Palaces and Fan Emotions 05:45 Evaluating the "Fake Season" 09:29 ASU Freshman Reliever Story 10:46 Coaches Peak and Decline 15:46 First Impressions and Overreactions 21:18 Hype Teams and Notre Dame Rant 24:49 More Parallels: Kiffin, QBs, and Atmospheres 27:19 Final Thoughts For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Homefield is the industry leader in game day gear by and for true fans. Our friends at Homefield design and research EVERYTHING, from the fit and fabrics to the vintage logos, to make standout gear that defines Your Game Day. Shop the very best of Homefield, like: T-Shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks featuring unique designs for your school–they’ve got over 180 partner schools, which means there’s something for YOU Retro-style jackets for every part of the season Premium hats, with retro designs AND a fit for everyone And, just launched: The Homefield Stadium Polo, inspired by the bold, vibrant game day polos of the 90s. You can shop the very best in game day apparel for your team NOW with Homefield. Take 15% off your first purchase with code D15 at checkout at www.homefieldapparel.com! Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans and coaches. Use code D1 to save on your first order at kerristoncoffee.com! SUBSCRIBE TO THE D1BASEBALL PODCAST Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons continue their top transfer hitters discussion by evaluating several impact bats in the D1Baseball Top 10 Transfer Rankings and how their underlying data might translate at new programs. They discuss Jamie Laskofski’s move from William & Mary to North Carolina, noting strong barrel and contact indicators with potential power growth for a shortstop. They break down catcher Nate Savoie’s transfer to Texas A&M, highlighting elite exit velocities, high barrel rate, and prolific home run production. The show also covers Mikey Bell (Gonzaga to Georgia) as a doubles-heavy extra-base threat who could add homers in a better park, plus Washington’s Jackson Hotchkiss heading to Arizona State with top-tier hard-hit metrics despite an uneven year-to-year profile. They close on Travis Sanders (Baylor to Tennessee) as a productive hitter with swing-and-miss and ground-ball concerns, and Jake Hanley (Indiana to Georgia) as a physical left-handed bat with plate discipline and upside for a power jump. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:03 Thank You AstroTurf! 00:35 Top Transfer Hitters: Part II 00:59 Jamie Laskofski: W&M to North Carolina 03:12 Nate Savoie: Clemson To Texas A&M 06:11 Mikey Bell: Gonzaga To Georgia 09:06 Jackson Hotchkiss: Washington to Arizona State 13:24 Travis Sanders: Baylor to Tennessee 16:41 Jake Hanley: Indiana to Georgia 19:58 Wrap Up Top Ten Transfer Hitters: https://d1baseball.com/transfers/top-50-transfer-hitters-countdown-top-10/ For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Homefield is the industry leader in game day gear by and for true fans. Our friends at Homefield design and research EVERYTHING, from the fit and fabrics to the vintage logos, to make standout gear that defines Your Game Day. Shop the very best of Homefield, like: T-Shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks featuring unique designs for your school–they’ve got over 180 partner schools, which means there’s something for YOU Retro-style jackets for every part of the season Premium hats, with retro designs AND a fit for everyone And, just launched: The Homefield Stadium Polo, inspired by the bold, vibrant game day polos of the 90s. You can shop the very best in game day apparel for your team NOW with Homefield. Take 15% off your first purchase with code D15 at checkout at www.homefieldapparel.com ! Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans and coaches. Use code D1 to save on your first order at kerristoncoffee.com ! SUBSCRIBE TO THE D1BASEBALL PODCAST Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of The D1Baseball Podcast, Mike Rooney, Kendall Rogers, Bradley Smart and Joe Healy recap offseason transfer portal activity by highlighting players ranked 1-25, 26-50 and then outside of the top 50 of the site’s recent transfer player rankings. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 00:23 Printers and Ink Scams 01:58 Bradley Wedding Countdown 03:22 Transfer Portal Draft Setup 04:46 Top Hitters West Virginia 06:37 Vandy and Tennessee Bats 11:42 Nate Savoie to Texas A&M 17:14 Miami’s Chase Swift, Georgia’s Marcos Paz 21:01 Trey Morris to Florida 23:28 Ricky Ojeda and Other Arms 25:51 Rankings 26-50 Hitters 27:56 Wake Forest Outlook 28:56 Kyle McDaniel to Florida 31:25 Payton Brennan to Texas 32:14 Seojun Oh to Mizzou 34:05 UNC Speed Transfers Watch 36:28 Pitchers 26-50 Picks 37:57 Rogovic Ole Miss Breakdown 39:42 Bonus Arms: Stump, Espinoza 42:18 Lightning Round Sleepers 47:26 Teams to Watch, Portal Wins 56:52 Wrap-Up and Subscribe Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 D1Baseball is the #1 source for college baseball. Subscribe to our show to get the best college baseball podcast straight to your Apple Podcasts or Spotify feed all year round. Reviews and 5-star ratings are greatly appreciated! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss the D1Baseball transfer hitter rankings, noting that transfer evaluation is inexact and citing past portal hits and misses. They introduce this year’s top ten list , then focus on Bino Watters (Notre Dame to LSU) and analyze his approach, chase rate, batted-ball tendencies, and power upside, and on Chris Ramirez (Cal Baptist to Tennessee), emphasizing his defense, contact skills, speed, and fit relative to Tennessee’s typical shortstop profile. They end by teasing a Part 2 on the remaining transfers. 00:00 Welcome Back 00:26 Thank You AstroTurf! 01:02 Carrots Fantasy Detour 04:01 College Football 05:57 Burkie's Neyland Stadium Memories 07:28 Switching to Baseball 07:53 Transfer Portal Reality Check 13:57 Top 10 Transfer Hitters 16:20 Bino Watters: Notre Dame to LSU 21:30 Chris Ramirez: Cal Baptist to Tennessee 27:07 Part Two Coming On Thursday For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Homefield is the industry leader in game day gear by and for true fans. Our friends at Homefield design and research EVERYTHING, from the fit and fabrics to the vintage logos, to make standout gear that defines Your Game Day. Shop the very best of Homefield, like: T-Shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks featuring unique designs for your school–they’ve got over 180 partner schools, which means there’s something for YOU Retro-style jackets for every part of the season Premium hats, with retro designs AND a fit for everyone And, just launched: The Homefield Stadium Polo, inspired by the bold, vibrant game day polos of the 90s. You can shop the very best in game day apparel for your team NOW with Homefield. Take 15% off your first purchase with code D15 at checkout at www.homefieldapparel.com ! Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans and coaches. SUBSCRIBE TO THE D1BASEBALL PODCAST Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons compare the SEC of the late 1990s/early 2000s to today’s conference. They describe a league that once had clearer tiers—especially split by divisions—versus the current SEC’s depth where nearly every team can contend. They discuss key program shifts, including Ole Miss’ rise under Mike Bianco, South Carolina’s build under Ray Tanner, and how Tim Corbin’s transformation of Vanderbilt helped force the league to elevate its commitment. Burkie also shares a vivid memory of Skip recalling a 1999 Tennessee-LSU series and closes with details on facing Golden Spikes winner Kip Bouknight. 00:00 Welcome Back 01:23 How The SEC Has Changed Since 2001 05:00 SEC: Then vs Now 08:35 Burkie vs LSU Story 10:49 How The East Programs Have Evolved 13:28 South Carolina's Rise Under Tanner 16:44 Corbin Changed Everything 17:50 Facilities, Ballparks, and Crowds 23:00 Facing Kip Bouknight 25:02 Wrap Up For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Homefield is the industry leader in game day gear by and for true fans. Our friends at Homefield design and research EVERYTHING, from the fit and fabrics to the vintage logos, to make standout gear that defines Your Game Day. Shop the very best of Homefield, like: T-Shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks featuring unique designs for your school–they’ve got over 180 partner schools, which means there’s something for YOU Retro-style jackets for every part of the season Premium hats, with retro designs AND a fit for everyone And, just launched: The Homefield Stadium Polo, inspired by the bold, vibrant game day polos of the 90s. You can shop the very best in game day apparel for your team NOW with Homefield. Take 15% off your first purchase with code D15 at checkout at www.homefieldapparel.com ! Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Burkie and Roons discuss the Little League World Series (with Burkie live from Williamsport), sharing memories from their own Little League careers and highlighting standout players and moments from this year’s tournament. They compare the atmosphere of Williamsport to other big baseball stages, emphasizing the grandeur of the complex, the joy and nostalgia, and the unique experience of MLB players and kids interacting during the Little League Classic. Burkie also describes fan traditions like pin trading, the family-friendly accessibility, and why the LLWS belongs on any baseball fan’s bucket list. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:57 Little League Memories 01:37 Star Watch 01:59 Burkie's Little League Memories 04:37 Texas Regional Heartbreak 06:31 Brian Gordon Reunion 10:33 Favorite Moments 12:47 Williamsport vs. Omaha 15:52 Pins And Vibes 17:44 Little League Classic Magic 20:21 Big Board Van 22:07 Why It Matters 23:28 Final Thoughts For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of The D1Baseball Podcast, Joe Healy, Aaron Fitt, David Seifert and Patrick Ebert look back on the season in summer ball, with each of them running through a handful of players who caught their eye on the various circuits they cover. 00:00 Cold Open and Banter 00:47 Vivid Summer Memories 07:50 Summer Ball Roundtable Setup 09:12 Big Picture State of Summer Ball 16:04 Why Coverage Still Matters 18:00 Player Spotlights Begin 18:22 Northwoods Standout Sam Harry 20:13 Cape Arm Surprise: Christian Chatterton 23:08 Cape Power Arms Kircher and Dean 26:56 UNC Transfer Jamie Laskofski 29:23 Northwoods Breakout: Luke Kosko 31:37 NECBL Pitcher Drew Smith 33:31 Cincinnati Riser Derrick Pitts 35:46 Ryland Bozenhard Breakout Case 37:44 Mike Erspamer Curveball Weapon 40:11 Orleans Find Casey Cumiskey 41:57 UCLA Bat Dominic Cadiz 43:24 Jackson Barberi First=Round Heat 46:27 Ethan Porter 2028 Watch 48:37 Empty The Notebook Round 49:24 Ebert Rapid-Fire Names 52:30 Fitt Rapid-Fire Jokers 55:35 Seifert Cape Standouts 59:34 Healy Rapid-Fire Names to Know 01:07:00 Wrap-up and More Content Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 D1Baseball is the #1 source for college baseball. Subscribe to our show to get the best college baseball podcast straight to your Apple Podcasts or Spotify feed all year round. Reviews and 5-star ratings are greatly appreciated! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, prompted by the recent loss of Skip Bertman and a discussion of coaching legacy, Burkie and Roons debate the college baseball “Mount Rushmore” of Rosenblatt-era coaches. Burkie & Roons agree three picks are obvious—Rod Dedeaux (10 national titles at USC), Augie Garrido (five titles at Fullerton and Texas), and Bertman (five titles at LSU). But then, the pair has to sift through contenders for the fourth spot using College World Series wins, national titles, and broader impact. Candidates for the fourth and final spot include Ron Fraser, Cliff Gustafson, Mark Marquess, and Mike Martin (noted for 2,029 wins but no title), plus others like Jerry Kindell, Jim Brock, and Ray Tanner. Who's on your Mount Rushmore? 00:00 Welcome Back 00:04 Thank Your AstroTurf! 00:38 Mount Rushmore Setup 01:55 The Big Three Coaches 04:51 Era Context - Rosenblatt Rules 06:11 Contenders for Fourth Spot 08:07 Mike Martin and Sustained Greatness 12:02 Ron Fraser's Case 14:21 Pat Casey Sidebar Program Builder 20:08 Marquess Story and Debate 21:51 Final Picks and Wrap Up 24:19 Closing Notes and Next Week For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons welcome Ben McDonald to reflect on the passing and legacy of legendary LSU coach Skip Bertman. The conversation centers on Bertman’s recruiting power, teaching of fundamentals and pitching specifics, individualized motivation, and program-building vision that helped transform LSU and college baseball, including the early adoption of strength, mental skills, and fan-experience initiatives. McDonald shares a final hospital visit with Bertman, plus a defining “tough love” story involving Mark LaRosa that illustrates Bertman’s methods and competitive edge. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:19 Welcome to The D1 Daily, Ben McDonald! 00:53 Youth Baseball Stories From Ben 05:08 Remembering Skip Bertman 07:13 Being Recruited by Skip 09:52 Skip: The Teacher and Motivator 15:51 Skip’s Vision Changed College Baseball 18:36 What Made Skip a Closer 21:10 Skip Sees It Coming 23:17 Clean Baseball Fundamentals 24:17 Life Lessons Beyond LSU 27:37 Ahead Of The Game - Weightlifting 28:47 A True Five-Tool Coach 30:32 Gold Touch As An Athletic Director 31:38 One More Fun (Clean) Story 37:26 Final Wrap For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Mike Rooney is joined by Prep Baseball vice president of scouting Shooter Hunt to discuss which draft-eligible high school players actually make it to college amid NIL and transfer-portal volatility. They talk about why projecting freshman impact is harder than ever, how scouting and opponent “reports” now resemble pro ball, and why opportunity matters as much as talent. After reviewing some hits and misses from last year’s freshman projections, Hunt names five potential immediate-impact newcomers: Oregon State 's Blake Bowen, South Carolina 's Ethan Bass, Vanderbilt 's Gunnar Skelton, Clemson 's Chase Kiker, and Vanderbilt 's James Tronstein. They also cover Duke ’s James Clark and Stanford 's Archer Horn, then highlight strong incoming classes and key names at Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Troy, and Stanford. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:09 Introducing Shooter Hunt 00:58 On Campus List Explained 01:45 Why Freshmen Struggle Now 03:02 Scouting Arms Race in College 04:39 Last Year Hits and Misses 09:51 Five Impact Freshmen Picks 10:14 Blake Bowen - Oregon State 13:20 Ethan Bass - South Carolina 15:14 Gunner Skelton - Vanderbilt 17:35 Chase Kiker - Clemson 19:41 James Tronstein - Vanderbilt 21:38 James Clark - Duke 23:35 Archer Horn - Stanford 24:31 Stanford Lineup Pressure 26:35 Teddy Tokheim's (Stanford) Backstory 27:33 Tennessee's Impact Freshmen 29:49 LSU "Revenge Tour" Freshman Class 33:26 Mississippi State's Mega Arms 35:25 Kentucky's Two-Way Stars 37:39 Troy And Stanford Adds 40:16 Wrap Up And Next Shows Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons break down college baseball's biggest offseason winners. Using Kendall Rogers' offseason recap as a guide, they evaluate which programs are best positioned for 2027 after balancing roster retention, transfer portal additions and incoming recruiting classes. The duo discusses why LSU and Tennessee set the standard this summer, how Oklahoma continues to defy expectations under Skip Johnson and why Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Clemson, Southern California and Texas A&M all have compelling cases as offseason winners despite different roster outlooks. They also share why Mississippi State deserves to be in the conversation, examine the importance of keeping draft-eligible stars on campus and explain why the end of the signing period marks the true beginning of college baseball's "pre-fake season" as optimism shifts toward fall practice and the 2027 campaign. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsor 01:05 Who Won the Offseason? 01:58 LSU Revenge Tour 05:25 USC Staff and Arms 06:38 Big Ten West Outlook 08:01 Oklahoma Hard to Read 10:42 Kentucky Program Paradox 13:54 Oklahoma State and Clemson 18:20 Texas A&M and Tennessee Reload 19:39 Vols Transfers Deep Dive 24:21 Mississippi State Stock Up 25:49 Pre-Fake Season, Wrap For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss how college coaches can help hitters with chase and in-zone contact challenges, especially as more talented power hitters slip through the draft due to swing-and-miss concerns. The duo explores why some high-strikeout hitters are still worth betting on, using examples like Jac Caglianone, Vance Honeycutt and Tague Davis, and breaks down the difference between improving chase decisions and improving contact ability. They discuss how training tools, better swing decisions and count-specific approaches can help hitters maximize their offensive impact. Burkie and Roons also debate the evolving role of coaching in college baseball, including how much information coaches should provide hitters before and during at-bats. They examine the balance between helping players win at the college level while still developing the skills needed for professional baseball, and explain why conviction might be the biggest key for hitters trying to improve. 00:00 Welcome Back, Update 07:06 Draft Trend Strikeouts 10:18 Fixing Chase First 13:40 Hand-Eye and Training 15:59 Called Takes, Joy Sticking 21:53 Approach vs High Fastballs 27:43 Conviction and Wrap-up For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons run back Part 2 on the top 2027 draft-eligible hitters. They dig into Brodie Johnston’s year-over-year improvement at Vanderbilt, Trent Grindlinger’s standout contact and barrel metrics and the importance of proving he can catch, and why Jimmy Janicki’s big-stage performance could keep him in top-15 territory. The conversation also covers Nate Savoie’s track record and power indicators heading into SEC play, Adrian “A-Rod” Rodriguez’s massive postseason surge and shortstop outlook, Bino Watters as a wait-and-see power bet at LSU, and Stanford’s Teddy Tokheim’s elite zone-contact profile. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:04 Thank You AstroTurf! 00:35 Hitters Part Two Setup 01:23 Next Tier Names 02:11 The Key Metrics For Top 20 Picks 03:56 Brodie Johnston (Vanderbilt) 05:25 Trent Grindlinger (Tennessee) 07:58 Jimmy Janicki (Troy) 09:28 Nate Savoie (Clemson -> Texas A&M) 11:17 Adrian Rodriguez (Texas) 15:28 Bino Watters (Notre Dame -> LSU) 18:44 Teddy Tokheim (Stanford) 21:22 Wrap Up D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital. If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who've worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance. For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss the top pitching prospects in the 2027 MLB Draft. They start the episode, however, by recapping Burkie’s weekend at the Prep Baseball Futures Games in Atlanta, noting how turf at LakePoint helped games resume quickly after weather delays and describing the varied coach “vibes” and challenges of evaluating players in showcase settings. They discuss how modern roster limits and nonstop portal/combine recruiting force programs to prioritize only a few targets, and how recruiting remains unstable even after commitments. The episode then shifts to 2027 draft-eligible college arms, with Dax Whitney (Oregon State), Tomas Valincius (Mississippi State), and Chris Levonas (Wake Forest) as a clear top tier, using chase rate, fastball miss %, breaking ball miss %, and in-zone whiff to separate their profiles. They debate ceilings—Whitney as potential ace despite Tommy John, Levonas as higher-volatility upside, and Valincius as a safer mid-rotation type—and preview a deep next group while flagging Oregon’s Will Sanford as a breakout candidate. 00:00 Summer Daily Kickoff 00:15 AstroTurf Sponsor Shoutout 00:29 Thank You AstroTurf! 01:39 Recruiting Grind At Prep Baseball Futures Games 04:08 Parent Perspective At Recruiting Events 05:01 How Evaluators Really Decide 06:37 Roster Limits Change Recruiting 08:57 2027 Draft Class Pitchers: Tier One 10:59 Tier One Pitcher Comps 13:00 Dax Whitney: Unicorn? 15:06 Nerd Stats And Whiff Rates 23:51 Next Tier Of Arms To Watch 26:28 Will Sanford: Sleeper Pick? 28:59 Wrap Up For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss early 2027 draft outlooks, focusing on a standout group of sophomore (rising junior) hitters. They start with Brendan Lawson ’s combination of power and strike-zone control, debate his long-term defensive home, and note improved defense late in the year, contrasting traditional stats with underlying data. They cover Landon Hairston ’s elite at-bats and top-10 potential despite a smaller left-field profile, then break down West Virginia’s Gavin Kelly as a rapidly improving bat with emerging power and possible catcher/second-base versatility. The conversation highlights Chase Fralick ’s case to stay at catcher, left-handed impact, elite in-zone contact, and below-average chase. They close on Tague Davis ’s massive home-run production, strong first-base defense, elite barrel rate, and the draft risk created by high chase and low in-zone contact, before tabling pitchers for a future episode. 00:00 Welcome and Thank You AstroTurf! 00:47 2027 Draft Prospects 01:19 Florida's Brendan Lawson 05:51 Arizona State's Landon Hairston 06:50 West Virginia's Gavin Kelly 09:24 Auburn's Chase Fralick 12:36 Louisville's Tague Davis 19:56 Wrap Up and Next Episode(s) For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss upcoming rules aimed at speeding up college baseball, including ABS (automated balls and strikes) approved for 2027 and two experimental conference-only rules: a two-disengagement limit and a three-batter minimum for pitchers. Burkie shares observations from Hoover, explaining how ABS may effectively expand the strike zone via a buffer area, leading to more called strikes, and how challenge strategy can influence outcomes. They also cover practical implementation details for schools with TrackMan but limited video board capabilities. The duo debates which experimental rule will have the biggest impact, arguing that limiting pickoffs will reduce stalling, increase game action, and potentially boost stolen-base attempts, while the three-batter minimum may curb unnecessary pitching changes. 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:51 ABS Rollout and Logistics 03:17 How ABS Changes the Strike Zone 05:20 Challenges Strategy and Catcher Value 12:35 Experimental Rules: Pickoffs and Pitching Changes 19:40 Wrap Up: Get On With It For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss the winners of the draft and go through notable college players returning to school or going undrafted. The duo highlights top players returning to college baseball in 2027, led by Oklahoma State slugger Kollin Ritchie (31 HR) and several UNC returners, plus names like Ryan Zuckerman , Ricky Ojeda , Jarren Purify , Tyler Minick , Caden McDonald , and Ethan Mendoza . They discuss how NIL money, extra eligibility, and changing draft economics are keeping players in college longer, and debate what that means for MLB development and today’s faster-moving minor league system. The episode shifts to draft/recruiting “winners,” highlighting Tennessee , Vanderbilt , LSU , Mississippi State , Kentucky , and Arkansas , as well as non-SEC programs Oregon State , Stanford , and Oklahoma State . They close by noting Mario Pesca as a gritty ninth-round pick. 2026 MLB Draft Tracker : https://d1ba.se/26draft 00:00 Welcome Back! 00:38 Big Names Returning 03:37 Why Stay in College? 04:57 MLB Pipeline Debate 09:29 Draft: Winners & Losers 12:37 Tennessee Class Breakdown 15:08 Vanderbilt and Corbin Buzz 18:06 Non-SEC Winners Wrap 18:23 Mario Pesca Shoutout 18:54 Take A Hike! D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital . If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who’ve worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance. For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Burkie and Roons recap a rapidly changing MLB Draft landscape, focusing on how NIL, expanded college eligibility, and a shortened development path are influencing player leverage and pushing more talent toward college baseball. They discuss MLB’s apparent shift toward prioritizing contact and track record over swing-and-miss profiles and pure home-run totals, using examples such as Derek Curiel, Zion Rose, AJ Gracia, and the "slide" of toolsy but "lower-contact" hitters like Justin LeBron and Daniel Jackson. The episode runs through notable first-round storylines, including Roch Cholowsky, Vahn Lackey, top arm Jackson Flora, surprise pick Jake Schaffner, Ace Reese’s landing spot, and prospect promotion incentive selections Carter Beck, Carson Wiggins, and Jack Radel. They also note draft-volume leaders and caution fans against equating draft totals with team success. 2026 MLB Draft Tracker: https://d1ba.se/26draft 00:00 Welcome 00:05 Thank you, AstroTurf! 00:39 ESPN Draft Broadcast Talk 01:51 How NIL Reshaped Leverage 03:28 Age Stigma and Player Comps 05:45 Draft Expectations & Contact Trend 07:20 Top Picks and Track Record 09:40 Zion Rose Deep Dive 13:00 Contact Over Power in Round One 15:55 Jake Schaffner: Surprise Pick 17:55 Late First Round Storylines 22:35 Daniel Jackson Head Scratcher 25:28 Draft Totals & High School Decline 28:29 Wrap + Next Episode Tease D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital . If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who’ve worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance. For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/ Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order! SUBSCRIBE Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .