MLB Morning Lineup Podcast

With pitchers and catchers reporting to camp this week it’s time to focus on the arms we look forward to watching most in Spring Training, led by Roki Sasaki, of course. Also, our tour around the Majors leads us to Atlanta for a look at the Braves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are players so exciting that when they’re at the plate, you don’t dare look away. Let’s take a look at one such player in each division. Elly De La Cruz certainly qualifies here, too, paving the way for an in-depth look at the Reds, as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete Alonso is back in the Big Apple! MLB.com's Mandy Bell breaks down his new deal with the Mets, then shares the top takeaways from PECOTA's 2025 standings projections and previews the Pirates with some insight from beat writer Alex Stumpf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our continuing coverage of Black History Month, we recount the remarkable story of a 12-year-old Black boy named Joe Reliford playing pro ball in the Deep South in the 1950s. Also, this week's NL Central preview continues with the Cubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into the latest projections to identify 10 players who could put together record-breaking performances this upcoming season, and our preview series continues with a look at the Brewers as they attempt to defend their NL Central title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend’s big NBA trade got us thinking. What deals have created huge waves in the baseball world? Babe Ruth from the Red Sox to the Yankees immediately comes to mind. Also, sources tell MLB.com that Jack Flaherty is set to return to the Tigers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After ending a postseason drought in '22, Seattle looked ready to contend for seasons to come. But the M's haven't been back to the playoffs since. They're among a handful of teams desperate to win. Also, a look at a much-improved Rockies squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reliever market heated up in a big way Wednesday, with several pitchers agreeing to terms with new teams. MLB.com's Mandy Bell gets you up to speed, then is joined by Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell to see what's in store in San Diego in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rays IF Junior Caminero clobbered a 454-foot, go-ahead homer in Game 7 of the Dominican Winter League finals and nearly broke the internet with his ensuing celebration. MLB.com's Matt Monagan relives the iconic moment, then previews the 2025 Giants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our preview series continues with a look at the Dodgers and whether or not they are truly unstoppable, and we catch up on the latest offseason chatter, including some intriguing trade rumors that might be slowing down the free-agent market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Cohen expressed his frustrations over negotiations with free agent Pete Alonso, calling them “exhausting” and hinting it might be time for the Mets to move on. Also, MLB Pipeline unveiled its Top 100 prospects list with Roki Sasaki at No. 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLB.com's Will Leitch highlights one rivalry from each division that you won't want to miss this season, then previews the 2025 Yankees as we continue our team-by-team offseason breakdowns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring Training is near, but Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman remain unsigned. MLB.com's Mandy Bell discusses potential landing spots for the star sluggers, plus looks ahead to the 2025 Red Sox as we continue our team-by-team offseason breakdowns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ichiro Suzuki & CC Sabathia were elected to the Hall of Fame in their 1st year of eligibility, with the Japanese star coming one vote shy of a unanimous pick. Billy Wagner also got in, in his final year on the ballot. Plus, we preview the 2025 Rays Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All-Star slugger Anthony Santander is staying in the AL East, agreeing to a 5-year deal with the Blue Jays. MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince analyzes the move and previews the 2025 Hall of Fame results, which will be revealed at 6 p.m. ET on MLB Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Word broke Friday that the Dodgers had landed the most coveted international free agent, Japan's Roki Sasaki. Two days later, L.A. struck again, inking the top FA reliever in Tanner Scott. Plus, we'll preview the Blue Jays and check in on the Cards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re introducing you to History This Week, a HISTORY Channel original podcast. Learn about Masanori Murakami, a pitcher who became the first player to successfully make the jump from Japan to MLB – decades before Hideo Nomo, Ichiro Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki and other influential Japanese baseball stars did the same. To stay updated: historythisweekpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the baseball world mourns the passing of broadcasting legend Bob Uecker, it also allows us to look back at his amazing life and the joy and humor he brought to us all, while in the booth and on TV and the silver screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The international signing period is underway and is about much more than Roki Sasaki, though the Japanese righty is clearly the headliner. In this episode we spell out how the whole thing works. Also, we take a look at Twins' outlook for 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the international signing periods opens, we're down to 3 teams in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes. We look at what he would mean for each club. We'll then preview the up-and-coming Tigers, looking to take the next step after last year's playoff berth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mariners, Braves and Padres are among the teams that have largely been on the sidelines this offseason, but that could change in a hurry with Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki and other free agents yet to choose their next home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blue Jays have found their closer, signing Jeff Hoffman to a 3-year, $33 million contract. Who will be the next reliever to come off the board? Perhaps Tommy Kahnle? And our team-by-team breakdown takes us to Cleveland for a look at the Guards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers are No. 1 in our first Power Rankings of 2025. Of course. But there are some surprises after that as we sort through all 30 teams deep into the Hot Stove season. Also, we finish week one of our outlook series with a look at the Rangers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mystery team is reportedly involved in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes. Who might it be? MLB.com's Mandy Bell outlines the clubs that fit the bill, plus takes a deep dive into the Mariners as we continue our team-by-team offseason breakdowns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Verlander will make at least one more stop before likely heading to Cooperstown. The 41-year-old right-hander is joining the Giants on a one-year deal (source). We then look in on the reliever market, where many arms remain available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's attempt to answer where Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki will call home for his MLB debut, who will lock up the top remaining hitters, whether we will get another blockbuster trade and when the market will heat up for free-agent relievers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While all eyes are on international star Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers picked up a different top player from overseas by signing Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim. Elsewhere, the O's continued to revamp their rotation with veteran righty Charlie Morton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's catch up on some of the deals you might have missed: Corbin Burnes joined the D-backs, Teoscar Hernández re-signed with the Dodgers and Gleyber Torres landed with the Tigers. But some big free-agent names are still seeking contracts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Christmas Day, would have been Rickey Henderson's 66th birthday. But he passed just days ago. So in our last podcast of the year before a short break, we devote its entirety to the exploits of one of the greatest players in MLB history. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A pre-holiday flurry of signings began with a pair of arms coming off the board in Sean Manaea and World Series hero Walker Buehler. There are still plenty of big-name free agents available and the New Year should provide even more answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the bases, at the plate and in the field, Rickey Henderson was a once-in-a-generation player. Off the field, there was nobody like him, either. Let's dive into the stats and stories of the Hall of Famer, who passed away over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They are both third basemen, Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado. There appear to be 6 main suitors for Bregman, including his ex-team, the Astros, who thought they had a deal for Arenado until he nixed a trade and thrust the whole market back into flux. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Billy Wagner enters his final year on the Hall of Fame ballot, MLB.com's Matt Monagan makes a case for the generational closer, who came oh-so-close to reaching Cooperstown last year. Plus, coverage from Max Fried's introductory presser and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Yankees' deal to acquire former MVP Cody Bellinger is no doubt a home run. Bellinger is extremely versatile and can play the outfield and first base. He also provides the Yanks with a potent bat they can plug in most anywhere in their lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juan Soto has Queens abuzz, but few players have personified the Mets like Pete Alonso, the affable slugger whose free agency could spark another crosstown bidding battle. Plus, get the latest on Corbin Burnes and more trade chatter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In return for sending Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, the Astros got a third baseman in Isaac Paredes. Does that end Alex Bregman's time in Houston? Not necessarily, although the Astros reportedly are also interested in trading for the Cards' Nolan Arenado Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Winter Meetings are in the rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean major moves will slow down. Quite the contrary, as we now wait on other big time free agents (Corbin Burnes) to make their decisions and more huge trades (Kyle Tucker?) to go down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Red Sox pulled off a huge move, acquiring All-Star lefty Garrett Crochet from the White Sox for a handful of top prospects to put the finishing touches on an eventful three days of Winter Meetings in Dallas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Yanks didn't waste much time moving on from Juan Soto, landing Max Fried with the largest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher. The Blue Jays swung a deal with the Guardians for star 2B Andrés Giménez. And the Nats won the Draft Lottery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juan Soto's record contract with the Mets was the talk of the Winter Meetings as teams arrived in Dallas, and now the focus turns to teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays after they came up short in the Soto sweepstakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juan Soto is bringing his generational bat crosstown, agreeing with the Mets on a 15-year, $765 million free-agent contract that surpasses Shohei Ohtani's deal with the Dodgers. What's next for the free-agent market at this week’s Winter Meetings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Winter Meetings are just days away. Will Leitch previews all the possible goings-on in Dallas, where Juan Soto could finally make a decision, other top free agents could sign, big-name players could be dealt and the MLB Draft Lottery will happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The MLB Morning Lineup podcast gets you up to date on all the biggest baseball news in under 10 minutes. Posting season starts Thursday, which means it shouldn't be long before KBO infielder Hyeseong Kim and NPB flamethrower Roki Sasaki join MLB clubs. MLB.com's Mandy Bell explains why they're such coveted players and what the signing process entails. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For all the talk of the Yankees, Mets and others offering gobs of money to Juan Soto, multiple reports say it's the Blue Jays who have the largest offer on the table. Elsewhere, teams are reportedly looking to turn an All-Star closer into a starter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Boyd (Cubs) and Frankie Montas (Mets) joined Yusei Kikuchi (Angels), Blake Snell (Dodgers) and Michael Wacha (Royals) as the latest starters to sign new deals -- and there's one key thing they have in common. Let us explain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers kept busy over the holiday weekend, finalizing their deal with Blake Snell and signing Tommy Edman to a contract extension. Now all eyes turn to top free agent Juan Soto, with teams making offers and a decision potentially on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Angels have been one of the most active teams this offseason and continued that trend by reaching a three-year, $63M deal with Yusei Kikuchi. Other teams seem ready to get in on the fun with Juan Soto expected to begin receiving offers this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Offseason maneuvers kicked off as the non-tender deadline saw 62 players become free agents. Also, the first big deal of the winter went down as the Reds dealt infielder Jonathan India to the Royals for righty starter Brady Singer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite stiff competition, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge cemented their status as baseball's best players on Thursday, capping their historic 2024 campaigns with unanimous MVP honors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It really wasn't a surprise that the Tigers' Tarik Skubal and the Braves' Chris Sale won the Cy Young Awards -- Skubal was unanimous in the AL and Sale ran away in the NL. But wait till you hear about the season one of the third-place finishers had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices