The self-imposed deadline between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays to ink the first baseman to a long-term deal has come and gone without an agreement. Vladdy may not be very long for the powder blue unis north of the border. Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman open today's podcast episode diving into what this means for the Blue Jays and for Vlad with no extension in place and the 1B likely heading to free agency this November. Did Juan Soto's massive offseason haul make Vlad reconsider his options in regards to testing the market? Will the Blue Jays look to trade their homegrown star before this summer's deadline? Jake & Jordan talk it all out.

Elsewhere in the majors, Alex Bregman has only been with the Boston Red Sox for a few weeks and already there is drama in the infield. When asked if he would be willing to give up playing third base to the incoming Bregman, longtime Sox 3B Rafael Devers simply said, "no." First baseman Tristan Casas backed Devers up. What will that mean for Boston's infield this year as now there is a crowded game of musical chairs at first base, third base and DH.

Later in the show, Jordan Shusterman discusses commissioner Rob Manfred's latest address to the media this week in Arizona and how he mostly defended the Los Angeles Dodgers' winter spending spree which had come under the ire of the other 29 fanbases.

Closing out the show, the guys play a round of The Good, The Bad, The Uggla in which the Houston Astros are moving Jose Altuve to left field, Shohei Ohtani cannot parallel park his Porsche and Jake has some recommendations to rename the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.

(1:30) - Vlad Jr. does not extend with Toronto before deadline

(18:25) - Devers vs. Bregman at 3B in Boston

(27:10) - Manfred speaks about LAD's spending spree

(34:40) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla: Altuve to LF, Shohei can't park, Grapefruit league names & more

Follow the show on X at @CespedesBBQ

Follow Jake @Jake_Mintz

Follow Jordan @J_Shusterman_

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are both fully entrenched in Spring training camps in Florida and Arizona, respectively. Mintz shares what he learned and witnessed in Juan Soto's arrival at Mets camp. Shusterman describes the fever pitch atmosphere at Dodgers camp and the two discuss the latest drama surrounding Yankees camp. The two also unveil teams 30-26 in their U26 power rankings and play a fun NRI trivia game to end the pod. 

(1:30) - The Opener: Juan Soto arrives at Mets camp and shares what he wants to improve on in 2025

(12:40) - The Opener: Dodgers camp is the epicenter of the baseball world right now 

(22:00) - Yankees camp storylines: Marcus Stroman is not happy with his role and Stanton is already hurt 

(36:50) - Angels camp: Mike Trout is moving from CF to RF 

(38:35) - Unveiling the U26 power rankings: Teams 30-26

(48:20) - Jake's NRI 'who they play for right now' trivia game 

(58:45) - Turbo Mode: Spring training signings to note 

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

The last holdout for notable free agents has finally signed, as Alex Bregman and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a deal late Wednesday night that sees the former Houston Astros third baseman taking his talents to Beantown. While the move isn’t entirely shocking considering both the team and player have been connected throughout the offseason, how Bregman fits is the next question.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why it was a logical move for the Red Sox to acquire the former All-Star, if Bregman will opt out of his contract following 2025 and the possible reason he chose to play for the Red Sox and manager Alex Cora instead of reuniting with A.J. Hinch in Detroit for a longer deal.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys discuss Nick Pivetta and Kenley Jansen signing deals out on the West Coast, as well as talk about one of the bigger problems the New York Yankees might be facing this season. Jake & Jordan then make their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla, including if Anthony Rendon has played his final game in the bigs.
 

(2:39) - The Opener: Alex Bregman to the Red Sox

(26:07) - Around the League: Pivetta, Jansen sign

(38:01) - Spring Training Field Report: Yankees, Rays updates

(43:44) - Turbo Mode: Other news and notes from baseball

(47:33) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

(1:03:03) - BBQ Homework

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring Training kicks off this week for MLB clubs, with many players already reporting to their club sites to get ready for the marathon that starts next month. However, for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, he still doesn’t know where, or when, he’ll be reporting to camp.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss Bregman still waiting for Scott Boras to broker a deal between one of the teams that have shown interest, and those who should be, in the services of the All-Star infielder, including the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers. They also talk about why this is the possible consequence of playing the waiting game and what kind of contract he can expect at this point.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys are joined by former All-Star and four-time Gold Glove first baseman Eric Hosmer, as they dive into his career, including success off of Chris Sale and Clayton Kershaw, his adventures playing the outfield and his clutch gene that led to nine career walk-offs. Jake and Jordan then talk about some of the other moves around baseball before discussing what a baseball career for Patrick Mahomes might’ve looked like.

(1:29) - Is it baseball season?
(7:46) - The Opener: Where will Alex Bregman sign?
(22:27) - Eric Hosmer joins the show
(35:08) - Hosmer on how hitting has changed
(44:51) - Where didn’t Hosmer homer?
(53:26) - Around The League: Padres, Dodgers make moves
(59:35) - BBQ Homework: What does a Patrick Mahomes baseball career look like?

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the most notable free agents has finally signed with only days until Spring Training, and it’s a reunion that many have been expecting. Late Wednesday night, the New York Mets and Pete Alonso agreed on a deal to bring the Polar Bear back for at least one more season in Flushing.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why the re-signing by the Mets was always inevitable despite the back-and-forth between the club and Alonso’s camp, the reasoning why the first-base market never materialized for Pete and the reason why the Amazin’s lineup looks so much better now.

Also, on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about a few notable Spring Training position battles, including who is playing third base for the New York Yankees and which pitchers might be included in an already crowded Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation. Jake & Jordan then talk about a few important players returning in 2025 before making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(1:30) - The Opener: Pete Alonso re-signs
(15:53) - Scott Boras Scoreboard update
(21:20) - Around The League: Spring Training position battles
(33:47) - Who’s returning in 2025?
(37:48) - Turbo Mode: Baseball transactions
(42:00) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla
(1:01:12) - BBQ Homework

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

As Spring Training rapidly approaches, a couple of notable free-agent pitchers have found teams just in time for pitchers and catchers to report. With Jack Flaherty returning to the Detroit Tigers and Max Scherzer taking his Hall of Fame resume to the Toronto Blue Jays, both teams are hoping the pitchers provide a spark to their rotations.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the surprising move of Flaherty going back to Detroit and why his contract signals that he will more than likely re-test free agency after next season, as well as whether the Blue Jays will be able to get a healthy Scherzer to anchor their rotation in an already competitive AL East division.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys take a look at some of the top prospects in baseball, including Roman Anthony from the Boston Red Sox, Sebastian Walcott from the Texas Rangers and Drake Baldwin from the Atlanta Braves. They then answer some of your questions from the BBQ mailbag before offering a baseball comp to the Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade.
 

(1:09) - The Opener: Jack Flaherty to the Tigers

(11:47) - Max Scherzer to the Blue Jays

(20:17) - Jordan’s Prospect Hut: A look at some top prospects

(41:40) - BBQ Mailbag

(58:52) - What’s the baseball comp to the Luka-A.D. trade?

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New York Yankees haven’t been quiet this offseason in regard to putting together a roster that they feel can hopefully get them back to the World Series in 2025. The same can be said for Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner this past week when he made a little noise himself, notably making comments about how the Los Angeles Dodgers have spent this offseason.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the noise that came from the Boss in the Bronx about how teams can’t spend like the world champs currently are and if these comments have something to do with the upcoming CBA talks that will surely focus on free agency and the way teams spend. They also talk about Hal selling the 2025 team as better than the 2024 club and whether the Yankees can actually put faith in a bounce-back season from Paul Goldschmidt and DJ LeMahieu.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys get into the incredible performance (and bat flip) by Junior Caminero from Game 7 of the LIDOM championship, including a feat that’s almost unheard of and how much better he can possibly get. Jake and Jordan also talk about Ha-Seong Kim and Carlos Estévez signing deals, as well as make their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(1:36) - The Opener: Hal Steinbrenner’s comments

(21:44) - Around the League: Ha-Seong Kim and Carlos Estévez sign

(33:18) - Turbo Mode: Recapping other transactions

(38:53) - Holy %^&*$#&%: Junior Caminero’s Game 7 performance

(52:08) - The Good

(55:26) - The Bad

(59:41) - The Uggla

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the weekend, the Houston Astros were finally able to trade reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs after he agreed to waive his no-trade clause and sign off on the deal. With the trade going through and some money being saved, could this mean the Astros are willing to bring back a familiar face at third base?

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss whether the Pressly-Cubs trade could indicate that Houston is trying to find funds to re-sign Alex Bregman and reunite him with Jose Altuve, something the second baseman has said he's willing to do by moving to the outfield to help accommodate the team. Even though the Astros have, in theory, moved on from the two-time All-Star based on the moves they’ve made, perhaps a reunion could be in the cards now.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about comments made by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen at Amazin’ Day, which suggest he might be drawing a line in the sand regarding bringing back Pete Alonso and why he may be showing agent Scott Boras he’s done being taken advantage of. Later, Jake and Jordan discuss some controversy in the LIDOM championship that might involve a corked bat, as well as the Washington Nationals doing something they’ve never done before.

(1:28) - The Opener: Possible Bregman reunion
(17:54) - What can Cubs expect from Pressly?
(22:56) - Kind of a Big Deal: Cohen comments on Alonso
(36:46) - LIDOM championship controversy
(46:20) - Around the League: Nationals sign Shinnosuke Ogasawara

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

The members of the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame class were announced on Tuesday night. Ichiro Suzuki, C.C. Sabathia and Billy Wagner received the news that they would be enshrined in Cooperstown, adding yet another notable achievement to the legacy of their storied careers.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the very deserving class of 2025, including why it’s not a big deal that Ichiro didn’t get 100% of the vote, Sabathia overcoming struggles with addiction that helped him get back into baseball and Billy Wagner’s emotional reception of the news on his final try on the ballot. They then talk about the potential 2026 class and whether Carlos Beltrán will be the only player elected.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about the Los Angeles Dodgers introducing Roki Sasaki to the media on Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves bringing in Jurickson Profar to solidify their outfield, the Cleveland Guardians’ surprising addition of Paul Sewald and then make their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(1:00) - The Opener: Hall of Fame Class of 2025
(27:53) - Dodgers unveil Roki
(48:40) - Around the League: Profar to the Braves
(55:29) - Guardians get some relief
(58:07) - The Good
(1:01:08) - The Bad
(1:05:40) - The Uggla

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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

The dream offseason that the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are having continued with the signing of prized Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, right before agreeing to a deal with star closer Tanner Scott. As the Dodgers continue to assemble a team that resembles something out of a video game, many are wondering if this is good for the game of baseball.

Jake Mintz is joined by senior writer from The Athletic, Andy McCullough, as they discuss whether Los Angeles’ spending is going a bit too far and whether it could force the league to consider a spending cap in future CBA negotiations. They also talk about why the Dodgers are in a position where they can take a risk on acquiring a reliever like Tanner Scott in a way that other teams might not be willing to.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Andy discuss the Toronto Blue Jays finally landing the slugger they've been after in Anthony Santander and why they might be having a sneaky good offseason that could help them land a postseason spot come October. They also get into the Baseball Hall of Fame election announcement, which will likely include Ichiro Suzuki, C.C. Sabathia, and Billy Wagner all being elected.

(1:39) - The Opener - Roki Sasaki to the Dodgers
(20:27) - Dodgers sign Tanner Scott
(26:22) - Is LA’s spending bad for baseball?
(42:05) - One Dumb Question - A salary cap in baseball?
(50:11) - Around The League - Santander to Toronto
(54:41) - Hall of Fame election night

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

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

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

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

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

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

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

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

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