BaseballBiz On Deck

In this episode of BaseballBiz On Deck, Mark Corbett and Mat Germain dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering the World Baseball Classic, MLB luxury tax realities, Rays stadium costs in Tampa, and the latest trade rumors involving the Pirates and Rays.

With pitchers and catchers reporting soon, the conversation blends anticipation for the baseball season with serious questions about insurance, international tournaments, player safety, and league economics, along with several Tampa-specific developments.

World Baseball Classic 2026:  Insurance, Puerto Rico & Player Concerns

World Baseball Classic and growing concerns surrounding player insurance coverage, particularly for Team Puerto Rico

Key discussion points include:

• Insurance challenges for star players such as Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa
• Why pitchers face higher risk in international tournaments
• The possibility of Puerto Rico withdrawing despite hosting WBC pool play
• How MLB, players, and the World Baseball Classic share responsibility for coverage
• Broader concerns about fan safety, international security, and ICE involvement at global sporting events

Mark and Mat explore how these factors could affect attendance, participation, and the future of the World Baseball Classic

Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Update

The 2.3 Billion Dollar Price Tag

A headline-grabbing figure sparks the next segment as discussion turns to the reported 2.3 billion dollar cost tied to the Rays proposed stadium and surrounding development in Tampa

• Stadium versus mixed-use development costs
• Public funding compared to long-term tax revenue
• Mayor Jane Castor’s position as a lame-duck 
• Previous negotiations in St. Petersburg
• Why the project is being framed as an investment rather than a giveaway

Mark shares Tampa-specific context, including Gasparilla celebrations & the unusual sight of ice being placed inside Raymond James Stadium for a hockey event

MLB Luxury Tax - Who Pays, Who Benefits and Who Does Not

Mat breaks down the MLB competitive balance tax and how top spending teams continue to dominate payroll

• The Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees leading luxury tax payments
• Nearly 400 million dollars collected league-wide
• How some small-market teams retain revenue instead of reinvesting
• Why the system weakens competitive balance across multiple markets
• Calls for financial transparency and opening team books in the next CBA

Other impacting factors: Gambling revenue, international brand growth, and how winning teams build global fanbases.

Pirates, Rays and MLB Rumors & MLB trade developments & rumors

• The Pirates being linked to Framber Valdez and the impact of a potential elite rotation
• Blue Jays and Giants also monitoring the Valdez market
• Breaking News – Framber Valdez signs with the Detroit Tigers to the astonishment of fans and the Pittsburgh Pirates
• The Rays continuing their trend of three-team trades
• Tampa Bay acquiring Ben Williamson, a defense-first infielder with offensive upside
• How Williamson fits alongside Taylor Walls and Junior Caminero
• Why controllable, pre-arbitration players remain central to Rays roster construction

Mat also discusses Colton Ledbetter’s departure and how internal competition shapes Rays decision-making.

Remember to try to find the joy in every day

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.

 In this episode we weave together baseball culture and the moment we’re living in. From World Baseball Classic roster news to NL West outfield rankings. This episode also spotlights Rod Carew & salutes the good people of Minnesota in a time of adversity. 

World Baseball Classic Preview

Pool A outlook in Puerto Rico featuring: Puerto Rico Canada Panama Cuba Colombia

Team Canada updates:

• Freddie Freeman opts out for rest and recovery
• Josh Naylor steps in as a lineup anchor
• Bo Naylor behind the plate
• Tyler O’Neill Denzel Clarke Owen Caissie highlight the roster 
• Pitching depth  (availability pending)

WBC Stars & Opt-Outs

• Players opting out for health rest or personal reasons:
   Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, Tommy Edman Andy Pagés
• Dodgers confirmed to play in WBC include:
  • Shohei Ohtani Clayton Kershaw Will Smith (USA)
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto Seiya Suzuki Munetaka Murakami (Japan)
  • Japan discussed as early tournament favorites

MLB Roster & Team Analysis

NL West Outfield Rankings (Mat’s Take)  

• Padres, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants & Rockies
• Diamondbacks’ young core praised: Corbin Carroll, Blaze Alexander, Ryan Waldschmidt
• Giants’ signing of Harrison Bader: Defensive upgrade after ranking last in OF defense in 2025
• Potential to significantly help pitching in Oracle Park
• Discussion on how defense and athleticism translate to wins

Bigger Than Baseball - Minnesota Immigration & Humanity

• Minnesota culture (“Minnesota Nice”)
• Discussion of immigration narratives vs lived reality

Rod Carew, Panamanian Immigrant - Outstanding service as player & US Marine

• Born in Panama Hall of Famer US Marine Corps veteran
• Career with Minnesota Twins
• American League Batting Title named in his honor 
• Carew becomes a US citizen in 2024
• Baseball as a bridge between cultures and communities

Civic Responsibility & Democracy

• "22 minutes" political comedy perspective - https://www.youtube.com/@22Minutes - worth watching similar to SNL - Saturday Night Live
• Importance of free and fair elections
• People are stepping up
• Concerns over election interference
• Encouragement to stay informed engaged and compassionate
• Call for cooler heads ethical leadership and community support
• Minnesotans are great people and show peaceful response to harsh federal actions against the people living there
• US Administration meeting with Sports Commissioners what does it hold for changes in the future of their sports

Closing Thoughts

Remember that while baseball gives us joy perspective matters. The game doesn’t exist in a vacuum and neither do we. Acts of kindness standing up for others and staying engaged locally and nationally are just as important as wins and losses.

“Try to find the joy in every day amidst all the madness.”

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.

Rays Stadium looking for a New Edge in Tampa with HCC

• Hillsborough Community College Board of Trustees approve MOU with Rays
• MOU is a non-binding framework to explore possibilities.
• Discussion of campus location and its proximity to:
  • Raymond James Stadium (Buccaneers)
  • Steinbrenner Field (Yankees)
  • Amalie Arena (Lightning)
• Community reactions, faculty concerns & housing cost questions.
• 180-day timeline for the Rays to return with details.
• Governor comments on infrastructure support (but not direct stadium funding)
• Why this site could help build a centralized Tampa sports district similar to Atlanta’s Battery

Transportation, Development & Big-Picture Vision

• Traffic & parking comparisons vs. Tropicana Field
• Transportation planning 
• Innovation Edge concept & mixed-use development potential
• Broader impact beyond baseball: events, tourism, NCAA tournaments, & international visibility
• Differentiating Tampa Bay from Orlando and other Florida destinations.

Rays FanFest Block Party (Valentine’s Day)

• FanFest to be held in the Parking Lot of the Tropicana Field outdoors
• Block Party - Free parking, block party atmosphere, and fan-player interaction.
• Favorite FanFest memories:  
  • Player scavenger hunts
  • Ping-pong with Rays player 
  • Photo ops with Blake Snell & Tyler Glasnow
• Fans will be excited to meet this year at FanFest: Gavin Lux, Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Cedric Mullins, Steven Matz, Steven Wilson, Richie Palacios, & Justin Henry Malloy

Rays Roster & Player Development

• More “team-centric” Rays roster
• Ken Waldichuk - Pitch mix comparisons to Garrett Cleavinger
• Trade speculation: Johnny DeLuca, Taylor Walls, & White Sox connections

MLB Free Agency & Trades

• Cody Bellinger -  signs with the Yankees (5 years, $167M):
• Concerns about Cody's age, cost, & long-term value.
• Mets trade for Luis Robert Jr.:
  • Younger, cheaper, high-upside move
  • Risk-mitigated contract structure
• Why the Mets’ move may age better than the Yankees’
• Yankees’ roster flexibility and potential follow-up trades

Hall of Fame Talk

• Congrats to: Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltrán, Jeff Kent
• Rare moment: 2 elite center fielders entering together
• Looking to 2027 ballot: Buster Posey, John Lester, Chase Utley. Bobby Abreu
• Vote dynamics shift as names fall off the ballot

MLB Parity & CBA Discussion

• Tim Dierkes’ article:
   “MLB Parity Possible Without a Salary Cap” (MLB Trade Rumors)
  https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/author/tim-dierkes 
• Why this matters heading into the next Collective Bargaining Agreement

Final Thoughts

• Rays expectations may be more grounded than in recent years—but opportunity remains
• New ownership energy, patience in baseball operations & long-term vision
• The next 180 days could shape the future of baseball in Tampa Bay

Join the conversation!
Share your thoughts on the Rays, the stadium talks, FanFest, and MLB parity. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review BaseballBiz On Deck wherever you listen.

Rays Up!

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.

Mark Corbett and Mat Germain break down one of the most explosive stretches of MLB free agency in recent memory. With massive contracts, shocking signings, and widening payroll gaps, the duo digs into what these moves mean for competitive balance, player equity, and the future of Major League Baseball.

From Kyle Tucker’s blockbuster deal with the Dodgers to the Mets’ smart pivot with Bo Bichette, this episode explores who’s winning, who’s losing, and why the system itself may be reaching a breaking point.

MLB Free Agency Explosion

• Kyle Tucker signs a massive deal with the Dodgers, doubling Pete Alonso’s AAV
• Why the Dodgers felt desperate to get younger amid an aging core
• The true cost of star-heavy rosters and long-term risk

Aging Rosters & Hidden Cracks

• Dodgers’ projected roster age concerns
• Defensive regression as the overlooked weakness
• Why pitching depth can’t mask aging position players forever

Mets Pivot Smartly

• Mets lose out on Tucker but land Bo Bichette
• How Bichette improves infield versatility, offense, and defense
• Why Mat prefers Bichette over Tucker for the Mets

Blue Jays at a Crossroads

• Losing their best hitter and what it means for Toronto
• Aging George Springer and rising lineup risk
• Why Cody Bellinger could be their next critical move

Competitive Balance & Salary Cap Debate

• Two owners (Dodgers & Mets) changing the entire market
• Why 26 teams realistically can’t compete for elite free agents
• How lack of parity hurts players, fans, and the league’s value
• Floor + ceiling vs. the current “luxury tax theater”

Rank-and-File Players Left Behind

• How top-10% contracts squeeze out middle-class MLB players
• Arbitration battles over minimal dollars
• Why a salary floor could help more players than a pure cap

The Player Extension Dilemma

• Elly De La Cruz and the risk of waiting until free agency
• How looming CBA changes impact long-term decisions
• Will fear of a future cap push players to extend earlier?

Trades & Team Direction

• Josh Lowe to the Angels and the culture shift in Anaheim
• Rays add Gavin Lux and improve defensively up the middle
• Tampa Bay’s growing AA/AAA pitching surplus and trade leverage

Big Picture MLB Questions

• Why fans don’t care if the Dodgers win another title
• Comparisons to NFL parity and playoff access
• Why MLB risks becoming predictable - and boring

Notable Moments

• “This is getting obscene.”  -  on payroll disparity
• The idea of realigning divisions (Mets & Yankees together!)
• Mat’s evolving Free Agent All-Star Team in real time
• “Live free and live hard.”  
• Rays-focused episode coming soon

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Alex Bregman & Ranger Suarez signings & ripple effect across MLB teams, The art of sustaining a seasoned pitcher, HOF ballots, Bananas “Fans First” philosophy. Plus the impact on Royals players batting stats when Kauffman Stadium brings the walls in.

Hall of Fame Debate: Andruw Jones & Voting Flaws

• Strong case for Andruw Jones as a Hall of Famer based on his elite defense (Willie Mays–level), & offensive production
• Carlos Beltrán, Chase Utley, and Andy Pettitte highlights inconsistencies in Hall of Fame voting.
• How market bias & players from smaller market teams are penalized.
• Ugh factor: 10-year ballot system & public voting process.
• Simplify the process & reduce public “ranking” of great careers.
• “character & personality” wing of the HOF to honor the game’s most colorful figures.

Fans First Mentality 

• "Baseball taking itself too seriously?"
• Savannah Bananas & Jesse Cole’s “Fans First” philosophy.
• World Baseball Classic energy as a model MLB could learn from.
• Discussion of how fun, personality, & spectacle help grow the game.

Free Agent Signings - ripples in the MLB pond

Alex Bregman

• Cubs land Bregman; discussion on overpaying for past performance
• Ripple effects across the league (Arenado, Diamondbacks, Cubs infield).
• Leadership vs. long-term value debate

Red Sox

• Pivot to pitching with Ranger Suárez.
• Strengthening rotation depth & creating trade flexibility
• Craig Breslow praised for long-term roster vision

Mets Departing Mess – who is left

• Loss of core players (Alonso, Nimmo, McNeil, Díaz)
• Concerns about aging roster strategy and pitching depth
• Questionable “name-brand” spending habits
• Suggestion: move Rays to NL East and Mets to AL East

Kauffman Stadium Changes: Kansas City Royals impact

• Royals moving fences in at Kauffman Stadium
• Impact on Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Jac Caglianone & future hitters
• How will stadium dimensions affect player legacies & contracts
• How much will parks influence stats across eras?

Bigger Picture: MLB Structure & Scheduling

• Reaction to Rob Manfred’s floated ideas (in-season tournaments)
• Concerns about overcomplicating an already packed calendar
• Support for minor-league style scheduling:
  • 6-game series 
  • Mondays off
  • Reduced travel
  • Better pitcher health

Giving Back & Community

• Shout-out to Shady Rays sunglasses:
  • Each purchase helps to feed the hungry w/ Feed America & Blessings in a Backpack
  • Replacement guarantee & affordable alternative to premium brands
  • Learn more - https://shadyrays.com/pages/impact?srsltid=AfmBOop-INFkYAJKkia3p6J4hP6FYmSzmqEoiUg8En4d12T0Z7OBmk1Z 
• Appreciation for Joe Maddon’s continuous philanthropy w/ HEP, Homeless Empowerment Program - https://www.hepempowers.org/

Upcoming

• Spring Training approaching
• World Baseball Classic 
• International signing period opening
• AAGPBL legend Senaida “Shoo Shoo” Wirth

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Nathan Andrews, host of Full Count Chaos, shares his wit, wisdom & love of the Baltimore Orioles on BaseballBiz On Deck

• 2026 Front office is ready to spend and bring in new talent for the team
• Mike Elias’ liftoff
• Orioles owner, Rubenstein – ready to spend the money
• Signing Pete Alonso to the Orioles – a pleasant surprise
• Transition from Chris Davis to Alonso 
• Taylor Ward coming up with some punch in his bat
• Departure of Grayson Rodriguez
• O’s looking for outfielders
• Nathan’s dad pitched for the Orioles organization
• Loss of a lifetime Season Ticket – No internet to resolve
• Uncle Jim Lehew, side arm pitcher
• Ken Babby, Rays owner, dad was General Counsel for the Orioles
• Rays New Stadium – Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell 
• Rays' Puerto Rico night at George Steinbrenner field
• NFL - Bucs & Panthers game @ Raymond James
• MLB could take notes from NFL on how to attract young fans
• NFL Nickelodeon broadcast for kids 
• MLB needs more than $1 hot dogs to attract a younger audience
• Not a Chris Mullins fan – will Mullins play a role similar to Manuel Margot
• Delmon Young Trade Tree - Chris Archer deal  – Tyler Glasnow, Austin Meadows & Shane Baz
• Delmon Young 2014 - he will never have to buy a drink in his life in Baltimore
• What is Chris Archer doing
• Rays history of sending pitching to Minnesota
• AL East Outlook – Blue Jays will have a tougher time this upcoming season
• Vladdy the superstar – the Shohei Ohtani of the Blue Jays
• What would the Blue Jays look like if they added Kyle Tucker 
• Yankees ‘Sense of Entitlement – We’re Supposed to Win’  they need a Joe Torre mentality 
• Players who follow their managers & coaches
• Are the Orioles done with trades and signings for 2026
• Things are getting weird with the Orioles - Elias willing to give up prospects 
• Will Orioles need to add new arms to the team, starters, closers
• Starting Strong 5 pitchers – Bradish, Baz, Rogers, Eflin & Kremer
• Add a Tarik Skubal to the team
• Orioles bullpen – what next
• Will Felix Bautista pitch for the Orioles again
• Did Trevor Rogers trade his soul for his 2025 performance
• Will Felix Bautista pitch for the Orioles again
• Kyle Bradish came back strong after Tommy John surgery
• Shane Baz can be a strong #2 or #3 pitcher 
• Will the O’s and extend Baz’s contract as he is in his arbitration years
• O’s get a veteran vibe with Pete Alonso
• Mike Elias is finally, writing those checks that Rubenstein keeps shoving in his pocket
• Will O’s use that money to extend contracts with high performers on the team
• Wishing John Harbaugh all the best after departing from the Ravens
• Looking for a full house at Camden Yards this season with the 2026 Orioles
• Mat’s visit to Camden Yards & watching Derek Jeter finishing up his career with the Yankees
• Seeing 7,000 fans in the stadium - You might want to fix this
• Hopes to see consistently see 30,000 fans in Camden Yards in 2026

Special Thanks to Full Count Chaos' Nathan Andrews for sharing his love of the Orioles and insights on the upcoming season for the O's.  you can hear more about the Orioles from Nathan at www.fullcountchaos.com

if you enjoyed today's show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. you can discover more on Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballBizOnDeck.com
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Holiday Cheer & Border Patrol – keeping Canadian fans home

• Hockey World Junior Championships Minnesota, close to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta
• Games not 1/3 full at Championships
• Some game stands appeared completely empty

Roberto Clemente 21

• Died on New Years Eve while performing a humanitarian service to earthquake victims
• Roberto Clemente Foundation continues to serve those in need https://robertoclementefoundation.org/ 
• Why did Robert Clemente wear number 21 as his number

Family members in the game together - Joe Torre & Frank Torre; Wilson & William Contreras; Austin & Parker Meadows; Kyle & Preston Tucker

Kyle Tucker Free Agent - SF Giants could be a great fit for Kyle Tucker

Could Rays bring on Kyle Tucker 

• Rays productive bats - Caminero, Diaz & Aranda
• Have Tucker on team when Rays open new stadium
• Bo Bichette from St. Pete

Sour Lemons – how to make Baseball Lemonade

• Nolan Arenado leaving St. Louis – change should be good
• Arte Moreno & Angels outlook
• Nolan Arenado, Cardinals & the Angels – what sours a team?
• Angels brought Ron Washington, Travis d’Arnaud, Soler & still no positive vibe
• Angels - ineffective job developing players in minor league affiliates
• "Losing breeds Losing" Angels not building up their AA minor league talent
• Arte Moreno & Stu Sternberg conversation?
• A plethora of mercenaries

Home sales market dropping in Florida applies to the Rays, How does that impact Real Estate mogul & Rays owner balancing his Dream Home business with Rays

Give new ownership some leeway as they come in with so many changes including finding a location for a new stadium

WBC – World Baseball Classic & MLB Spring Training

MLB teams have 5 weeks to determine their roster before Spring Training & WBC starting

Off Season & baseball activities and collectibles

• $7,475 for Ty Cobb dentures. 
• High value for paint on a canvas 
• Jerseys & memories
• 1 collector bought a jersey from every player on his favorite team
• Ceramic Cows 
• Framing Evan Longoria for $20  – work project – Jersey, plexiglass and wood 

New Years resolutions 

• Increase Women baseball shows, Don’t do bad things, Craig Calcaterra “be better critical thinkers”
• Need on political landscape for a more factual and not reactionary response
• New & more frequent YouTube content

Kansas City Royals & the Kansas City Chiefs

• Chiefs may move from Missouri to Kansas
• Royals Kauffman Stadium adjacent to Chief’s Arrowhead Stadium
• 2031 Royals Kauffman stadium contract expires & Chiefs move into new stadium
• Time to consider making a change to their names – Kansas Monarchs

Top 10 Worthwhile projects for positives in the world including The Ocean Cleanup 

Remember the Season of Giving & Positive Change

The Ocean Cleanup – https://theoceancleanup.com/ effective change to remove plastics from rivers and the oceans

We are headed in the right direction

by 2031 “they will have rid the oceans of about 70 to 80% of the plastics that are in there right now” 

 Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
 Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

• RaysUp Off Season subtraction is actually a strong positive 
• More Christmas presents to come
• 3-Way Trade with Pittsburgh 
•  Brandon Lowe to Pirates – currently contract at $11.5 million contract
• Jake Mangum & Chandler Simpson – similar players – 
• Mason Montgomery – left handed starter and/or lethal closer like Aroldis Chapman
• Mike Burrows & Houston Astros
• Jacob Melton to the Rays – Kevin Kiermaier’ish outfield performance plus some hitting strength
• Anderson Brito – one of the talents when you can see the ceiling of being a number 1
• Rays building a strong rotation at A+ level 
• Shane Baz example - jumping from A to AA to Majors  - skipping AAA altogether
• 21-year old Brito will be coming up with Santiago Suarez. Trevor Harrison, Jose Urbina, and Andres Golan
• His fielder independent, , he had one of 2.91 and Santiago. Suarez, who's been consistently in the top 10, uh, prospects for the Rays is at 2.97
• Brito was an immediate improvement – to the Rays
• Rays got more from the Shane Baz deal than they did with the Chris Archer deal
• Future with prospects versus playoffs this year
• Lethal rotation with Drew Rasmussen. Ryan Pepiot. Shane McClanahan. Steven Mattson. Joe Boyle. 
• What would Rays do if Shane McClanahan goes down  – Rays could bring in  Ian Seymour, Joe Rock, &  Osvaldo Bido
• Yoendrys Gomez – relief/starting pitcher comes in from the White Sox
• Shane Baz’s potential to become an ace pitcher versus potential health issues
• Catcher of the future for the Rays – 
• Ketel Marte 2 tiers above Brandon Lowe
• Brandon Donovan
• Cardinals, Chaim Bloom's very familiar with Taylor Walls
• Jadher Areinamo
• 2nd base is solveable
• Cedric Mullins is sliding into that Manuel Margot role – stronger Right Field?
• Where does Josh Lowe wind up
• Shane Baz traded places
• Michael Forret – what will he add to pitching depth
• Catcher, Caden Bodine – significant hit tool
• Slater de Brun compared to Corbin Carroll & musical talent
• Austin Overn like Colton Ledbetter with 2X the speed
• Increasing the pressure in the Rays affiliate program
• Compensation pick –  essentially adding a first round pick for the Rays
• Shane Baz trade =  Zach Eflin & four other prospects
• How much have the Rays cleared up in salaries 
• Brandon Lowe - $11.5 million, Shane Baz - $3.5 million plus
• Ketel Marte is currently making $12.5 million
• Could Richie Palacios split time with Taylor Walls
• Jonny DeLuca, Taylor Walls & Josh Lowe are still on the roster today
• The 3-way trade & Ryan Pepiot’s arm with the D-backs
• Future show on the web of the Rays impact across several MLB Front Offices
• The Chicago White Rays – Duncan David, Curtis Mead, Ben Peoples, Alexander Alberto, Everson Pereira, Mike Vasil
• Mets move Jeff McNeil to Athletics’
• Will Mets pick up Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger
• Would like to see Eugenio Suarez to Marlins
• The Cardinals, Curt Flood, the Reserve Clause & the fight for Free Agency
• Curt Flood’s letter to Baseball Commissioner, Bowie Kun
• People are still talking $400 million for Kyle Tucker, they're still talking, 300 million for Bo Bichette.
• Ketel Marte to the Rays would be a great Christmas 
• Happy Festivus to the Rest of Us

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

Correction: Wander Franco is not scheduled to be on the 2026 World Baseball Classic Dominican Republic team as stated in the show by Mark. This was based on outdated information.

Kyle Tucker Watch

• Why Tucker remains the most intriguing outfield name on the market
• How a surprise signing—especially with the Giants—could dramatically alter the NL West
• Comparisons to past shock signings like Corey Seager to Texas
• Giants’ Offseason Moves
• Adrian Houser as an innings-eater who buys time for young arms
• The impact of adding Jason Foley midseason
• A potential core of Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and what if Kyle Tucker joined them

Luis Arráez:  Why is Arráez still unsigned  - ideal landing spots

• Arráez Potential landing spots: Pittsburgh Pirates: setting the table for Oneil Cruz or Cincinnati Reds: stabilizing the top of the lineup with flexibility at DH/2B

The Next Big Domino: Alex Bregman

• Bregman’s decision could unlock multiple trade and free-agent markets
• Second base vs. third base implications
• Possible fits: Astros reunion, Red Sox, Diamondbacks
• Ripple effects on Brendan Donovan, Brandon Lowe, and others
• Jorge Polanco to the Mets as a key piece falling
• Why second base is the position holding up much of the market
• Bo Bichette’s shifting market
• Alex Bregman, where will he land? 
• The 5-year contract limit rule of Alex Anthopoulos
• Anthony Volpe, has he worn out his welcome in New York with the Yankees fans
• What if Orioles signed Cody Bellinger along with Pete Alonso
• O’s need to build up their pitching 
• Tyler Marley could be a potential starting pitcher with the Orioles – take a look at his record with the Rangers
• Older pitchers that are still Free Agents & available: Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Chris Bassitt
• Ranger Suarez & Framber Valdez could be strong pitching options for O’s
• Concept of Max Sherzer & Justin Verlander return to the Detroit Tigers as the last stop of their career
• World Baseball Classic – which MLB players will be on the various countries’ teams
• Vladdy Jr will be playing for the Domican Republic – perhaps for Canada in the future
• Team USA’s amazing WBC team includes: Will Smith, Pete Alonso, Bobby Witt Jr., Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber
• 
  
• Strength of Team Japan in the WBC – that advantage of the timing of their season
• Venezuela Little League and Senior League challenges for teams and parents to attend games
• Will Donald Trump block Venezuela from participating in WBC games in the USA
• 3 MLB players for Team Australia, Travis Banzani, Liam Hendriks, Curtis Mead
• What will it take to bring Baseball & Women’s baseball to the Olympics
• Finding the right price for tickets to the WBC
• What happens if Wander Franco wins his court case and how will that impact the Tampa Bay Rays
• Pointless Quiz Game
• Advent Calendars & German Christmas Cake

Remember the Season of Giving
Neil Solondz with the Purple Stride -
To join go to http://support.pancan.org/goto/neilsolondz

Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com 
Special Thanks to XTaKe-R-U-X for the music Rocking Forward

• Timmy Trumpet intro’s Edwin Diaz – Kazoo version
• MLB Winter Meetings Vibe – transitions from old to new
• Networking meals, suites, closed door conversations and bars
• Edwin Diaz leaves the Mets to join the LA Do
• Kyle Schwarber re-signs with the Phillies
• Pete Alonso seen at the meetings & now has left the Mets to join the Baltimore Orioles
• Toronto Blue Jays were criticized for their selections early last year – but results developed a World Series competitor team
• How will the AL East & NL East respond to Alonso’s move to O’s
• Taylor Ward and Alonso can be veteran leadership for Baltimore
• Imagine O’s pitching adding Zac Gallen, Max Scherzer to the mix with Cody Ponce & Dylan Cease
• Pirates – what will this organization do to build a stronger team to keep Paul Skenes
• Pirates 2025 payroll around $90 million – ranking of 28 out of 30
• Pittsburgh had 2.5 million fans entering the home turnstiles in 2015.  That has dropped to 1.5 million
• What will Paul Skenes see in the stands if the Pirates expand spending
• Roy Halladay - Look to history and see missteps of Blue Jays on how they did not spend enough to build a strong team around Halladay
• Where would the Rays be if they had added Freddie Freeman
• There was a loss of 2 million fans as Alex Anthopoulos left the Blue Jays 
• Mark Prior was Paul Skenes before there was a Paul Skenes
• Dreaming on Kyle Tucker coming home to Tampa Bay Rays
• Most likely landing spots for Tucker – Mets, Blue Jays, Dodgers
• As George Springer is aging Kyle Tucker looks to be a great replacement piece for the Blue Jays
• What about Bo Bichette
• Mets need to make 3 new deals to strengthen their 2026 season
• Carson Benge & Chandler Simpson player comparison
• Jet Williams another potential hitter for the NY Mets
• Mets need to build a Sandlot Enthusiasm
• Reflect on great managers who are humble & relatable – Kevin Cash & Tony Francona
• Jeff McNeill lacks the defensive energy that Brandon Nimmo brings to the game
• How much would the Mets pay to sign Kyle Tucker
• Expect more signings before Christmas
• Dodgers Dave Roberts speaks candidly to Salary Caps & Salary Floors
• Mat’s Labor Peace equation includes Open Books, Salary Caps & Floors. These must be achieved before CBA negotiations
• Billionaire owners know how to play the game
• Christmas Cheer from the Germain & Corbett homes

Remember the Season of Giving 

Neil Solondz with the Purple Stride -
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Find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark @  [email protected] BaseballBiz on Deck, @ iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com