MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Marcus Stroman lobbying for an extension with the Cubs seemingly not interested, what Pete Alonso’s injury means for an already struggling Mets and Astros GM Dana Brown stating that they plan to target bats at the deadline despite their seeming pitching needs.

Listener question topics include whether any impact hitters will be available at the deadline, if the Orioles will trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter and how much interest the Cardinals’ position player depth would bring.

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins host Darragh McDonald to talk about Elly De La Cruz debuting for the Reds, how he will factor into the the infield picture and if it could lead to a trade of Jonathan India or Nick Senzel.

They also Alek Manoah being optioned to the minor leagues less than a year after being a Cy Young finalist and Jacob DeGrom needing elbow surgery less than three months into his five-year contract with the Rangers.

Listener question topics include what kind of contract can Kevin Keirmaier get if he can stay healthy, the chances of the Brewers trading Corbin Burnes and with Marcus Stroman holding an opt-out clause, if the Cubs should try to either trade or extend him. 

Also, don’t forget to check out our new series on the site counting down the best deadline rental returns in recent history.

Darragh McDonald takes over hosting duties and is joined by MLBTR's Anthony Franco to discuss how no team in the National League is truly out of the race, Michael Soroka and Tyler Glasnow returning from injuries and whether Aaron Hicks or any of the other recently cast-off veterans can provide any value to a new team.

Listener question topics include the Giants' chances in the division race, if there's a scenario where the Padres would trade Juan Soto, if the Twins are safe in a weak AL Central and the state of the Angels' rotation.

Will Sammon of The Athletic joins Simon Hampton to talk about what has led to the Mets' improved play, Francisco Alvarez' role once the veteran catchers return from injury and what holes the team might try to fill at the trade deadline.

Then, MLBTR's Darragh McDonald comes on to discuss what the Mariners need to do to break out in a crowded AL West, whether the Marlins' success is sustainable and the impressive youth movement in Arizona. 

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins Simon Hampton to discuss the Cardinals'  sudden reversal on their recent decision to relieve Willson Contreras of his catching duties, and the emergence of Mitch Keller as a topline starting pitcher in Pittsburgh's rotation.

Listener question topics include the timeline for the Reds to call up top prospect Elly De La Cruz,  Eduardo Rodriguez as a potential trade target and why the Padres haven't been living up to their expectations. 

Katie Woo, the Cardinals writer for The Athletic, joins Simon Hampton to discuss Willson Contreras being pulled from the catcher position, Nolan Arenado's early struggles and the possibility of a Jordan Montgomery extension.

Later, MLBTR's Darragh McDonald comes on to talk about what Max Fried's forearm strain means for the Braves, all five teams in the AL East being over .500, the state of the Astros and how the balanced schedule could affect the Wild Card picture.

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins Simon Hampton to talk about Bryce Harper's speedy recovery from Tommy John surgery and dive deep into what players the White Sox might make available in trades if they choose to sell after their poor start to the season. 

Listener submitted topics include the chances of the Cardinals trading Tommy Edman, what upgrades the Red Sox should make and whether any managers are currently on the hot seat. 

Experienced Las Vegas reporter, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press joins Simon to speculate on how the city would embrace an MLB team. She also gives insight into her current beat, the Minnesota Twins, and the optimism surrounding the team. 

MLBTR's Anthony Franco later joins to break down the new Bryan Reynolds extension with the Pirates and Madison Bumgarner getting DFA'd by the Diamondbacks. 

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins host Simon Hampton to review who sits atop the 2023-24 Free Agent Power Rankings. They also discuss recent extensions between Ian Happ and the Cubs as well as Pablo López and the Twins. 

Listener email questions include the Giants' refusal to spend on high-end pitching in free agency, if Juan Soto's struggles in San Diego will affect his ability to sign a big contract and whether Marcell Ozuna still deserves a spot on the Braves' roster. 

Host Simon Hampton is joined by MLBTR's Steve Adams to talk about the Rays' hot start, Grayson Rodriguez's debut for the Orioles, the effect that service time rules are having on early-season call-ups and whether or not to be worried about the Angels' bullpen struggles. 

Listener topics include potential surprise sellers at the deadline, if Gary Sanchez can still be a difference maker and how well Mets' rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez will fare filling in for the injured Omar Narvaez.