MLB Trade Rumors Podcast

MLBTR writer Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss how much money each team gets from their TV broadcasting rights as well as the fluid situation of Diamond Sports Group's bankruptcy and what a deal involving Amazon could mean for the affected teams. On the hot stove, Josh Hader unexpectedly signed with the Astros, Robert Stephenson with the Angels and Aroldis Chapman with the Pirates.

Listener question topics include whether J.D. Martinez or another full-time DH would make sense for the Angels, if the Mets would consider trading Pete Alonso or another infielder and how rare it is for major free agents to still be available late in January. 

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Cubs landing free agent Shota Imanaga as well as trading for Michael Busch from the Dodgers, the Yankees bolstering their rotation by signing Marcus Stroman and whether that will stop them from pursuing other pitching upgrades, and the Giants signing Jordan Hicks and their plan to transition him into a starter.

Listener question topics include whether the Pirates have given up on their stated plans to add a starting pitcher, why teams allow agents to create false reports to use as leverage, and why MLB has such a strong resistance to a salary cap. 

MLBTR writer Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Dodgers grabbing more headlines by signing Teoscar Hernandez, and a flurry of moves including the Marniers  sending Robbie Ray to the Giants for Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani, acquiring Luke Raley from the Rays for Jose Caballero and the Rays then trading Andrew Kittredge to St. Louis for Richie Palacios.   

Listener email questions include whether teams deferring significant money is a problem for the sport, how deferrals are not a new concept in baseball and if a salary floor would help competitiveness. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the state of the Dodgers' rotation after signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a record-breaking contract as well as the position of the other teams who vied for the Japanese star. 

They also dig into both sides of the Chris Sale for Vaughn Grissom trade between the Red Sox and Braves as well as Boston's signing of Lucas Giolito, the Royals stocking up of mid-tier free agents to raise their floor, the Blue Jays emphasizing defense with Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Mitch Garver with the Mariners and Frankie Montas with the Reds. 

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins to discuss the Tyler Glasnow trade and extension with the Dodgers and dive into how concerning his injury history really is. Also, why Jung Hoo Lee got so much more money than anyone predicted from the Giants and the risks for the Diamondbacks signing players in the middle tier of the free agent market like Eduardo Rodriguez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. 

Then, Steve Adams joins to answer listener questions involving the recent series of contract-swapping moves that the Braves have made and the frustration that Mariners fans feel after dumping talent. 

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the record-breaking deal that Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers and all of the craziness surrounding it. This includes whether the huge amount of deferred money is fair, if the contract is good for the game of baseball and how much to trust media reports from "scoop reporters."

Also, they react to the blockbuster deal sending Juan Soto to the Yankees and talk about the New York's fearsome lineup, the position the Padres are left in and what Soto's free agent deal could look like next offseason. 

Site founder Tim Dierkes joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss what isn't happening with Shohei Ohtani and what they think about the process playing out secretly and Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners deciding to bet against Jarred Kelenic in order to dump salary.

Listener question topics include what the Dodgers' plan B will be if they miss out on Ohtani, if rising player contracts will lead to higher prices charged to fans, and whether anyone from MLBTR attends the Winter Meetings.

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss Sonny Gray's new contract with the Cardinals and the risks of having a rotation filled with old veterans. Also, Kenta Maeda signing with the Tigers for less money than expected. 

Listener questions topics include,  which free agent starters make sense for the Orioles, what the Reds will do with their huge amount of available payroll, why players haven't wanted to sign in San Francisco and what it would take for an acquiring team to extend Juan Soto. 

Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss Aaron Nola staying with the Phillies and how his big contract will affect the rest of the starting pitching market. They also analyze Reynaldo Lopez signing with the Braves and Lance Lynn with the Cardinals and point out the most intriguing names from this year's crop of non-tenders. 

Listener question topics include the slow pace of baseball free agency compared to other sports, whether the Dodgers will have another "disappointing" offseason and if the Pirates could sign Rhys Hoskins or another notable free agent. 

Steve Adams joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's list of top offseason trade candidates, what Bryce Harper moving to first base means for the rest of the Phillies' roster and what the Braves will do with the extra money after Alex Anthopoulos stated that the payroll will be going up. 

Listener question topics include what's in store for the NL Central teams this offseason, if the Angels will pursue other top free agents if they miss out on Ohtani and whether Jonathan India has significant trade value following two underwhelming seasons.