MLB Trade Rumors Podcast

Host Darragh McDonald is joined by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco to discuss the site's annual Top 50 Free Agent list. In this extra-long episode, they talk about how they decided on a number that they think Ohtani will reach, why they are so high on Cody Bellinger's market, the ranking of the free agent pitchers, and much more.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the likelihood of the Padres trading Juan Soto with reports saying that the team is looking to cut payroll next season, Giants' president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and new manager Bob Melvin both sign new contracts to be with the team for three seasons and the Red Sox hire former pitcher Craig Breslow to be their front office boss. 

Listener question topics include whether Ohtani will sign early or late into the offseason, who could trade with the Twins for Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler and what are realistic free agent pitching targets for the Orioles. 

Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss Adolis Garcia's rise from going unclaimed on waivers to being named ALCS MVP, what's next for the Astros, including extension candidates and a potential managerial search, if Bob Melvin will change teams despite still being under contract, the likelihood of Tyler Glasnow getting traded.

Listener questions include how the Mariners will address their offense and where Cody Bellinger could sign this offseason. 

Anthony Franco joins host Darragh McDonald to discuss why Boston's top front office job might be hard to fill, the next step for Kim Ng after choosing not to continue as GM in Miami and what potential contracts could look like for Brandon Woodruff after he gets shoulder surgery just one year away from free agency. 

Listener email questions include analyzing what teams will do this offseason vs. what they should do, and whether the current playoff structure isn't advantageous for the top seeds. 

Host Darragh McDonald is back and is joined by MLBTR's Anthony Franco to discuss Billy Eppler resigning  from the Mets' front office amidst an investigation into injured list manipulation, bad news in Miami with Sandy Alcantara's Tommy John being announced and the team being eliminated from the playoffs, and Mike Hazen's extension as GM of the Diamondbacks.

Listener question topics include whether the Braves could trade Vaughn Grissom for pitching help, especially after it was announced that Kyle Wright will miss all of 2024 with a shoulder injury, what the Phillies will do at first base next season and where the White Sox should start if they plan to be competitive in 2024.

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins guest host Mark Polishuk to discuss Cal Raleigh's comments asking ownership to spend more after missing the playoffs. Could Ohtani be an option? Also, would the Tigers potentially resign Eduardo Rodriguez if he opts out of his contract and is the team could be closer to contending than people think?

Listener questions include whether the Dodgers should resign J.D. Martinez, and/or pursue big-name starters, how much managers are a factor in attracting free agents, and which managerial dismissals were a surprise. 

Mark Polishuk fills in as host and is joined by Steve Adams to do a free agent pitching preview and talk about who could be good, under-the-radar pickups.  Also, what's in store for the Padres next year after a report stating that they're looking to cut payroll and potentially move on from AJ Preller and what the Angels might look to trade Mike Trout if they miss out on resigning Shohei Ohtani. 

Listener question topics include if Sonny Gray will remain with the Twins next year and whether Braves fans should be worried about their rotation after the injuries of Max Fried and Charlie Morton. 

MLBTR's Mark Polishuk joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the weak free agent position player class, the Red Sox firing Chaim Bloom, the Mets hiring David Stearns and details and ramifications of the Rays plan to build a new stadium near the site of Tropicana Field.

Listener question topics include what factors led to Stephen Strasburg not being able to retire with his full pay, if the prospect promotion incentive will affect promotions next year for Jackson Holliday or Jackson Chourio and if the Padres would trade Juan Soto this offseason. 

MLBTR's Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the site's positional free agent previews for catcher and first base. They also analyze the Rockies extending Germán Márquez as he recovers from Tommy John surgery and the state of the Dodgers' rotation after the announcement that Walker Buehler won't return this season. 

Listener question topics include if Spencer Turnbull’s relationship with the Tigers is beyond repair, whether the A’s will continue to be cheap once they move to Las Vegas and why is the AL Central always bad. 

MLBTR's Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to analyze how the unprecedented salary dumping on the waiver wire shook out, benefiting the Guardians and the Reds while still reportedly keeping the Angels in luxury tax territory. Also, what solutions could be implemented to avoid this happening in future years. 

They also discuss some exciting September call-ups,  including the Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez and the Mets’ Ronny Mauricio, and a listener question prompts the guys to pick the what the most elite skill is of each playoff contending team.