Rosters to Rings welcomes Bulls point guard Tre Jones for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from Duke to the NBA. Tre shares stories from playing for Coach K and Gregg Popovich, following his brother Tyus to Duke, navigating the expectations of a loaded recruiting class, and adjusting to life in the NBA. He also opens up about his 2025 trade from San Antonio to Chicago, the realities of player movement, contract negotiations, NIL, and what separates the players who build long NBA careers from the rest.

🎧 Send your questions to [email protected] and we'll answer them on the pod!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former MLB outfielder and current MLB Network and Rockies broadcaster Ryan Spilborghs joins Thad Levine and Chet West to share his journey from Santa Barbara to the big leagues, the unforgettable story behind his MLB call-up, and memories from Colorado's legendary 2007 Rocktober run. Ryan also breaks down the emotions of the trade deadline from a player's perspective, discusses how information flows between front offices and clubhouses, and joins the conversation on the future of baseball, the next collective bargaining agreement, and the evolving landscape of the game.

🎧 Send your listener questions to [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MLB Trade Deadline is almost here, and Thad Levine and Chet West take listeners inside one of the busiest and most unpredictable times of the baseball calendar. They break down how front offices work with agents, how trade rumors and media leaks shape the market, and why misinformation is often part of the game. Plus, a look at the 2026 deadline landscape, the crowded playoff race, what it means for buyers and sellers, the Mariners' needs in the AL West, and how the Cubs could approach adding pitching before the deadline.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former MLB general manager Thad Levine sits down with legendary baseball agent B.B. Abbott to discuss his journey from law school to representing some of the biggest stars in the game. B.B. shares stories about his lifelong friendship with Chipper Jones, negotiating Byron Buxton's contract, building one of baseball's premier agencies, dominating the MLB Draft, merging with Wasserman, and how the next Collective Bargaining Agreement could shape the future of the sport. Plus, Thad answers listener questions on the Dodger's dominance and the World Cup. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West break down the surprising White Sox, Boston’s resurgence and San Diego’s difficult trade deadline decision. Plus, the shrinking pitching market, and why MLB teams still can’t trade most draft picks.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a front office job attractive, even when the team is struggling? Hosts Thad Levine and Chet West use the Angels' GM opening to explain how baseball executives evaluate ownership, payroll, player development, and long-term opportunity. It's a rare inside look at how front offices really think, followed by listener questions on the NBA offseason and MLB All-Star selections.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West break down the early MLB managerial shakeups, including why the Mets moved on from Carlos Mendoza, how the Phillies have responded under Don Mattingly, and the difficult balance between front office decisions, injuries, and on-field performance. Thad offers an inside look at how organizations evaluate managers and when a change becomes necessary.

Then, longtime Dallas sports radio host Jeff "Skin" Wade joins the show to explain the NBA's second apron rules and how they are reshaping roster construction across the league. Jeff also provides outlooks on the Bucks, Mavericks, Celtics, Timberwolves, and Trail Blazers. The crew finishes by answering a listener question and check in on the current state of Dallas sports.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thad Levine and Chet West dig into the Brendan Sorsby story, including the gambling angle and what it says about the growing pressure around college athletes in the NIL and betting era. They also break down Team USA’s World Cup outlook and debate whether promotion and relegation could ever work in Major League Baseball. From transfers and sportsbooks to national teams and baseball’s competitive future, it’s a wide-ranging front office conversation across the sports landscape.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosters to Rings welcomes new co-host and longtime friend of the program Chet West to the show. Chet and Thad break down everything fans need to know about the current MLB labor negotiations, including the key issues being discussed, the role of a salary floor and cap, how television revenue impacts the process, and what both owners and players are really trying to accomplish behind the scenes. Thad provides a rare front office perspective on how these negotiations unfold and why the fact that both sides are talking is an encouraging sign.

The conversation then shifts to the NBA Finals, roster construction, leadership, and whether championship teams need to experience playoff heartbreak before ultimately breaking through. Plus, Thad shares insights on veteran leadership, fan behavior, and the responsibilities organizations have in shaping team culture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall joins the show to discuss his journey from living in a camper while working in Minor League Baseball to leading one of baseball’s most fascinating front offices. Nick reflects on his early days around the Moneyball-era Athletics, the mentors who shaped him, and what it takes to build and sustain a small market franchise in today’s game.

Nick and Thad also dive into the realities of trading star players, building pitching depth in Cincinnati, navigating ownership conversations, drafting Hunter Greene, winning the 2024 MLB Draft Lottery, and the art of evaluating other organizations around the league. It’s an inside look at roster building, trades, scouting and leadership from one of baseball’s top executives.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.