Callers weigh in on the MLB salary cap debate, and Braden breaks down why Luis Arraez might be better suited not hitting leadoff. Plus, encouraging metrics on Xander Bogaerts’ strong start, and the Padres bullpen continues to dominate as the unsung hero of their MLB-best record.

Braden reacts to a new report that MLB owners are still pushing for a salary cap in the next CBA negotiations, and what that could mean for the Padres and the league as a whole.

Braden breaks down another Padres win and highlights how the bullpen has quietly become one of the biggest reasons for their red-hot start in 2025.

On this week’s Padres Roundtable, Ben Higgins is joined by Steven Woods, Tony Gwynn Jr., Braden Surprenant, Matt Skraby, and Chris Ello for a lively and in-depth conversation on all things Padres.

Topics include:

Luis Arraez’s viral cold shoulder — a big deal or just baseball?

Breaking down “Shildt Ball” and how it’s reshaping the Padres

Tony Gwynn Jr. throws down hot takes on power vs. contact hitters

Padres’ improved roster depth and its impact early in the season

Why the Rockies — statistically the worst team in baseball — always seem to beat the Padres

Is Bud Black the secret sauce?

Superstitions and curses (yes, Charlie Blackman’s beard comes up)

Are the Giants scarier than the Diamondbacks right now?

And a fun MLB stadium draft you won’t want to miss

Whether you're a die-hard Padres fan or just love baseball talk with personality, this one has something for everyone.

Brought to you by San Diego Round Table Pizza — pizza royalty.

Braden reacts to the light crowd in Pittsburgh for Paul Skenes' latest start and explains why there’s no way the phenom stays long-term with the Pirates. Plus, the Padres get set for the series finale against the Athletics, looking to take 2 of 3 and hold onto the best record in baseball.

Braden opens the show by diving into the injury concerns surrounding Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jake Cronenworth, and what their absences could mean for the Padres’ momentum early in the season

Braden opens the show by weighing in on the early season struggles of Jason Heyward and Yuli Gurriel, and how patient the Padres should be with the veterans. In Hour 2, callers share their thoughts on the struggling hitters while Braden shares the latest update on Joe Musgrove’s rehab timeline.

In Hour 3, Braden dives into why the NL West might be the best division in baseball and what it means for the Padres if the Dodgers, Giants, and Diamondbacks remain contenders. Plus, after watching the A’s play in Sacramento, Braden doesn’t hold back on why MLB’s stadium situation is a major embarrassment.

In Hour 4, George Sandoval from Audacy San Diego joins the show after attending the Padres-A’s game in Sacramento to give a fan’s perspective. Braden also breaks down what the House v. NCAA settlement could mean for San Diego’s college teams. Finally, Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints joins the show to discuss the Denver Nuggets’ shocking front office moves just ahead of the NBA postseason.

George Sandoval from Audacy San Diego joins the show after attending the Padres-A’s game in Sacramento to give a first-hand account of the fan experience. Braden breaks down the latest in the House v. NCAA settlement and what it means for San Diego’s college programs. Plus, Brett Siegel from Clutch Points hops on to talk about the shocking Denver Nuggets front office shakeup just before the NBA playoffs.

Braden breaks down why the NL West might be the best division in baseball and if the Giants can sustain their surprising hot start. He looks ahead to a potential summer dogfight between the Padres, Dodgers, Giants, and D-backs. Plus, after seeing the conditions in Sacramento, Braden calls out Major League Baseball for the embarrassing stadium situation surrounding the A's.

Callers join Braden to share their opinions on Jason Heyward and Yuli Gurriel’s early season struggles, while Braden provides the latest update on Joe Musgrove’s rehab and what it means for the Padres' rotation moving forward.