The hot stove has been burning for roughly a month now, and the first free agent is off the board. The Los Angeles Angels, as they've done frequently this offseason, struck a deal with starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi for three years and $63 million.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the surprising signing and why this could be a positive move for the Angels, who may benefit from the third Wild Card spot. While Los Angeles might not be done making moves, this deal should be an encouraging sign for fans that the team intends to compete in 2025.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys provide an update on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, including which teams they think are out of the running and whether this process could end up being meaningless if Steve Cohen is willing to offer a blank check. The guys also open up the BBQ Mailbag to answer listener questions, discuss the trade between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals and remember 1970 National League batting champ Rico Carty.

(1:47) - Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi

(10:37) - Scott Boras scoreboard—Juan Soto update

(25:18) - BBQ Mailbag

(40:51) - Reds-Royals trade

(46:48) - Non-tender roster updates

(49:34) - Remembering Rico Carty

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On Thursday night, the inevitable took place when Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani were both named MVPs of their respective leagues for the 2024 MLB season. While neither result was shocking, the unanimous vote for both further proved how historic and impressive their campaigns were.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the decision from the BBWAA to name Ohtani and Judge the best in their leagues, why there truly should’ve never been a doubt that both would win in unanimous fashion and then go through the rest of the ballot to see some of the more unique votes for MVP that you might not have expected.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys are joined by New York Yankees infielder Caleb Durbin to discuss his placement on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, how adjusting his swing helped make him a better power hitter, the FOMO he felt watching this recent postseason run and his time at Washington University. Then, Jake and Jordan give the latest update on when Roki Sasaki may sign, before giving their picks for The Good, The Bad, and The Uggla this week.

(2:01) - The Opener: Judge & Ohtani named MVP

(7:07) - Reviewing the rest of the MVP ballot

(22:19) - Quick notes on the Cy Young award

(25:43) - Caleb Durbin joins the show

(38:32) - Adjusting Caleb’s swing for power

(42:36) - Caleb’s relationship with Yankees players

(50:42) - Caleb’s first interaction with Jake

(54:39) - Latest on Roki Sasaki

(1:02:05) - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

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⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

One of the more highly debated subjects of the baseball offseason is when the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot gets released. This year, however, there will be no debate about if Ichiro Suzuki will be elected, but rather if he will become only the second player ever to be voted into Cooperstown unanimously, joining Mariano Rivera.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the case for Ichiro possibly collecting 100% of the votes and the reasons why there might be a handful of voters who don’t vote for him, despite his over 3,000 career hits and debuting in the majors at age 27. They also discuss the other potential first-ballot Hall of Famer in CC Sabathia, as well as take a look at the rest of the newest nominees to the ballot.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys discuss Paul Skenes running away with the NL Rookie of the Year award, Luis Gil winning the AL honors despite it being a much closer race than expected and why the Manager of the Year award is a little silly. Jake & Jordan then examine who might receive some MVP votes before talking about a new team added to the Juan Soto sweepstakes.

(1:57) - The Opener: 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot
(13:01) - Interesting first-time nominees
(29:12) - Rookie of the Year results
(34:40) - Manager of the Year results
(43:27) - Cy Young Award preview
(45:41) - A look at the MVP nominees
(59:05) - Turbo Mode: A new Juan Soto suitor

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

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And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

The biggest fish on the free-agent market continues to be Juan Soto and teams are already doing their best to try to lure him in. That all starts with making a good first (or second) impression on the future Hall of Famer. With the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox already reportedly making a good impression on Soto during their meetings, the New York Yankees will take their shot this week with the 26-year-old outfielder, hoping to bring him back to the Bronx next season.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman dive into the meetings with Soto and try to figure out how important these interactions are for the outfielder, whether they actually matter as long as a team shells out the most money for his services and why this process is so different from what we saw with Shohei Ohtani’s free agency last offseason.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys take a look at the trade market, which has already started to heat up with the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds eyeing a deal. They also discuss why Garrett Crochet will more than likely be the hottest trade target for teams looking for a front-line pitcher and whether we might see a fire sale of closers this winter. Jake & Jordan then close the show talking about the Baltimore Orioles saying goodbye to “Wall-timore” as Camden Yards changes its dimensions again, and this time for the better.

(1:27) - Juan Soto is getting around

(13:11) - A look at the deadline calendar

(26:09) - It’s trade season!

(36:26) - Closers potentially on the move

(39:58) - The end of “Wall-timore”

(47:30) - Jake almost ruins a wedding ceremony

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

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📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

While there has been a lot of chatter this offseason about the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets, there are also a few teams flying under the radar who might be due to make some noise prior to the 2025 season kicking off. It’s time to dive into the other teams that should be on baseball fans' radars this hot stove season.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman pick out which teams intrigue them the most following their 2024 campaigns, including the Chicago Cubs and their notable lack of star power, whether the St. Louis Cardinals are setting themselves up for a season of retooling, why it’s time for the Washington Nationals to make a big splash and if the Texas Rangers will bounce back following their uninspiring title defense.

Later on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys are joined by ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan as he dives into which teams interest him this offseason, like how serious the Boston Red Sox might be about pursuing free-agent Juan Soto, why the Baltimore Orioles might opt for short-term contract players and if the Detroit Tigers will bring in a top-line starting pitcher to join their rotation. The guys close out the episode by making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(1:28) – The Opener: Who intrigues us this offseason?

(6:26) – Chicago Cubs

(11:00) – St. Louis Cardinals

(16:40) – Texas Rangers

(25:06) – Jeff Passan joins the show!

(28:09) – Who intrigues Jeff this offseason?

(34:34) – Orioles’ first offseason with new ownership

(38:47) – Red Sox poised to make moves?

(45:16) – Jeff’s usage of “BREAKING NEWS”

(56:56) – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

With the 2024 MLB season now in the rearview mirror, the last bit of baseball to take care of is naming the winners of the end-of-year awards. This week, the finalists were announced for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year and it’s time for us to break down who we think will be taking home some hardware.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine all the nominees, whether Aaron Judge will join Shohei Ohtani in being named unanimous MVP, why Zack Wheeler deserves to be the NL Cy Young over Chris Sale and who might steal some first-place votes from Paul Skenes in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys discuss the Juan Soto sweepstakes picking up, with him scheduled to meet potential suitors this week, before diving into the listener mailbag where they answer whether the San Francisco Giants or San Diego Padres are the bigger rival to the Los Angeles Dodgers, if Roki Sasaki can sign an extension immediately with whatever team he picks and then make their picks for fan-created awards.

(1:58) - MVP finalists

(8:29) - Cy Young finalists

(16:13) - Rookie of the Year finalists

(22:03) - Manager of the Year finalists

(24:39) - Juan Soto sweepstakes update

(32:55) - Baseball Bar-B-Cast mailbag

(52:48) - Explain this to me like I’m five

(56:02) - Turbo Mode news recap

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

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📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, and now the baseball world has been set ablaze after the news that Japanese superstar pitcher Roki Sasaki would be posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. With that news, the 23-year-old flamethrower is poised to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason by every team.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the excitement around Sasaki, including why this is such a unique and different free-agency experience due to his age, the amount of money he’s potentially leaving on the table by coming to MLB so soon and why he compares to Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes and Texas Rangers veteran Jacob deGrom.

Later on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys welcome on NPB expert Yuri Karasawa to give his insight on Sasaki, which includes when the star pitcher first got on everyone’s radar, why the Marines are posting him so early into his career and which MLB teams already have a clear advantage to sign him. Jake & Jordan then go around the league, taking a look at the Miami Marlins' new managerial hire, the Philadelphia Phillies shaking up their front office and Reggie Jackson leaving the Houston Astros.

(1:43) - What changed with Roki Sasaki getting posted?
(17:29) - Yuri Karasawa joins the show
(22:17) - Why Sasaki is unique
(27:38) - A look at Sasaki’s 2024 season
(35:35) - Why are the Marines posting Sasaki?
(39:43) - Which MLB team has the advantage to sign him?
(46:48) - Around the League Turbo Mode
(52:38) - Phillies shake up their front office
(59:23) - One Dumb Question

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_

Juan Soto has been in the baseball limelight since making his Major League debut at the age of 19 in 2018. Once established as a baseball phenom with the Washington Nationals, many have counted down the days until his inevitable free agency. The time for fans hoping their team lands the big fish has finally arrived.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the kickoff of the Juan Soto sweepstakes at the General Managers' Meetings this past week, the possible no-brainer suitors (looking at you, New York Yankees and New York Mets), and some of the out-of-the-box teams (uh, Tampa Bay Rays?) who will do their best to court the 26-year-old outfielder.

Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys talk about Scott Boras’s annual pun-fest regarding the free agents he’s representing this offseason, the Los Angeles Angels making a few moves right out of the gate and why the Milwaukee Brewers seem destined for another heated arbitration session. Jake and Jordan close the show by making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

(2:31) - Juan Soto free agency has begun

(21:46) - Where will Soto sign?

(23:09) - Scott Boras offseason scoreboard

(34:33) - Notes from the GM meetings

(49:02) - Turbo Mode around the league

(55:05) - The Good

(59:23) - The Bad

(1:04:28) - The Uggla

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ij2sgR

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42Lo4fa

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuTQj

And check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:

🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://twitter.com/CespedesBBQ

📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq

⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://twitter.com/Jake_Mintz

🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://twitter.com/j_shusterman_