MLB Trade Rumors Podcast

MLB Trade Rumors

With an eye always focused on the hot stove, the MLBTR podcast gives analysis of transactions, roster moves and, of course, rumors from around the league. Host Darragh McDonald is joined each week by a fellow MLBTR writer to break it all down.

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Our Editor's Take

MLB Trade Rumors Podcast is a sports podcast for baseball fans. Host Darragh McDonald speaks with a rotating cast of guest cohosts about trade news. They analyze the implications of recent player trades as well as upcoming trades. The podcast explores the potential strategies of each team. Darragh and his guests also share which players different teams should pursue.

The podcast host is an experienced baseball journalist and writer. Darragh is a staff writer for the MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR) online publication. His extensive knowledge of baseball history makes him an insightful commentator. Darragh is also a longtime fan of the sport and brings a passionate voice to the show. The Toronto native became a fan for life when he saw the Blue Jays win the World Series. Beyond his baseball writing career, Darragh is also a film and TV writer.

Guests on the podcast come from a wide variety of sports writing backgrounds. Some are fantasy baseball analysts, while others are experts on certain teams. However, all the guest cohosts are fellow sports writers at MLBTR. The website’s creator Tim Dierkes is one of the show’s recurring guests. He has written over 10,000 articles for the site and grown it into a massive sports media hub. Darragh also hosts staff writers Steve Adams, Anthony Franco, and others on the show.

Beyond analyzing recent trades, the show also examines other news stories in baseball. Darragh and Steve have discussed the transition of baseball broadcasting to Roku. They share their thoughts on what the streaming platform switch may mean for the sport.

The podcast may appeal to baseball fans and fantasy players alike. Darragh and the guest cohosts are a wonderful source of trade information. With a shared love of the MLB, their analysis always has a genuine enthusiasm. New episodes of MLB Trade Rumors Podcast are available to stream every Wednesday.

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Jack Flaherty Back To Detroit, Max Scherzer, And What's Next For The Padres

Jack Flaherty Back To Detroit, Max Scherzer, And What's Next For The Padres

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Tigers bringing back Jack Flaherty, the team's continued interest in Alex Bregman, Max Scherzer signing with the Blue Jays to bolster their rotation, the Rays signing Ha-Seong Kim, the Padres plan to move Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop, what trades the Padres could still make this offseason, Jorge Polanco surprisingly resigning with the Mariners, and the underwhelming finish to the Giants' offseason after trading Taylor Rogers to the Reds to shed salary.

Episodes

Jack Flaherty Back To Detroit, Max Scherzer, And What's Next For The Padres

Jack Flaherty Back To Detroit, Max Scherzer, And What's Next For The Padres

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Tigers bringing back Jack Flaherty, the team's continued interest in Alex Bregman, Max Scherzer signing with the Blue Jays to bolster their rotation, the Rays signing Ha-Seong Kim, the Padres plan to move Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop, what trades the Padres could still make this offseason, Jorge Polanco surprisingly resigning with the Mariners, and the underwhelming finish to the Giants' offseason after trading Taylor Rogers to the Reds to shed salary.

Ryan Pressly To The Cubs, Bregman's Future, And Jurickson Profar

Ryan Pressly To The Cubs, Bregman's Future, And Jurickson Profar

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Astros trading Ryan Pressly to the Cubs, Houston's continued involvement in bringing back Alex Bregman and the potential of moving Jose Altuve to the outfield, the Braves signing Jurickson Profar, whether they will try to stay under the luxury tax threshold this season or if there is money available to improve their rotation depth.Listener question topics include whether the Pirates will acquire a right fielder before the season starts, why Jack Flaherty is still unsigned, the reasons that the baseball offseason is so different from other sports, if there is a common thread between the big-name players who are still on the market, which team would say no to a Luis Arraez for Brett Baty trade, and if the Cubs should pursue a Michael King trade with the Padres.

Debating A Salary Cap, How To Improve Parity, More Dodgers Moves, And Anthony Santander

Debating A Salary Cap, How To Improve Parity, More Dodgers Moves, And Anthony Santander

MLBTR founder TIm Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss results of a poll put on the site showing that most fans want a salary cap and that many would be willing to forfeit the 2027 season to get it. They also think about what parity in the league really means and the most effective ways to achieve it. Then they go over the signings of Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates with the Dodgers, and Anthony Santander with the Blue Jays.

The Jeff Hoffman Situation, Justin Verlander, And The Marlins' Rotation

The Jeff Hoffman Situation, Justin Verlander, And The Marlins' Rotation

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Jeff Hoffman signing a three-year deal with Toronto after having deals fall apart with the Braves and Orioles due to flagged physicals. Also, Justin Verlander's deal with the Giants, the state of the Marlins rotation after trading Jesus Luzardo and losing Braxton Garrett to injury, the Mariners finally making a major league move by signing Donovan Solano.Listener question topics include what the Reds will do with the extra money from their new TV deal, why the Nationals haven't spent much this offseason, and what a Kyle Tucker extension would look like for the Cubs.

Brent Rooker's Extension, Gavin Lux, And Catching Up On The Holiday Transactions

Brent Rooker's Extension, Gavin Lux, And Catching Up On The Holiday Transactions

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Athletics extending Brent Rooker, the Reds acquiring Gavin Lux after the Dodgers signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, Corbin Burnes surprisingly joining the Diamondbacks, the Cubs trading with the Yankees to unload Cody Bellinger's contract, the Yankees inking Paul Goldschmidt, Christian Walker signing with the Astros, the Mets bringing back Sean Manaea, the Red Sox filling out their rotation with Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval, the Phillies acquiring Jesus Luzardo in a trade with the Marlins, the Orioles making modest rotation additions in Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, Cleveland trading Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks then signing Carlos Santana to play first base, the Nationals singing Josh Bell and acquiring Nathaniel Lowe from the Rangers, the Rangers then signing Joc Pederson to fill the void, and the Tigers signing Gleyber Torres with the plan to move Colt Keith to first base.

Kyle Tucker To The Cubs, And Trades For Devin Williams And Jeffrey Springs

Kyle Tucker To The Cubs, And Trades For Devin Williams And Jeffrey Springs

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and Issac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith to the Astros, the Brewers sending Devin Williams to the Yankees for Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin, the A's acquiring Jeffrey Springs from the Rays, the Orioles signing Japanese starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, and whether Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease or Jesus Luzardo could get traded soon.

Megapod: Winter Meetings Recap

Megapod: Winter Meetings Recap

Darragh McDonald is joined by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco to discuss Juan Soto's record-breaking contract, which players Steve Cohen is willing to pay for, what the Mets will pivot to next, how Max Fried ended up getting an eight-year contract from the Yankees, the blockbuster deal that sent Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox for some top prospects, who could sign Corbin Burnes, the Giants signing Willy Adames, the surprising deal between Luis Severino and the Athletics, the trades between the Guardians, Blue Jays and Pirates that sent Andres Gimenez to Toronto, the modest offseason so far from the Orioles and Tigers, and Nathan Eovaldi resigning with the Rangers.

Blake Snell, Dodger Fatigue, And The Simmering Hot Stove

Blake Snell, Dodger Fatigue, And The Simmering Hot Stove

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Blake Snell signing a five-year deal with the Dodgers, MLB fans getting tired of the Dodgers' dominance over the free agent market and their use of deferred money, their extension of Tommy Edman to keep him with the team for four additional seasons, a breaking news report that the Red Sox are signing Aroldis Chapman, the Mets signing Frankie Montas, and the Cubs signing Matthew Boyd and whether they will get more aggressive this offseason. Listener question topics include whether the Pirates would be interested in trading with the Red Sox for Triston Casas, and the value of Cody Bellinger's current contract relative to what free agents will get on the market.

Yusei Kikuchi, The Aggressive Angels, And The Singer/India Trade

Yusei Kikuchi, The Aggressive Angels, And The Singer/India Trade

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Yusei Kikuchi signing with the Angels, the flurry of moves that the Angels have already made this offseason, and Royals sending Brady Singer to the Reds for Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer. Listener question topics include the mechanics of how Scott Boras will approach teams to drive up the bidding for Juan Soto, if the A's will really raise their payroll and who they could target, what the Mariners should do at third base, why the Nationals non-tendered Kyle Finnegan, and what it would take to extend Tarik Skubal.

The Rays' Stadium Plans, Diamond Sports, And Some Offseason Rumors

The Rays' Stadium Plans, Diamond Sports, And Some Offseason Rumors

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Rays' plans to play in a minor league facility in 2025 and the potential of relocation if their new stadium deal falls through. Also, the restructuring of Diamond Sports and the new deal that got them out of bankruptcy.Listener question topics include whether the Red Sox could target both Garrett Crochet and a top-end free agent, the rumored deal that would send Jonathan India to Kansas City for Brady Singer, and if the Orioles will be big players in free agency this offseason.

Roki Sasaki, Cole's Non-Opt-Out, And Cardinals Rumors

Roki Sasaki, Cole's Non-Opt-Out, And Cardinals Rumors

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss news that Japanese ace Roki Sasaki will get posted this offseason and be available at a minimum salary, the strange situation of Gerrit Cole opting out of his contract with the Yankees, then rescinding it to stay on his original deal, what the Cardinals will do after reports that they plan to retool, but have some veterans that don't want to be traded, a deal that sent Jorge Soler to the Angels for Griffin Canning, the overall trend of the Braves moving money around to make payroll space for 2025, and the Dodgers again announcing that Mookie Betts will move to the infield.

Megapod: Breaking Down The Top 50 Free Agents List

Megapod: Breaking Down The Top 50 Free Agents List

Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco all join Darragh McDonald to break down and discuss the site's annual list of the Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions. They talk about the big names, controversial picks, unexpected destinations and much more.

The Mets' Spending Power, Juan Soto Suitors, And The Rangers' Payroll Limits

The Mets' Spending Power, Juan Soto Suitors, And The Rangers' Payroll Limits

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the massive amount of payroll flexibility that the Mets will have going into this offseason, other teams that will join the Mets in pursuit of Juan Soto, and how the Rangers will try to get better while also getting below the luxury tax threshold. Listener question topics include whose postseason performance will land them more money in free agency, if a Ryan Mountcastle/Ryan Helsley trade would make sense, if Rowdy Tellez is a good target for the Tigers, and whether Justin Verlander should transition into being a closer.

The World Series, The White Sox Reportedly For Sale, And Tropicana Field

The World Series, The White Sox Reportedly For Sale, And Tropicana Field

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Yankees/Dodgers World Series matchup, reports that White Sox' owner Jerry Reinsdorf is having talks to sell the team and whether it could lead to a new stadium deal or relocation for the club. Also, what the ramifications will be for the Rays after the hurricane damaged Topicana Field's roof. There are a lot of unknowns about where they will play and how it will affect their finances.Listener question topics include whether it's a good idea for the Guardians to trade Josh Naylor, what extensions for Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson could look like, and what the Red Sox will do this winter.

Changes In Minnesota, Cubs' Prospect Depth, And Possibilities For The O's

Changes In Minnesota, Cubs' Prospect Depth, And Possibilities For The O's

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss developments in the Twin Cities, including the Twins being up for sale, the firing of their GM, and the announcement that MLB will take over broadcasting of their games next season. In an extended mailbag, topics include if the Cubs will try to trade from their glut of top prospects, possibilities for the Orioles in their first offseason under new ownership, if the Rangers should resign Nathan Eovaldi, whether the Blue Jays could target Willson Contreras in a trade, and how the Padres can continue to be competitive as they face a payroll crunch.

Previewing FA Starting Pitchers, TV Deals, And Potential Spending Teams

Previewing FA Starting Pitchers, TV Deals, And Potential Spending Teams

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to give a preview of the starting pitchers that will headline MLBTR's upcoming annual top 50 free agents list. They also talk about the teams affected by the recent news from the Diamond Sports bankruptcy case and speculate on which other teams could be big spenders this offseason.Listener question topics include which Tigers would be good extension candidates and whether shorter games lead to less concession money for teams.

Buster Posey Takes Over In SF And The Cardinals' Succession Plan

Buster Posey Takes Over In SF And The Cardinals' Succession Plan

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss a flurry of front office changes including the Giants replacing Farhan Zaidi with former player Buster Posey and Chaim Bloom taking on a larger role with the Cardinals as he transitions into John Mozeliak's job as president of baseball operations. Listener question topics include the trade value of Cardinals' veterans in case the team rebuilds, where Paul Goldschmidt could sign as a free agent, how Cleveland's rotation will shake out next year, and if it's time for the Marlins to move on from Edward Cabrera and Jesus Sanchez.

Final Days In Oakland, The Surging Tigers, And If The Nats Will Pursue Soto

Final Days In Oakland, The Surging Tigers, And If The Nats Will Pursue Soto

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the high emotions heading into the final home series for the Oakland A's, the amazing run the Tigers have been on to get into the wild card picture and their strong core moving forward, if the Nationals could make a run at signing Juan Soto after GM Mike Rizzo's comments about the team wanting to add a big bat, the team sending down CJ Abrams for off-field reasons, and the Reds firing manager David Bell. Listener question topics include what Plan B will be for the Yankees if they miss out on Juan Soto, if the Pirates will add offense this offseason to supplement their pitching core, and which teams will be most interested in Willy Adames.

The Chapman Negotiations, Dodgers' Pitching Injuries, And Strengths And Weaknesses Of Playoff Contenders

The Chapman Negotiations, Dodgers' Pitching Injuries, And Strengths And Weaknesses Of Playoff Contenders

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the odd circumstances that led to Matt Chapman's extension, where ownership and Chapman hammered out the deal without the assistance of GM Farhan Zaidi or agent Scott Boras, Tyler Glasnow's arm injury and the continuing trend of Dodgers' pitchers getting injured. and the report that the Mike Trout could play fewer innings in center field next year in hopes of avoiding injuries.Listener question topics include what the strengths and weaknesses are for all of the teams in position to make the playoffs and what Atlanta can do this offseason to shore up their roster.

Matt Chapman's Extension, Jasson Dominguez And Kumar Rocker Called Up

Matt Chapman's Extension, Jasson Dominguez And Kumar Rocker Called Up

Steve Adams joins guest host Mark Polichuk to discuss Matt Chapman's six-year extension with the Giants, the surprising timing of it, and if Blake Snell could similarly resign with San Francisco. Also, the Yankees finally promote prospect Jasson Dominguez to take some playing time from the struggling Alex Verdugo, Kumar Rocker getting called up to the Rangers despite only appearing in fewer than 20 minor league starts, and Bo Bichette's comments about wanting to stay in Toronto alongside Vlad Guererro Jr. Listener question topics include what is happening with the Twins, if they could really lose their Wild Card spot, and how the Tigers will be an exciting team to watch this offseason after their strong finish.