Baseball Connection

The 2021 Texas Rangers were the first team to open their gates to fans at full capacity after a pandemic-long absence. With a shiny new ballpark, expectations began rising in the organization. The Rangers only won 60 games this year, but they're poised to make a big jump in 2022. Help is already on the way thanks to some big moves in free agency. All this (and more) on today's episode.

A few teams have been linked to free agent shortstop Trevor Story, most recently including the Red Sox and Astros. If so, what is Xander Bogaerts' long term outlook in Boston? Do the Astros trust their up-and-coming shortstop prospect Jeremy Pena? The Mets have made huge splashes but they still need a manager. All this (and more) on today's episode.

It's Hall of Fame voting season. As we get ready to announce a new class from the regular ballot, let's note the old-time players who just got inducted through a special committee. There are "veterans committees" formed to represent players from different eras of baseball history. The era due for voting rotates on an annual basis. Who got in this year? All this on today's episode.

The Diamondbacks had a forgettable season. It was a long summer in the desert and wins were hard to come by. What went wrong for Arizona, who has potential there, and how can they move forward? All this on today's episode.

The Orioles finished 2021 tied for the worst record in MLB. They struggled on all major fronts including offense, pitching, and defense. There were some bright spots in Baltimore including Cedric Mullins' All-Star season and Trey Mancini's comeback. Baltimore will likely call up two of their top prospects in 2022: Adley Rustchman and Grayson Rodriguez. What else must they do to start moving in the right direction? All this (and more) on today's episode.

What caused MLB to implement a lockout? What does a lockout even mean? The owners and MLB Player's Association will have to settle their differences about the economics of free agency, service time manipulation, tanking, and more. All this on today's episode.

A flurry of deals poured in as the clock ticked towards Wednesday's 11:59 pm EST deadline. Chris Taylor returned to the Dodgers on a 4-year, $60 million deal. Stroman became a Cub for 3-years, $71 million, and the Red Sox and Brewers pulled off a surprise trade. Because no agreement was reached between the owners and player's union, MLB has entered a lockout. What does this mean? All this (and more) on today's episode.

Raisel Iglesias was one of the top arms on the free agent list this offseason, but he has just agreed to a four-year deal to return to the Angels. Iglesias will make $56 million over the next hours. Leury Garcia is back in a White Sox uniform on a one-year deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The free agency fireworks continued as Max Scherzer, Cory Seager, and Robbie Ray all found new homes. Big money deals are appearing, and we're not done yet. Scherzer will be a Met, Seager will be a Ranger, and Ray will be a Mariner. We discuss the full details of each deal and the immediate impact for the teams. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Hot Stove is blazing as free agents fly off the board. Marcus Semien became the first big shortstop to find a team as he agreed to a 7-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers. This means we'll see some large numbers for Seager and Correa when they eventually sign. Are the Rangers and Marlins ready to contend? Kevin Gausman is headed to the Blue Jays on a 5-year, $110 million deal. All this (and more) on today's episode.