Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Latest Episodes:

World Baseball Classic quarterfinals preview: USA looking for redemption & why Japan could be upset by Venezuela Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Pool play for the 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic has wrapped up and we’re now down to the final eight teams. With the quarterfinals set to kick off on Friday night in Miami and Houston, it’s time to look at the matchups and who might move on to the semifinals.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz is joined by SNY MLB insider reporter Chelsea Janes as they break down each game in the quarterfinals, including the United States taking on Canada and whether the bad vibes that surrounded them against Italy are gone now that they’ve advanced. Then they discuss the highly entertaining Dominican Republic squad taking on Korea, where Hyun Jin Ryu will try to calm the explosive DR bats.

Later, Jake and Chelsea preview Japan taking on Venezuela and why Ranger Suárez could be the key to the next major upset of the tournament. They close out the segment talking about whether the feel-good vibes coming from Vinnie Pasquantino and the Italian squad could carry them to the next round by defeating Puerto Rico. Jake and Chelsea then make their picks for a WBC edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

1:47 - The Opener: USA vs. Canada
24:13 - Dominican Republic vs. Korea
34:08 - Japan vs. Venezuela
42:38 - Italy vs. Puerto Rico
49:40 - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

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Italy’s major upset now has USA holding their WBC breath, Dominican Republic & Venezuela set for showdown Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic has already provided a few memorable moments for teams across the globe. However, on Monday night we might have seen the biggest upset of the tournament so far when Team Italy took down powerhouse Team USA, which has left us all wondering how it happened.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman recap the incredible win by the Italians and discuss how the United States could now find itself knocked out of the tournament based on the results of Italy’s game with Mexico tonight. They also get into whether some of the moves that manager Mark DeRosa made prior to the game were influenced by the possibility that the USA squad believed it had already clinched their ticket to the next round.

Later, Jake and Jordan preview the epic showdown for seeding between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela tonight that will determine who will play Japan and Korea in the quarterfinals, as well as Canada taking on Cuba in their final pool matchup. Then the guys discuss the Philadelphia Phillies giving a five-year contract extension to starter Jesús Luzardo and the Cincinnati Reds losing Hunter Greene to injury until the summer.

1:15 - The Opener: Italy upsets USA
12:28 - Tiebreaker scenarios for USA
18:47 - We Need To Talk About: DeRosa messes up
40:17 - DR vs. Venezuela preview
47:37 - Cuba vs. Canada preview
52:03 - Phillies extend Luzardo
55:50 - Hunter Greene out until summer

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

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

WBC Update: Team USA flexes its muscles behind Judge & Harper, Japan & Dominican Republic impressive this weekend Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

So far in the 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic, the teams that we have come to expect positive results from are holding up their end of the bargain. With Team USA, Japan and the Dominican Republic all proving to be who we thought they were, pool play has seemed like just a tune-up for these powerhouses.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down all the action from the WBC this past weekend, which saw the United States handle Great Britain and Brazil with the help of the superstar friendship duo of team captain Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper. While the USA squad might not look like they’re having as much fun as other teams on the field, their businesslike approach appears to keep them in the mindset of winning gold or bust for this tournament.

Later, Jake and Jordan recap the other pool play from the tourney, which includes Masataka Yoshida returning to the form for Team Japan that made him such a coveted bat by the Boston Red Sox when he first came to the States. They then get into the incredible first-ever walk-off wins in the tournament that saw an emotional Puerto Rico crowd celebrate their home victory against Panama.

1:29 - The Opener: Team USA’s impressive weekend
17:57 - The importance of the WBC
27:14 - Judge & Harper friendship
35:25 - Korea advances in thriller
45:26 - Japan in cruise control
50:11 - Turbo Mode: All the action from the tourney

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

World Baseball Classic predictions, Shohei Ohtani’s grand slam & previewing the weekend slate Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic is off and running, with a few games of pool play already in the books, including Team Japan mercy-ruling Team Chinese Taipei following a historic second inning. With Shohei Ohtani hitting a grand slam and Japan scoring 10 runs, the defending WBC champs are putting all challengers officially on notice.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the opening games, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto picking up where he left off last October and Team Australia getting off to a hot 2–0 start in Pool C. They then preview all the other games set to take place this weekend, including Team USA kicking off their quest for gold tonight and make their picks for who will win the whole tournament.

Later, Jake and Jordan talk about the Texas Rangers signing veteran Andrew McCutchen to a MiLB deal after some weirdness with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña being out for a few weeks with a fractured finger. They then make their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla,which includes the lame WBC uniforms and the incredible scenes from Team Dominican Republic’s exhibition game in the DR.

1:35 – The Opener: Ohtani, Yamamoto lead Japan in win
9:59 – Recapping other opening WBC games
31:07 – Previewing weekend WBC slate
40:04 – WBC predictions
50:49 – Around the League: McCutchen to Rangers
56:12 – Jeremy Peña is injured
57:50 – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

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

🎧 Apple Podcasts

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

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

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

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

2026 Season Preview: Will Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes have the best pitching squads this season? Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

The old saying in baseball is that “momentum is only as good as the next day’s starter,” which shows how important having a good pitching staff is to a club. As part of our 2026 regular season preview, it’s time to figure out who will do the best job of limiting their opponents’ offense.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman draft all 30 MLB clubs based on who they feel will have the best pitching and hitting this season. While every squad wishes they had a Tarik Skubal, Shohei Ohtani or Paul Skenes to lead their pitching staff, will teams like the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers still be able to find success on the bump?

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the second PED suspension handed to Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar, causing him to miss the entire 2026 season after he was suspended for eight games in 2025. They then get into the latest news surrounding the World Baseball Classic, including a surprising name joining Team Dominican Republic and Team USA finalizing its rotation for the tournament.

1:05 – The Opener: 2026 Run Prevention Draft
19:40 – Teams 1–10 recap
35:30 – Teams 11–20 recap
46:22 – Teams 21–30 recap
47:11 – We Need To Talk About: Profar suspended
56:50 – New Team DR roster addition
1:00:19 – Team USA’s rotation

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

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

2026 Season Preview: Can the Dodgers & Yankees’ offenses be topped this season? Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

You can’t win a baseball game without scoring runs, and since it’s such a pivotal part of winning, it’s time to take a look at all 30 teams and who might have the best offensive production this season. With the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers leading their respective leagues last season, will another team be able to outslug them this year?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman draft all 30 teams based on who they think will score the most runs this season, from most to least. While the Dodgers and Yankees may be taken early, there are a few picks (looking at you, Sacramento Athletics and Atlanta Braves) that may surprise you. Could the new additions to the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox push them higher in the draft?

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the St. Louis Cardinals giving a two-year extension to manager Oliver Marmol and the possible reasoning behind GM Chaim Bloom’s decision to make this move now. Then, the guys talk about the pandemonium surrounding Shohei Ohtani during his return to Japan as he goes out and about with his World Baseball Classic club.

1:56 - The Opener: 2026 offense draft
22:25 - Teams 1–10 recap
44:56 - Teams 11–20 recap
56:53 - Teams 21–30 recap
57:56 - Around The League: Cardinals extend Marmol
1:04:26 - Shohei Ohtani makes noise in Japan

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

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

Previewing Team USA’s quest for their second WBC title, Max Scherzer returns to Toronto & Red Sox spring training Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

What do Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Bobby Witt Jr., along with countless other All-Stars, have in common? They’re all looking to become part of just the second United States team ever to bring home gold in the World Baseball Classic. However, it won’t be easy to be the last team standing, despite all the star power the team will have at its disposal.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman give a complete preview of the Team USA squad as they try to avenge their loss in the 2023 edition of the tournament, falling just short against Team Japan. What will the rotation look like after Tarik Skubal pitches his one game? Can Aaron Judge be the difference-maker for the team? Time will tell, with the tournament starting next week.

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss the impact the WBC will have on the 2028 Olympics, Max Scherzer rejoining the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year deal and share some observations from Florida at Boston Red Sox camp. Then, the guys make their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

2:03 - The Opener: Team USA preview
8:50 - The pitching staff
29:09 - The starting lineup
51:15 - We Need To Talk About: WBC-Olympics
56:32 - Scherzer back to Blue Jays
59:22 - Red Sox field report
1:04:31 - The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

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

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

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

Ultimate 2026 World Baseball Classic international teams preview Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic starts next Wednesday, and now is the time to get familiar with every squad looking to be the last team standing. While the United States of America has one of its best rosters ever in the tournament, which international teams should they have their eyes on?

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down every international team’s roster to try and figure out who poses the biggest threat to Team USA. They are joined by the creator of Yakyu Cosmopolitan and NPB expert Yuri Karasawa to talk all things Team Japan and why Shohei Ohtani not pitching this year is a bigger deal than people realize. As the current reigning champion, will Japan be able to defend its title?

Later, Jake and Jordan talk about the other teams, including why they feel the Dominican Republic and Venezuelan squads might have the best chance to reach the finals and raise the WBC trophy. They then make their picks for sleeper teams and discuss which long shots could pull off a huge upset.

1:31 - Yuri Karasawa previews Team Japan
5:20 - What is the Ohtani vibe going into the WBC?
27:59 - Who could be starting for Japan?
43:11 - Around the League: DR & Venezuela
1:15:42 - Who are the sleeper teams?
1:39:25 - All the other teams

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

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

Automated Ball-Strike system fully explained & Garrett Stubbs gives catcher's POV on ABS Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

With Spring Training games in full swing, baseball fans are starting to get familiar with the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system. Although ABS isn’t brand new to baseball, as it’s been used in the minor leagues for a few seasons, it will be new to the majors in 2026 — so now is the time to learn all about it.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman give you the history of the ABS challenge system and explain how we’ve gotten to the point where it will be implemented in the game. MLB catcher Garrett Stubbs joins the show to give a catcher’s point of view on how it’s impacting his position, as well as the strategies that come along with challenging calls and the tension it can create with umpires.

Later, Jake and Jordan talk about Rhys Hoskins and Michael Conforto both getting minor league deals and a wave of new injuries plaguing the Minnesota Twins and the Baltimore Orioles. They then close the show by remembering Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski following his passing this weekend.

1:56 - What is the ABS system?
35:48 - Garrett Stubbs gives POV on ABS
54:19 - Around the League: Minor league deals
1:00:51 - Injury bug is going around
1:05:14 - College baseball happenings
1:11:29 - Remembering Bill Mazeroski

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

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

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

Drama Surrounding the MLB Players Union, Tony Vitello Sets the Record Straight & 2026 Fantasy Baseball Advice Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

The Major League Baseball Players Association had a major shakeup this week after union head Tony Clark resigned from his position following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law. This shocking news has caused a ripple effect with collective bargaining agreement discussions set to begin next offseason.

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why this controversy is such a big deal as the players’ union looks for strong leadership ahead of upcoming negotiations. They then dive into the newly elected leader, Bruce Meyer, and why he is an interesting choice to lead the players at a crucial moment as the league prepares for 2027 and beyond.

Later, Jake and Jordan are joined by Yahoo Fantasy analyst Scott Pianowski, who gives his expert opinion on whether Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani or Bobby Witt Jr. should be the number one overall pick in your draft — and which sleepers you should have your eye on. Then, the guys discuss the Milwaukee Brewers giving Pat Murphy an extension and why Tony Vitello felt the need to clarify his move to the majors. To close the show, Jake and Jordan make their picks for this week’s edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

2:02 – The Opener: MLBPA drama
13:33 – Who is Bruce Meyer?
29:03 – Fantasy baseball advice
49:26 – Around the League: Murphy extension
52:35 – Tony Vitello clears things up
58:02 – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

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

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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

🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social

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

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

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

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