The D1Baseball Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Top Incoming Freshmen with Prep Baseball's Shooter Hunt Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Mike Rooney is joined by Prep Baseball vice president of scouting Shooter Hunt to discuss which draft-eligible high school players actually make it to college amid NIL and transfer-portal volatility. They talk about why projecting freshman impact is harder than ever, how scouting and opponent “reports” now resemble pro ball, and why opportunity matters as much as talent.

After reviewing some hits and misses from last year’s freshman projections, Hunt names five potential immediate-impact newcomers: Oregon State's Blake Bowen, South Carolina's Ethan Bass, Vanderbilt's Gunnar Skelton, Clemson's Chase Kiker, and Vanderbilt's James Tronstein. They also cover Duke’s James Clark and Stanford's Archer Horn, then highlight strong incoming classes and key names at Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Troy, and Stanford.

00:00 Welcome Back!

00:09 Introducing Shooter Hunt

00:58 On Campus List Explained

01:45 Why Freshmen Struggle Now

03:02 Scouting Arms Race in College

04:39 Last Year Hits and Misses

09:51 Five Impact Freshmen Picks

10:14 Blake Bowen - Oregon State

13:20 Ethan Bass - South Carolina

15:14 Gunner Skelton - Vanderbilt

17:35 Chase Kiker - Clemson

19:41 James Tronstein - Vanderbilt

21:38 James Clark - Duke

23:35 Archer Horn - Stanford

24:31 Stanford Lineup Pressure

26:35 Teddy Tokheim's (Stanford) Backstory

27:33 Tennessee's Impact Freshmen

29:49 LSU "Revenge Tour" Freshman Class

33:26 Mississippi State's Mega Arms

35:25 Kentucky's Two-Way Stars

37:39 Troy And Stanford Adds

40:16 Wrap Up And Next Shows

Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order!

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv

Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who Won College Baseball's Offseason? [D1 Daily] Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons break down college baseball's biggest offseason winners. Using Kendall Rogers' offseason recap as a guide, they evaluate which programs are best positioned for 2027 after balancing roster retention, transfer portal additions and incoming recruiting classes.

The duo discusses why LSU and Tennessee set the standard this summer, how Oklahoma continues to defy expectations under Skip Johnson and why Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Clemson, Southern California and Texas A&M all have compelling cases as offseason winners despite different roster outlooks.

They also share why Mississippi State deserves to be in the conversation, examine the importance of keeping draft-eligible stars on campus and explain why the end of the signing period marks the true beginning of college baseball's "pre-fake season" as optimism shifts toward fall practice and the 2027 campaign.

00:00 Welcome and Sponsor

01:05 Who Won the Offseason?

01:58 LSU Revenge Tour

05:25 USC Staff and Arms

06:38 Big Ten West Outlook

08:01 Oklahoma Hard to Read

10:42 Kentucky Program Paradox

13:54 Oklahoma State and Clemson

18:20 Texas A&M and Tennessee Reload

19:39 Vols Transfers Deep Dive

24:21 Mississippi State Stock Up

25:49 Pre-Fake Season, Wrap

For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

Is your favorite team in the SEC? Make sure to check out our Highway To Hoover podcast with Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/h2h-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/41nyqSv

Or maybe you're a fan of ACC baseball? Then you need to check out the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast with Daron Vaught and Bradley Smart on Apple Podcasts: https://d1ba.se/etc-apple or Spotify: https://d1ba.se/4tBUuF9

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How To Help Hitters With Chase, Contact Issues [D1 Daily] Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss how college coaches can help hitters with chase and in-zone contact challenges, especially as more talented power hitters slip through the draft due to swing-and-miss concerns.

The duo explores why some high-strikeout hitters are still worth betting on, using examples like Jac Caglianone, Vance Honeycutt and Tague Davis, and breaks down the difference between improving chase decisions and improving contact ability. They discuss how training tools, better swing decisions and count-specific approaches can help hitters maximize their offensive impact.

Burkie and Roons also debate the evolving role of coaching in college baseball, including how much information coaches should provide hitters before and during at-bats. They examine the balance between helping players win at the college level while still developing the skills needed for professional baseball, and explain why conviction might be the biggest key for hitters trying to improve.

00:00 Welcome Back, Update

07:06 Draft Trend Strikeouts

10:18 Fixing Chase First

13:40 Hand-Eye and Training

15:59 Called Takes, Joy Sticking

21:53 Approach vs High Fastballs

27:43 Conviction and Wrap-up

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Top 2027 Draft Prospects: Hitters - Part 2 [D1 Daily] Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons run back Part 2 on the top 2027 draft-eligible hitters. They dig into Brodie Johnston’s year-over-year improvement at Vanderbilt, Trent Grindlinger’s standout contact and barrel metrics and the importance of proving he can catch, and why Jimmy Janicki’s big-stage performance could keep him in top-15 territory.

The conversation also covers Nate Savoie’s track record and power indicators heading into SEC play, Adrian “A-Rod” Rodriguez’s massive postseason surge and shortstop outlook, Bino Watters as a wait-and-see power bet at LSU, and Stanford’s Teddy Tokheim’s elite zone-contact profile.

00:00 Welcome Back!

00:04 Thank You AstroTurf!

00:35 Hitters Part Two Setup

01:23 Next Tier Names

02:11 The Key Metrics For Top 20 Picks

03:56 Brodie Johnston (Vanderbilt)

05:25 Trent Grindlinger (Tennessee)

07:58 Jimmy Janicki (Troy)

09:28 Nate Savoie (Clemson -> Texas A&M)

11:17 Adrian Rodriguez (Texas)

15:28 Bino Watters (Notre Dame -> LSU)

18:44 Teddy Tokheim (Stanford)

21:22 Wrap Up

D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital. If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who've worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI

D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance.

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Top 2027 Draft Prospects: Tier One Pitchers [D1 Daily] Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss the top pitching prospects in the 2027 MLB Draft.

They start the episode, however, by recapping Burkie’s weekend at the Prep Baseball Futures Games in Atlanta, noting how turf at LakePoint helped games resume quickly after weather delays and describing the varied coach “vibes” and challenges of evaluating players in showcase settings. They discuss how modern roster limits and nonstop portal/combine recruiting force programs to prioritize only a few targets, and how recruiting remains unstable even after commitments.

The episode then shifts to 2027 draft-eligible college arms, with Dax Whitney (Oregon State), Tomas Valincius (Mississippi State), and Chris Levonas (Wake Forest) as a clear top tier, using chase rate, fastball miss %, breaking ball miss %, and in-zone whiff to separate their profiles. They debate ceilings—Whitney as potential ace despite Tommy John, Levonas as higher-volatility upside, and Valincius as a safer mid-rotation type—and preview a deep next group while flagging Oregon’s Will Sanford as a breakout candidate.

00:00 Summer Daily Kickoff

00:15 AstroTurf Sponsor Shoutout

00:29 Thank You AstroTurf!

01:39 Recruiting Grind At Prep Baseball Futures Games

04:08 Parent Perspective At Recruiting Events

05:01 How Evaluators Really Decide

06:37 Roster Limits Change Recruiting

08:57 2027 Draft Class Pitchers: Tier One

10:59 Tier One Pitcher Comps

13:00 Dax Whitney: Unicorn?

15:06 Nerd Stats And Whiff Rates

23:51 Next Tier Of Arms To Watch

26:28 Will Sanford: Sleeper Pick?

28:59 Wrap Up

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Top 2027 Draft Prospects: Hitters - Part 1 [D1 Daily] Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss early 2027 draft outlooks, focusing on a standout group of sophomore (rising junior) hitters. They start with Brendan Lawson’s combination of power and strike-zone control, debate his long-term defensive home, and note improved defense late in the year, contrasting traditional stats with underlying data.

They cover Landon Hairston’s elite at-bats and top-10 potential despite a smaller left-field profile, then break down West Virginia’s Gavin Kelly as a rapidly improving bat with emerging power and possible catcher/second-base versatility.

The conversation highlights Chase Fralick’s case to stay at catcher, left-handed impact, elite in-zone contact, and below-average chase.

They close on Tague Davis’s massive home-run production, strong first-base defense, elite barrel rate, and the draft risk created by high chase and low in-zone contact, before tabling pitchers for a future episode.

00:00 Welcome and Thank You AstroTurf!

00:47 2027 Draft Prospects

01:19 Florida's Brendan Lawson

05:51 Arizona State's Landon Hairston

06:50 West Virginia's Gavin Kelly

09:24 Auburn's Chase Fralick

12:36 Louisville's Tague Davis

19:56 Wrap Up and Next Episode(s)

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reviewing The Proposed Rule Changes For 2027 [D1 Daily] Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss upcoming rules aimed at speeding up college baseball, including ABS (automated balls and strikes) approved for 2027 and two experimental conference-only rules: a two-disengagement limit and a three-batter minimum for pitchers.

Burkie shares observations from Hoover, explaining how ABS may effectively expand the strike zone via a buffer area, leading to more called strikes, and how challenge strategy can influence outcomes.

They also cover practical implementation details for schools with TrackMan but limited video board capabilities. The duo debates which experimental rule will have the biggest impact, arguing that limiting pickoffs will reduce stalling, increase game action, and potentially boost stolen-base attempts, while the three-batter minimum may curb unnecessary pitching changes.

00:00 Welcome Back!

00:51 ABS Rollout and Logistics

03:17 How ABS Changes the Strike Zone

05:20 Challenges Strategy and Catcher Value

12:35 Experimental Rules: Pickoffs and Pitching Changes

19:40 Wrap Up: Get On With It

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More MLB Draft Talk: Big Names Returning + Winners & Losers [D1 Daily] Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the D1 Daily, Burkie and Roons discuss the winners of the draft and go through notable college players returning to school or going undrafted.

The duo highlights top players returning to college baseball in 2027, led by Oklahoma State slugger Kollin Ritchie (31 HR) and several UNC returners, plus names like Ryan Zuckerman, Ricky Ojeda, Jarren Purify, Tyler Minick, Caden McDonald, and Ethan Mendoza.

They discuss how NIL money, extra eligibility, and changing draft economics are keeping players in college longer, and debate what that means for MLB development and today’s faster-moving minor league system.

The episode shifts to draft/recruiting “winners,” highlighting Tennessee, Vanderbilt, LSU, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Arkansas, as well as non-SEC programs Oregon State, Stanford, and Oklahoma State. They close by noting Mario Pesca as a gritty ninth-round pick.

2026 MLB Draft Tracker: https://d1ba.se/26draft

00:00 Welcome Back!

00:38 Big Names Returning

03:37 Why Stay in College?

04:57 MLB Pipeline Debate

09:29 Draft: Winners & Losers

12:37 Tennessee Class Breakdown

15:08 Vanderbilt and Corbin Buzz

18:06 Non-SEC Winners Wrap

18:23 Mario Pesca Shoutout

18:54 Take A Hike!

D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital. If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who’ve worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI

D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance.

For athletes and sports programs of all levels, AstroTurf has managed the entirety of the synthetic turf manufacturing process for decades. By focusing on quality, safety, and performance, AstroTurf continues to provide customized surfacing solutions for baseball and softball programs across the professional and collegiate ranks, including being the Official Synthetic Turf of MLB®. For more information, please visit https://astroturf.com/

Kerriston Coffee is proud to be the official coffee of D1Baseball. With over 30 years in the business, this family-owned roastery delivers fresh, small-batch coffee made for college baseball fans, coaches, and everyone in between. Kerriston Coffee ships nationwide, and as a listener to The D1Baseball Podcast, you can use code D1 at https://kerristoncoffee.com to receive 15% off your first order!

SUBSCRIBE

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Takeaways From The 2026 MLB Draft [D1 Daily] Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Burkie and Roons recap a rapidly changing MLB Draft landscape, focusing on how NIL, expanded college eligibility, and a shortened development path are influencing player leverage and pushing more talent toward college baseball. They discuss MLB’s apparent shift toward prioritizing contact and track record over swing-and-miss profiles and pure home-run totals, using examples such as Derek Curiel, Zion Rose, AJ Gracia, and the "slide" of toolsy but "lower-contact" hitters like Justin LeBron and Daniel Jackson.

The episode runs through notable first-round storylines, including Roch Cholowsky, Vahn Lackey, top arm Jackson Flora, surprise pick Jake Schaffner, Ace Reese’s landing spot, and prospect promotion incentive selections Carter Beck, Carson Wiggins, and Jack Radel. They also note draft-volume leaders and caution fans against equating draft totals with team success.

2026 MLB Draft Tracker: https://d1ba.se/26draft

00:00 Welcome

00:05 Thank you, AstroTurf!

00:39 ESPN Draft Broadcast Talk

01:51 How NIL Reshaped Leverage

03:28 Age Stigma and Player Comps

05:45 Draft Expectations & Contact Trend

07:20 Top Picks and Track Record

09:40 Zion Rose Deep Dive

13:00 Contact Over Power in Round One

15:55 Jake Schaffner: Surprise Pick

17:55 Late First Round Storylines

22:35 Daniel Jackson Head Scratcher

25:28 Draft Totals & High School Decline

28:29 Wrap + Next Episode Tease

D1Baseball's MLB Draft coverage is presented by MAI Capital. If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who’ve worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI

D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance.

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2026 MLB Draft Preview with David Seifert Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Mike Rooney and D1Baseball/Prep Baseball’s David Seifert preview this weekend's MLB Draft. They discuss D1Baseball’s Top 250 Collegiate Prospect Ranking list, mock drafts and draft recaps, and how signability & team preferences could shuffle the top of the board among Grady Emerson, Roch Cholowsky, and Vahn Lackey.

Roons & Seif break down top college arms Jackson Flora and Tyler Bremner, Seifert’s preference for pitchers with feel for spin, and debates key top-10 talents Tyler Bell, Drew Burress, and Chris Hacopian. They also highlight late risers from Omaha and beyond, including Owen Hull, Cam Kozeal, Brendan Brock, Gavin Gallaher, Jackson Willits, Taylor Rabe, Joey Volchko, and LJ Mercurius. They end with highlighting some potential late-round value picks.

00:00 Welcome, David Seifert!

00:20 Saturday Draft Start

01:09 Why Draft Day Matters

01:56 D1 Draft Coverage Guide

03:06 Latest Mock Draft Intel

03:31 White Sox Top Three

04:13 Lackey vs Cholowsky

06:53 Fit and Signability

07:45 How Fast Pros Move Up

08:24 Flora vs Bremner

10:42 Spin vs Changeup

12:27 Bell | Burress | Hacopian

17:58 Late Risers and Helium

19:29 Owen Hull: Draft Riser

20:21 Brendan Brock: Up & Down

21:15 Gavin Gallaher: Sleeper Value

21:53 Jaxon Willits: On The Rise

22:09 Camden Kozeal: Makeup Matters

24:13 Seif's Favorites at Pitcher

25:07 Joey Volchko: CWS Breakout

26:12 LJ Mercurius: Bullpen Hero

27:55 Cade Townsend vs Taylor Rabe

30:33 Picks 51 to 100

32:57 Late Round Values

36:29 Draft Weekend Wrap

This MLB Draft Preview podcast is presented by MAI Capital. If you are a player (or parent) navigating NIL, the draft, or your first contract, MAI Capital can help. MAI has spent over 50 years cultivating deep relationships with a network of successful athletes and performers — helping them simplify and manage the complex challenges they face across different stages of their careers. A quick conversation can help you gain clarity on your next financial decision, identify costly mistakes early, and understand what you should be doing now. Get real guidance from advisors who've worked with over 110 first-round picks. https://d1ba.se/MAI

D1Baseball is proud to partner with MAI Capital to provide college baseball players with real financial guidance.

Apple: https://d1ba.se/Pod-Apple

Spotify: https://d1ba.se/40Ne9Dq

YouTube: https://d1ba.se/yt-sub

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected