St. Louis Cardinals brace for a full rebuild—can “the best fans in baseball” weather the storm as Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, and Willson Contreras face uncertain futures? JD Hafron and Sully break down the Cardinals’ dramatic shift, from decades of playoff consistency to trading ace Sonny Gray and shopping key players like Brennan Donovan. Recent deals bring young prospects like Richard Fitz and Brandon Clark into the spotlight, sparking questions about the front office’s strategy and the future of standout names like Mason Win, Jordan Walker, and Alec “Biscuits” Burleson. Is the farm system strong enough to deliver a new era of Cardinal success? The hosts tackle the frustrating histories of trades gone wrong—think Randy Arozarena and Adolis Garcia—as well as the risky landscape of closer contracts, highlighted by Devin Williams’ surprising move to the Mets. Tune in for sharp analysis, bold predictions, and discussion of the Cardinals’ upcoming challenges as the rebuild begins.

New York Yankees ownership sparks controversy as Hal Steinbrenner questions the team's profitability ahead of a possible MLB lockout. Are the Yankees really struggling, or is this clever propaganda to sway public opinion before crucial labor negotiations? Sully scrutinizes Steinbrenner's statements, breaking down New York Yankees revenue figures, payroll details, and industry rumors about a potential salary cap. The episode covers how everyday fans, rival owners, and voices in baseball media interpret the Yankees’ financial narrative, with references to Garrett Cole, Rodón, and post-season one-hit wonders like Michael Wacha. Key topics include labor history, the looming threat of a work stoppage, and ownership transparency. Listener comments fuel debates on player signings, divisional races, and controversial MLB rules. Will Hal’s message tip the scales in the upcoming labor showdown?

The Red Sox and Blue Jays shake up the AL East with high-stakes pitching acquisitions. Sonny Gray lands in Boston, triggering strategic roster shifts, while Dylan Cease signs a massive seven-year, $210 million deal with Toronto. Are these moves enough to fuel a World Series run and erase painful postseason memories for Toronto fans? Sully breaks down the impact of these trades, spotlighting key prospects like Brandon Clark, Richard Fitz, and Kyle Harrison, and debating whether Bo Bichette’s future could hinge on the club’s aggressive strategy. Conversations highlight the Yankees' formidable rotation (Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Garrett Cole), looming collective bargaining talks, and the Red Sox’s need for a power bat following the departure of Rafael Devers. Don’t miss expert insights into how pitching upgrades, trade rumors, and playoff aspirations are reshaping the AL East’s competitive landscape.

Major League Baseball shakes up the broadcast world with a labyrinthine new TV rights deal—will fans be able to find their favorite games easily, or is a viewing scavenger hunt inevitable? Shohei Ohtani’s soaring stardom drives ratings to record heights, as platforms like Netflix, NBC, ESPN, Fox, and Apple TV all vie for a piece of the action. Opening Day, Home Run Derby, and postseason matchups face new broadcast homes, sparking confusion and excitement. NBC reclaims Sunday Night Baseball, while ESPN eyes a revival through local sports market dominance—could this mean fewer blackouts and broader access? Sully weighs the pros and cons of the three-year deal, questions Rob Manfred’s leadership, and argues for a single, centralized streaming solution to unlock MLB’s true growth. Comparisons to Marvel and Lord of the Rings reveal how community, simplicity, and rabid fan engagement could transform baseball’s popularity. Will MLB find the right media partner and finally embrace a fan-first viewing experience?

Miami Marlins hover on the brink of a breakthrough—can strategic spending finally propel them into playoff contention? Sully and Jeremiah Geiger of Locked on Marlins break down the Miami’s surprising 2025 surge, fueled by standouts like Kyle Stowers and Augustine Ramirez, and examine how expanded playoffs open the door for this underdog franchise. The conversation spotlights first base as a glaring weakness, highlights possible targets like Yandy Díaz and Michael King, and debates the fate of Sandy Alcantara amidst trade rumors. Will the Marlins’ ownership finally invest in the roster, responding to MLB pressures and shifting CBA realities? Key topics include the NL East’s changing dynamics, the importance of power hitters, and the impact of revenue-sharing sanctions on Miami’s future. Geiger offers insight on Miami’s rebuilding strategy and the chances of landing marquee talent. Don’t miss this spirited analysis of the Marlins’ playoff hopes and the transformative potential of new financial incentives.

San Diego Padres face uncertain future as new ownership looms and key free agents hit the market. Can Manny Machado overcome his postseason struggles and lead the Padres to a long-awaited World Series berth, or will changes at the top spark a dramatic shift in team direction? Sully and Javier Reyes debate the impact of the Craig Stammen hire, looming payroll cuts, and how losing stars like Luis Arraez and Dylan Cease could hamper San Diego’s playoff hopes. The conversation spotlights the Padres’ fierce rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tony Gwynn’s enduring legacy, and how Petco Park’s sellout crowds make the franchise a uniquely attractive target for investors. Will the next era of Padres baseball bring heartbreak or finally end San Diego’s championship drought? Don’t miss insider analysis on roster moves, managerial strategy, the state of NL West competition, and what it will take to keep the Padres among MLB’s elite.

Texas Rangers fans stunned as Marcus Semien is dealt to the New York Mets in a blockbuster trade that shakes up both franchises. Brandon Nimmo heads to Arlington as the Rangers swap elite defense for a new bat in the lineup, sparking debate about roster depth and the team's future direction. Can the Rangers reload after losing so many World Series heroes in just two seasons, or is a full rebuild looming? Sully and Brice Paterik of Locked on Rangers break down how this surprise deal impacts the Rangers' lineup alongside stars like Corey Seager and Evan Carter, and question Texas ownership's willingness to spend after a championship run. They also weigh the Mets' gamble on Semien, the culture shift underway in New York, and what it all means for fans craving another postseason shot. Has either franchise made the move that returns them to October glory?

Texas Rangers shake up MLB by letting ALCS MVP Adolis García, Jonah Heim, and Josh Sborz hit free agency just two years after their World Series heroics. Can bargain-hunting teams like the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, or even the West Sacramento A’s turn these proven postseason performers into comeback candidates? Your host Sully uncovers why these Rangers stars were non-tendered, what went wrong with Texas’s bats last season, and which under-the-radar moves could change the shape of the 2025 playoff picture. Plus, baseball’s love affair with nostalgia faces a crossroads as the Field of Dreams game risks losing its magic. Should MLB revive iconic moments with fresh storylines, or is it time for a new tradition—like a blockbuster Mets–Dodgers matchup in Brooklyn? From roster strategy to resuscitating classic baseball experiences, Sully delivers sharp insights and bold ideas you won’t want to miss.

Baseball faces a new test as gambling scandals swirl around MLB. With Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz under indictment for prop bets, questions about the integrity of the game are intensifying. Paul Francis Sullivan examines how even small actions—one pitch, one call—can tip a tight game, referencing historic controversies from Pete Rose to the 1919 Black Sox. Could the rise of prop bets and the expansion of legalized gambling threaten fans' trust in every play and outcome? Sully unpacks fan reactions, the risks of micro-scandals, and the push to relocate the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas, pondering if MLB’s “gambling lust” is driving franchise decisions. Hot topics include the impact of prop bets, the need for robot umps, and whether financial desperation could lure even more players and umpires into risky behavior. Are MLB’s efforts to embrace gambling putting the very soul of baseball at stake?

Is Milwaukee destined for more October disappointment, or is 2025 the year they finally make a run? The 2025 Milwaukee Brewers season hinted at destiny, with 97 wins and a roster that captured hearts across Wisconsin. Yet, the postseason delivered a cold reality. October turned into heartbreak as four games in the NLCS erased a summer of hope, leaving both players and fans with lingering frustration. Chuck Freimund of Locked on Brewers joins the show to talk about Milwaukee optimism and cynicism. Follow Locked on Brewers on Twitter @lockedonbrewers

Kyle Tucker to the San Francisco Giants? Pete Alonso leaving the Mets for Boston? Host Sully delivers his bold predictions for where MLB's top 25 free agents will land in the 2025 offseason, breaking down potential destinations for Tucker, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and more. The analysis covers Josh Naylor's recent signing with the Seattle Mariners, why the Giants are desperate to make a splash after watching the Dodgers dominate, and how teams like Boston and Baltimore could reshape their rosters. Sully also commemorates the 138th anniversary of baseball's reserve clause with a passionate history lesson on how Curt Flood, Marvin Miller, and others fought to establish free agency, transforming the sport forever. Discover which teams are positioned to land the biggest names and why the modern free agency system exists because players finally challenged what baseball owners hoped they'd never examine.

Angels shock baseball world by trading Taylor Ward to Baltimore Orioles for injured starter Grayson Rodriguez. Does this signal a new era of smart roster management in Anaheim? The trade sends Ward's 36 home runs and 103 RBI to Baltimore while the Angels acquire four years of control over Rodriguez, who hasn't pitched since July due to elbow issues. The discussion covers Mike Maddox's surprising decision to leave Texas for the Angels' pitching coach role, John Gibbons joining as bench coach, and why this represents a rare instance of Anaheim trading high. Key analysis includes qualifying offer surprises—Trent Grisham, Brandon Woodruff, and Glaber Torres all accepting—and harsh criticism of Sacramento A's ownership for designating JJ Bleday for assignment despite having promising young talent and finishing just six wins from .500. Tune in for insider perspectives on why quality coaches suddenly want to work in Anaheim and what these moves mean for both franchises' futures.

Seattle Mariners make the offseason's first major splash, locking up Josh Naylor with a five-year deal. Could this aggressive move signal a legitimate championship push in the AL West? Sully breaks down why the Mariners' early commitment to Naylor demonstrates serious intent, analyzing his clutch ALCS performance where he hit .417 with three home runs against Toronto. The discussion covers Seattle's narrow World Series miss, their pitching depth with Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert, and how this signing positions them against a potentially declining Houston Astros squad. Sullivan also critiques MLB's inaugural awards show hosted by Roy Wood Jr. and Mookie Betts, arguing the league missed a golden opportunity by excluding MVP and Cy Young announcements. A fascinating historical segment reveals how the St. Louis Cardinals nearly relocated to Houston in the 1950s before Anheuser Busch's intervention, while Bill Veeck's Browns ultimately became the Baltimore Orioles. Discover why this Mariners move could reshape the American League playoff picture and learn the untold story that almost changed baseball geography forever.

Aaron Judge edges Cal Raleigh in the closest American League MVP race in decades, winning by just four first-place votes. Two voters switching their ballots would have created baseball's first AL MVP tie ever. Judge dominated traditional stats—leading the league in batting average, home runs (53), RBIs, and OPS—while his "slump" months still produced elite numbers. Raleigh countered with 60 home runs as a Gold Glove catcher, a position where offensive production carries premium value, while leading Seattle to a division title. The episode dismantles East Coast bias claims by examining Derek Jeter's MVP history and breaks down Shohei Ohtani's fourth unanimous National League MVP win. A deep examination of WAR statistics reveals surprising discrepancies, including Geraldo Perdomo's league-leading defensive metrics that don't align with traditional offensive output. Discover why this MVP debate represents everything compelling about modern baseball analytics and traditional evaluation methods colliding.

Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes claim 2025 Cy Young Awards, but their franchises face critical decisions that could define baseball's competitive landscape. The Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates stand at crossroads with their ace pitchers. Skubal's unanimous AL victory and Skenes' dominant NL performance should spark championship ambitions, not trade discussions. The Tigers possess an 87-win core featuring Spencer Torkelson and Riley Green, needing only modest additions to contend in a wide-open American League. Meanwhile, the Pirates' offensive futility wastes Skenes' generational talent—a team that can't support a pitcher posting a 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts. The solution? A $27 million investment in nine capable hitters could transform Pittsburgh from perennial cellar-dweller to playoff contender. Commissioner Rob Manfred faces a direct challenge: recruit five megalomaniacal billionaires willing to revitalize struggling franchises in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Miami, Cleveland, and Sacramento. Discover why keeping elite pitchers beats trading them, and how baseball's ownership crisis threatens the sport's competitive integrity.

Pat Murphy and Stephen Vogt claim Manager of the Year honors for the second straight season. But does their repeat victory expose a troubling pattern in baseball's competitive landscape? The Milwaukee Brewers posted the best regular season record in baseball despite bottom-tier payroll, while the Cleveland Guardians mounted a historic comeback from 11 games back on September 4th. Both franchises continue operating with payrolls in the bottom third of MLB, even as championship windows remain wide open. The analysis breaks down why the Manager of the Year award consistently rewards "overachieving" teams rather than those meeting high expectations, and examines the payroll crisis facing competitive clubs. With Cleveland's title drought stretching back to 1948 and Milwaukee's to 1957, the discussion challenges both organizations to invest in their rosters before these opportunities vanish. Discover why these back-to-back wins reveal more about ownership failures than managerial excellence, and what it means for baseball's competitive balance.

Drake Baldwin and Nick Kurtz claim 2024 MLB Rookie of the Year honors, but their wins signal something bigger for the Braves and A's. Can these young stars anchor championship runs? Baldwin's .810 OPS and 19 home runs give Atlanta a foundational piece alongside Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson as new manager Walt Weiss takes over. Kurtz's unanimous AL victory—36 homers, 1.002 OPS—pairs with Jacob Wilson's breakout to form a dangerous young core. The discussion tackles Atlanta's bounce-back potential after a disappointing 76-86 season, Oakland's surprising depth of rookie talent, and why the Sacramento A's branding matters more than you think for building lasting fan connections. Milwaukee's four Rookie of the Year vote-getters prove the power of farm system development, while Miami's failure to capitalize on young talent like Augustine Ramirez shows the cost of constant rebuilding. Discover why having "your guy" defines baseball fandom and which teams are positioned to contend through youth.

Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz face indictment on gambling charges related to rigging pitch bets. Could this scandal rival the 1919 Black Sox? The episode examines why gambling poses a greater threat to baseball's integrity than performance-enhancing drugs, exploring how Clase's dominant regular season—just 5 earned runs allowed—contrasted sharply with his postseason collapse that saw him surrender 8 runs. Historical parallels emerge through suspected fixes in the 1914, 1918, and 1919 World Series, revealing a pattern that makes fans question what's legitimate on the field. The discussion tackles Pete Rose's lifetime ban, arguing that betting introduces motivations beyond winning while PED users like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were still trying to gain competitive advantages. Discover why the fundamental assumption that players are trying to win matters more than any other aspect of the game's integrity.

Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins face a defining moment as Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami enters MLB free agency. While big-market teams like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets circle, two unexpected contenders should make aggressive moves. The Pirates possess Paul Skenes , the National League's best pitcher and likely Cy Young winner at just 24 years old. With Skenes under team control for four more years and the NL Central wide open, Pittsburgh must surround their ace with major league talent. The Marlins finished 79-83 but showed flashes of contention with young stars and elite pitching. Both franchises accept revenue sharing yet consistently field bottom-dwelling rosters, wasting competitive windows and betraying fan trust. This breakdown challenges the small-market narrative, exposing ownership failures and arguing why these teams can compete without matching Dodgers spending. The analysis covers Murakami's power potential, competitive balance realities, and the looming work stoppage threatening baseball's future. Discover why these overlooked franchises must act now or waste generational talent.

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Alex Rodriguez deserve Hall of Fame induction. The hypocrisy? David Ortiz and Pudge Rodriguez are already enshrined despite PED connections. Host Sully breaks down the double standard plaguing Cooperstown, arguing that voter bias—not steroids—keeps certain players out while others slide through. The discussion covers Fernando Valenzuela's Veterans Committee candidacy, the 2025 ballot featuring Carlos Beltran and Andrew Jones, and why Bonds was baseball's best player even before his transformation. Sully proposes a controversial solution: induct all PED-era stars simultaneously in "one big gulp." The episode also examines the San Diego Padres' surprising hire of Craig Stammon as manager, an inexperienced choice for a franchise desperate to capture its first World Series title. With Manny Machado leading a championship-caliber roster, can a company man with no managerial track record deliver results? Tune in for this passionate take on baseball's most contentious debate and what it means for the sport's future.