The Ringer MLB Show

‘The Ringer MLB Show’ has a new home this season: ‘Ringer Baseball.’ We’ll be moving over and sharing the ‘Ringer Baseball’ feed alongside ‘Baseball BBQ.’ So search ‘Ringer Baseball’ on Spotify and follow—the podcast will be exclusive to Spotify starting later in April. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap the week in managerial hires (0:45) before guessing where some of the biggest free agents like Trevor Bauer, George Springer, Corey Kluber, and more will land this offseason (18:00). Finally, we review Michael Baumann’s preseason prop bets and how everyone did with their predictions (45:30).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, and Zach Kram break down MLB’s on-field action, roster moves, and quirks every week, with occasional appearances from a rotating cast of Ringer staffers and plugged-in media members around the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss everything—the Dodgers’ clutch hitting and bullpen, the Blake Snell decision, and of course Justin Turner’s positive COVID test—from the Dodgers’ World Series–clinching victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Plus: Dynasty talk has become popular in baseball. Is the Dodgers’ dynasty validated, and is there an end in sight?Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rays evened the World Series in Game 4 after a bizarre set of mistakes by the Dodgers allowed Randy Arozarena to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning. But the Dodgers bounced back Sunday night on the back of a strong Clayton Kershaw start and some clutch relief pitching to take a 3-2 series lead. Will they close it out in Game 6, or are we going to see a World Series Game 7 for the second straight year? Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan ShustermanThis episode originally ran on the 'Baseball BBQ' feed. Follow 'Baseball BBQ' on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clayton Kershaw continued to rewrite the narrative that he struggles in the postseason, as the Dodgers took a 3-2 lead over the Rays in the World Series. Can the Rays once again even the series on the back of a strong Blake Snell start? Or will the Dodgers close it out in six games? Plus: We react to the end of Game 4 from Saturday night, one of the most ridiculous finishes to any baseball game ever, let alone a World Series game.Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan RuoccoThis episode originally ran on the 'R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco' feed. Follow 'R2C2' on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to a choppy Game 2 that featured seven Dodgers pitchers, a strong but short outing from Blake Snell, and a semi-revival of the Rays’ bats. Then, we preview games 3 and 4 before sharing our Fave Five things of the series thus far.Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan ShustermanThis episode originally ran on the 'Baseball BBQ' feed. Follow 'Baseball BBQ' on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start this week with a Slingin’ Heat featuring Mookie Betts, NFL betting lines, and the upcoming league collective bargaining negotiations (1:50). Then, we’re joined by three-time World Series champion Dave Stewart to talk about his illustrious playoff career, the toughest batters he ever faced, pitching wisdom he learned from Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax, how the game has become less about entertainment, and more (13:03).Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan RuoccoGuest: Dave StewartThis episode originally ran on the 'R2C2 With CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco' feed. Follow R2C2 on Spotify for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap a lopsided Game 1 of the World Series that featured a dominant Clayton Kershaw start combined with all five tools of Mookie Betts prominently displayed. Then, we wonder whether the Rays’ pitching staff can keep the Dodgers under five runs per game for the rest of the series, and if not, whether the Rays lineup has any hope of winning the series for them. Finally, we briefly discuss commissioner Rob Manfred’s quotes about wanting to keep the expanded 16-team postseason moving forward.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap a thrilling Game 7 of the NLCS between the Dodgers and the Braves that featured incredibly clutch home runs from Cody Bellinger and Kike Hernández (1:51) and a surprising Game 7 between the Astros and Rays in which the Rays held on to avoid blowing a 3-0 series lead. Then, we share our five favorite players and predict who will win the World Series, how many games it’ll take, and who will take home the World Series MVP trophy (24:40).Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan ShustermanThis episode originally ran on the 'Baseball BBQ' feed. Follow 'Baseball BBQ' on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back for another late-night podcast to react to the Dodgers’ offensive outburst in Game 3 of the NLCS and the Rays’ sturdy rotation and bullpen through four games in the ALCS. Plus: CC slings some heat about analytics, the New York tabloids, and the Jets’ and Giants’ quarterback situations. Finally, we take some of your questions about the future of the Yankees rotation, what it’s like in the locker room after a tough postseason elimination, and more (44:28).Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan RuoccoThis episode originally ran on the 'R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco' feed. Follow 'R2C2' on Spotify or wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the 11-run inning that powered the Dodgers in Game 3, flipping the script in a series that had been surprisingly dominated by the Braves up to that point (0:00). Then, we discuss the saga that was Walker Buehler’s pants (1:21), before discussing how even with a loss in Game 4, the Rays have set themselves up nicely to close out the Astros in the coming days (20:33). Finally, we diagnose what it would mean for the White Sox—one of the most exciting young teams in baseball—to hire Tony La Russa, AJ Hinch, or Alex Cora (30:37).Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan ShustermanThis episode originally ran on the 'Baseball BBQ' feed. Follow 'Baseball BBQ' on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rays are up 3-0 on the Astros, and it sure seems like they’re clicking better than any other team in baseball and they are poised to reach the World Series. We discuss their unmatched collection of rotation and bullpen arms, the Astros struggling to get timely hits, José Altuve’s throwing errors, and more (1:30), before switching over to the NL, where the Braves have shocked the Dodgers by getting out to a 2-0 series lead. Is this finally the year Dave Roberts gets the hook for his questionable bullpen usage, or can the Dodgers bats help turn things around for the heavy favorites (19:30)?Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rays hung on to beat the Astros 2-1 in Game 1 of the ALCS on the back of a gritty pitching performance from Blake Snell and another Randy Arozarena home run. We recap that game as well as preview the rest of this fascinating series, before also previewing Game 1 of the NLCS between the Dodgers and the Braves. Will the Dodgers keep rolling along or will the stacked Braves lineup and surprisingly impressive postseason pitching give Los Angeles trouble?Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman This podcast originally ran on the 'Baseball BBQ' feed. You can follow Baseball BBQ here on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerrit Cole and Tyler Glasnow were electric on short rest. Aaron Judge went yard off the best reliever of 2020. The Yankees’ and Rays’ bullpens went toe-to-toe. But it was Mike Brosseau taking Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman deep that was the difference. We break down everything Yankees-Rays Game 5, where the series went wrong for New York, what the future looks like constructed around this current core, and more on an instant-reaction R2C2.Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan RuoccoThis episode originally ran on the 'R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco' feed. Follow 'R2C2' on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a stress-filled Game 2 between the Dodgers and Padres, we convene to give our immediate reactions to that series, as well as the Yankees-Rays series that's tilted toward Tampa Bay, the Braves-Marlins series that's headed toward a sweep, and the A’s-Astros series that’s about to play its crucial Game 4. Plus: We take a victory lap on predicting the pitcher-friendly Globe Life Field would be the talk of the postseason, as well as predicting a big breakout for Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena.Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan ShustermanThis podcast originally ran on the 'Baseball BBQ' feed. Follow on Spotify here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CC and Ryan give their immediate takeaways as the Yankees fall behind the Rays 2-1 in the ALDS, preview Game 4, and discuss the Yankees’ chances of combing back in the series (1:08). Plus, this week in Slingin’ Heat, we hear CC’s take on Derek Jeter’s tenure thus far as the Marlins CEO, Kyrie Irving’s comments about the role of head coaches on the Nets, why the NFL hates the Raiders, and more (40:42).Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan RuoccoThis podcast originally ran on the `R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco` feed. Follow `R2C2` on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a hectic wild-card week, we’ve settled in nicely to the rhythm of the divisional series. This week on the show, we bounce around to each series and give an in-depth recap of the big story lines. What looks real and what will peter out if the series drag on to five games? Are the Marlins beaning Acuña on purpose? Did Aaron Boone botch Game 2? Are the Astros doing a bit or have they actually convinced themselves they’re the protagonists of this playoffs?Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We preview every series in both leagues and break down what you need to know, what you need to get excited for, and which players (outside the obvious) you should expect to show up big (1:03). Then, ESPN broadcaster Boog Sciambi joins to preview Marlins-Braves, describe what it’s like to call a fanless playoff game that you’re not even in the ballpark for, and discuss the nearly unbelievable arc of Fernando Tatis Jr. (33:26).This episode originally ran on 'Baseball BBQ.' Follow on Spotify for more.Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan ShustermanGuest: Boog Sciambi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the strangest postseasons in MLB history is about to start. Does that mean any of us will pick a true underdog to win the World Series? We preview the first round series by series before sharing who we think will be the last team standing this year.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the final time this season, we run through the biggest movers in terms of playoff odds, and share which of the final contenders have surprised us most this season (1:27). Then, with less than a week left in the season, we share our MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year ballots, including unanimous choices like Shane Bieber for AL Cy Young, and three-way split decisions like Freddie Freeman, Fernando Tatís Jr., and Mookie Betts for NL MVP (33:44).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We lead the podcast by discussing the news that commissioner Rob Manfred and team owners want to make the 2020 playoff structure (16 teams and a three-game series in the first round) permanent (1:35). Then, we discuss how the MLB playoff bubble will affect this year and how team strategies will change because there are no days off in between games (18:38). Finally, we preview a weekend full of key series for the 2020 playoff picture (31:58) before discussing the largest movers by playoff odds this past week (48:13).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We narrow in on the two biggest preseason favorites to win the 2020 World Series: the Yankees and the Dodgers. What has contributed to their polar opposite seasons, and can the Yankees pull it together in time to regain their chance at a 2020 ring (8:12)? Then, we remember MLB legends Lou Brock and Tom Seaver (27:11) and then choose a preseason underdog that we now think is most likely to make the playoffs (36:02).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After some alleged beanball dominated the discourse around the Yankees-Rays game last night, we outline the recent history of bad blood between the two teams (1:34). Then, we discuss the highest impact trades from the deadline on Monday, including Mike Clevinger and Austin Nola to the Padres (16:29). Finally, we talk about the biggest playoff odds moves of the week (51:34).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With nearly half of the season over (unbelievably), we run down the awards ballots for the AL and NL and share our top three picks for MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year (6:37). Then, we end by recapping the last week in playoff odds changes (48:06).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we home in on the biggest story in baseball: Fernando Tatis Jr. vs. regressive unwritten rules. We open by wondering whether this will be the old generation’s last big stance against electric young players (1:03), before inviting The Ringer’s Shea Serrano onto the show so he can learn and react to some of baseball’s most ridiculous unwritten rules (21:15). Finally, Mike and Ben close by assessing the most drastic movers by FanGraphs’ playoff odds (46:41).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach KramGuest: Shea Serrano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerrit Cole is the new guy in the Bronx—CC knows a little something about that. The guys are joined by the Yankees’ new ace to talk about staying intense with no fans in the stands (12:45), getting to know new teammates and developing a relationship with a new catcher (34:00), CC’s ceremonial first pitch (43:47), witnessing Aaron Judge up close and personal (49:42), and more.This podcast originally aired on 'R2C2.' Subscribe on Spotify.Hosts: CC Sabathia and Ryan RuoccoGuest: Gerrit Cole Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach Kram breaks out more halfway-hot takes to open this week’s episode, including that the Angels offense will finish in the top two in baseball but the team will miss the playoffs, Fernando Tatís Jr. will go 20/20 in only 60 games, and more (1:40). Then, Ben Lindbergh joins to make sense of the Cleveland starting rotation violating COVID protocols, and then discusses the biggest movers in playoff odds this week (25:02).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open this week's podcast by reviewing Sunday's ill-advised brawl between the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros, from which the resulting penalties are rumored to be severe (1:02). Then, we bring on ESPN’s Clinton Yates to break down the unique and growing appeal of Fernando Tatís Jr. and to make the case for the runner on second rule (25:26). Finally, we debate whether the Rockies and Padres are actually good (57:23).This podcast initially aired on the "Baseball BBQ" feed. Follow on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Hosts: Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We scan over the last week in COVID-related baseball news, including the latest on outbreaks in St. Louis and Miami, Yoenis Céspedes opting out, and more (1:23). Then, we curate some of the best things you can spend this shortened season watching—from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, to Fernando Tatís Jr., all the way to Shane Bieber and James Karinchak (17:14).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now a couple of days removed from news of a COVID-19 outbreak on the Miami Marlins, we break down what this means for the other 29 teams in baseball, whether the season has a hope of rebounding and finishing, and how MLB can put a better foot forward with its coronavirus protocols (1:19). Then, we discuss an unfortunate rash of pitcher injuries before debuting a new segment in which we choose the largest movers by playoff probability and discuss how their previous week of games affects their chances in a shortened season (30:39).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The MLB season is just one day away. We preview the strange 60-game season by choosing the players we think are most likely to reach statistical milestones unseen in this millennium: hitting .400 for a full season or posting an ERA less than Bob Gibson’s 1.12 mark from 1968 (30:57). Plus: Michael Baumann’s annual prop bet game (1:51).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We gather for an update to our previous conversation about the coronavirus after MLB announced that it would suspend spring training and delay the beginning of the season by at least two weeks.Hosts: Ben Lindbergh and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We briefly discuss the evolving situation surrounding the coronavirus as it pertains to Major League Baseball (0:45) before previewing the upcoming season by analyzing whether teams will finish over or under their projected win totals (11:55). We finish with Zach Kram making four long-shot predictions that he thinks have a chance to play out in the National League this year (38:16).Disclaimer: This podcast was recorded Wednesday, March 11, at noon PT.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we prepare to preview the 2020 season, we recap the biggest story of the offseason: the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and MLB’s response to it. We run through a list of 10 questions and explain the effects the punishment will have on the 2020 season.Hosts: Michael Baumann and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We convene for another emergency podcast to discuss the biggest MLB trade in years: former MVP Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. We run down what this means for the competitive balance of baseball in the 2020 season, why the Red Sox didn’t back up the Brinks truck, and more. Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The punishment is in: the Houston Astros' GM and manager were both suspended for a year by Major League Baseball and subsequently fired by the Astros. Has this set a strong enough precedent for what the Astros did? Plus: Will Red Sox manager Alex Cora get the worst suspension of all for his role in devising the Astros' sign-stealing scheme?Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our third emergency free-agent signing podcast of the week, we break down the contract for former Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon: seven years and $245 million to play for the Los Angeles Angels. Now that the best hitter and the best pitcher are off the market, how will the rest of free agency shake out? Plus: analysis of this year’s market versus last year’s much slower, bleaker market.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerrit Cole just signed the biggest contract in baseball history for a pitcher, and it’s not particularly close. Does this mean the Yankees are the Yankees of old, and have they upended the Astros as the best team in baseball? Plus: The AL East is stacked. Is the addition of Cole, the best pitcher in baseball, enough to win that arms race?Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the news that Stephen Strasburg is headed back to the Washington Nationals for the largest total contract for a pitcher in baseball history. What does this mean for his (maybe former) teammate Anthony Rendon, as well as the other top starting pitcher on the market, Gerrit Cole?Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run through the Washington Nationals' weekend in celebration, including Monday’s trip to the White House (3:00), before forecasting a slow offseason and predicting where the league’s top free agents might end up (33:51).Hosts: Michael Baumann and Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a postseason in which Washington trailed in five elimination games, the Nationals clawed their way through to win their first World Series since returning to the capital. We convene to discuss how they pulled it off, the future for both the Nationals and the Astros, and the 2019 postseason at large.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Astros now up 3-2 over the Nationals, we discuss the odds that the Nationals can get back on track in this series. Will Stephen Strasburg keep their hopes alive in Game 6, and in that case, will we see Max Scherzer for a potential Game 7? Plus, we discuss the malaise hanging over the World Series after the fallout from Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman’s inappropriate comments toward a group of reporters after the ALCS victory.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We preview the elite starting-pitcher matchups that are dominating the narrative heading into the 2019 World Series before running down a number of X factors that we think might tip the series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros.Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Yankees and Astros just completed one of the most well-played games in recent playoff memory, capped by a loud Carlos Correa walk off home run. With Gerrit Cole still to throw, are the Yankees a step behind in the ALCS (1:10)? On the National League side of the bracket, the Nationals’ starting rotation has completely stifled the Cardinals offense through two games. We wonder if that series is headed toward a sweep (31:13).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We wonder whether the American League divisional series are all but over as the Yankees sweep the Twins and the Astros tab Justin Verlander to start Game 4 (1:00). Then, we analyze the National League divisional series as they stand now, both tied at 2 and headed for fifth games (28:31).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the start of the 2019 playoffs, we preview the National League (2:00) and American League (29:29) first rounds, including each league’s wild card game. Then, we answer a mailbag full of playoff questions (52:46).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach KramGuests: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We share the NL (1:40) and AL (44:50) players whom we covered and talked about most in the 2019 season. In between those two segments, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle joins to discuss where the A’s stand as we head into the playoffs (27:10).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach KramGuest: Susan Slusser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run through the list of stars to go down with injuries in the last two weeks and wonder what kind of effect it has on both the playoff run and the playoffs themselves (1:16). Then, FanGraphs writer Jay Jaffe joins to discuss team entropy—the idea that we should root for chaos in playoff and wild-card berths as the season wraps up (23:18). Finally, Ben Lindbergh joins to give out awards to the least-recognized players of the 2019 season (43:56).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach KramGuests: Jay Jaffe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We convene to talk about one of the strangest stories in baseball this year—Dave Dombrowski's firing less than a year after leading the Red Sox to a World Series (1:20). Then, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic joins to forecast what’s to come in the near and far future for the Chicago Cubs, including whether Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Joe Maddon will be around much longer (21:56). Finally, Ben Lindbergh joins to discuss the Houston Astros’ historic offense, the best offense compared with the rest of the league since the 1927 Yankees (47:46).Hosts: Michael Baumann, Ben Lindbergh, Zach KramGuest: Sahadev Sharma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices