The Mets' Spending Power, Juan Soto Suitors, And The Rangers' Payroll Limits

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and Issac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith to the Astros, the Brewers sending Devin Williams to the Yankees for Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin, the A's acquiring Jeffrey Springs from the Rays, the Orioles signing Japanese starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, and whether Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease or Jesus Luzardo could get traded soon.

Darragh McDonald is joined by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco to discuss Juan Soto's record-breaking contract, which players Steve Cohen is willing to pay for, what the Mets will pivot to next, how Max Fried ended up getting an eight-year contract from the Yankees, the blockbuster deal that sent Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox for some top prospects, who could sign Corbin Burnes, the Giants signing Willy Adames, the surprising deal between Luis Severino and the Athletics, the trades between the Guardians, Blue Jays and Pirates that sent Andres Gimenez to Toronto, the modest offseason so far from the Orioles and Tigers, and Nathan Eovaldi resigning with the Rangers.

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Blake Snell signing a five-year deal with the Dodgers, MLB fans getting tired of the Dodgers' dominance over the free agent market and their use of deferred money, their extension of Tommy Edman to keep him with the team for four additional seasons, a breaking news report that the Red Sox are signing Aroldis Chapman, the Mets signing Frankie Montas, and the Cubs signing Matthew Boyd and whether they will get more aggressive this offseason. Listener question topics include whether the Pirates would be interested in trading with the Red Sox for Triston Casas, and the value of Cody Bellinger's current contract relative to what free agents will get on the market. 

MLBTR founder Tim Dierkes joins Darragh McDonald to discuss Yusei Kikuchi signing with the Angels, the flurry of moves that the Angels have already made this offseason, and Royals sending Brady Singer to the Reds for Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer. Listener question topics include the mechanics of how Scott Boras will approach teams to drive up the bidding for Juan Soto, if the A's will really raise their payroll and who they could target, what the Mariners should do at third base, why the Nationals non-tendered Kyle Finnegan, and what it would take to extend Tarik Skubal. 

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Rays' plans to play in a minor league facility in 2025 and the potential of relocation if their new stadium deal falls through. Also, the restructuring of Diamond Sports and the new deal that got them out of bankruptcy.Listener question topics include whether the Red Sox could target both Garrett Crochet and a top-end free agent, the rumored deal that would send Jonathan India to Kansas City for Brady Singer, and if the Orioles will be big players in free agency this offseason.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss news that Japanese ace Roki Sasaki will get posted this offseason and be available at a minimum salary, the strange situation of Gerrit Cole opting out of his contract with the Yankees, then rescinding it to stay on his original deal, what the Cardinals will do after reports that they plan to retool, but have some veterans that don't want to be traded, a deal that sent Jorge Soler to the Angels for Griffin Canning, the overall trend of the Braves moving money around to make payroll space for 2025, and the Dodgers again announcing that Mookie Betts will move to the infield. 

Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams and Anthony Franco all join Darragh McDonald to break down and discuss the site's annual list of the Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions. They talk about the big names, controversial picks, unexpected destinations and much more. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the massive amount of payroll flexibility that the Mets will have going into this offseason, other teams that will join the Mets in pursuit of Juan Soto, and how the Rangers will try to get better while also getting below the luxury tax threshold. Listener question topics include whose postseason performance will land them more money in free agency, if a Ryan Mountcastle/Ryan Helsley trade would make sense, if Rowdy Tellez is a good target for the Tigers, and whether Justin Verlander should transition into being a closer. 

Steve Adams joins Darragh McDonald to discuss the Yankees/Dodgers World Series matchup, reports that White Sox' owner Jerry Reinsdorf is having talks to sell the team and whether it could lead to a new stadium deal or relocation for the club. Also, what the ramifications will be for the Rays after the hurricane damaged Topicana Field's roof. There are a lot of unknowns about where they will play and how it will affect their finances.Listener question topics include whether it's a good idea for the Guardians to trade Josh Naylor, what extensions for Masyn Winn and Alec Burleson could look like, and what the Red Sox will do this winter.

Anthony Franco joins Darragh McDonald to discuss developments in the Twin Cities, including the Twins being up for sale, the firing of their GM, and the announcement that MLB will take over broadcasting of their games next season. In an extended mailbag, topics include if the Cubs will try to trade from their glut of top prospects, possibilities for the Orioles in their first offseason under new ownership, if the Rangers should resign Nathan Eovaldi, whether the Blue Jays could target Willson Contreras in a trade, and how the Padres can continue to be competitive as they face a payroll crunch.