Home Run Derby predictions & MLB Draft preview

The 4th of July has passed, but there will be some fireworks in Atlanta in just a few days as one of the most electrifying events in baseball takes center stage. The Home Run Derby. A stacked field will arrive at Truist Park ready to put on a show. The eight contestants consist of Cal Raleigh, James Wood, Junior Caminero, Byron Buxton, Brent Rooker, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Oneil Cruz and Ronald Acuña Jr. Jake and Jordan have been bursting with excitement for this year's Derby, and now they break down the field and ultimately pick a winner. While those home run hitters are preparing to show off their power, the next great home run hitters might be waiting to hear their names called as the MLB Draft is just a couple of days away. The Washington Nationals have the number one pick. Coming off of a recent franchise overhaul, with the firing of their long-time GM and manager, they hope to take someone who will help carry them into the future. Jake and Jordan discuss this and chat about names to look out for in the 2025 MLB Draft. MLB has announced its top-20 highest selling jerseys, and to no one's surprise, Shohei Ohtani is at the top of that list. What is surprising is where some other players landed, including those who didn't make or fell off of the list.Last, but surely not least, everyone's favorite segment of the week is here. The Good, The Bad & The Uggla. Steve Cohen has taken to twitter again, Justin Verlander has a very unfortunate stat on the year and an epic playlist are some of the highlights from this week's segment.Close out your week with us as we are in Atlanta for the next few episodes of Baseball Bar-B-Cast.(2:44) - Home Run Derby Preview & Predictions(33:12) - MLB Draft Preview(50:42) - MLB highest selling jersey list(53:38) - 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 networkAnd 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_

The Los Angeles Dodgers went into Tuesday night  riding a four-game losing streak, hoping that Clayton Kershaw could get them back into the win column to calm fans’ nerves. However, it was the Milwaukee Brewers’ young buck Jacob Misiorowski who outdueled the future Hall of Famer, handed LA another loss and started to raise some concerns among the Dodger Blue faithful. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss why they’re not overly concerned about the Dodgers’ recent play and what big problem does worry them if it’s not fixed by the postseason. They then dive into the extremely impressive 10-game winning streak by the Toronto Blue Jays, leaving them one win shy of tying their franchise record that now sees them alone at the top of the AL East. Later in this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan are joined by Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott to talk about his time in Philly, taking pride in being a batter who sees a lot of pitches and why it might take a little while for Las Vegas to catch onto baseball. The guys then close the show by discussing the home run race between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, before sharing some insights on the 2025 Futures Game and Home Run Derby.(1:40) - The Opener: The Miz outduels Kershaw(13:17) - Dodgers' struggles(22:52) - Blue Jays on a 10-game win streak(30:04) - Bryson Stott joins the show!(42:56) - Around the League: Fallout in D.C.(48:00) - 2025 home run race (52:11) - All-Star Week updates Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast networkAnd 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_

2019 doesn't seem like that long ago, but one pandemic and five World Series later the 2019 World Series champs, the Washington Nationals, are making a huge franchise shift. General manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez are out for the Nationals after they were swept by the Boston Red Sox this past weekend. Jake and Jordan look at the Nationals, who sit above only the 21-69 Colorado Rockies in the National League, and break down how exactly the franchise fell so far. They also discuss what the Nationals future looks like and where they may go from here.The All-Star rosters are set. The pitchers have been announced and a "Legend Pick" has even been named. With the All-Star festivities less than a week away from beginning, Jake and Jordan give their takes on each of the rosters. Who are they looking forward to watching, and who do they think may drop out at the last minute? Plus, Jordan has released his list of who he thinks got snubbed from an All-Star roster spot. The Houston Astros outscored the Los Angeles Dodgers 29-6 during their series sweep over the weekend. That was just one of six sweeps this weekend! The guys dive into each of those series and fill you in on what happened at the Subway Series in New York. Plus, they cover every series from the weekend and much more news from around the baseball world, including the passing of Bobby Jenks. Don't miss a second of this jam-packed Monday episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast(1:22) - Nationals fire GM & Managers(21:30) - All-Star Game rosters & snubs(39:19) - Remembering Bobby Jenks(42:18) - How Sweep It Is(53:42) - Subway Series Recap(57:10) - Turbo Mode Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast networkAnd 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_

On Wednesday night, Clayton Kershaw made baseball history, becoming only the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000 career strikeout mark. The future Hall of Famer entered the night three strikeouts away from the milestone, and he reached the plateau in front of his family and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ faithful fans.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the historical significance of this achievement by Kershaw and why it always felt inevitable that he would reach the mark. They also debate whether Gerrit Cole, Chris Sale or any other active starter might ever reach 3,000 strikeouts or if this could be the last time we see it happen in the game.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan react to the starting lineups for the American and National League All-Star teams, discuss the New York Yankees’ continued struggles that now see them tied atop the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays and answer some of your mailbag questions. The guys then make their weekly picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla. (1:57) - The Opener: Clayton Kershaw reaches 3000(20:38) - BBQ Mailbag(39:38) Around the League: AL East drama(52:57) - All-Star Game starters announced(56:57) - 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 networkAnd 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_

33 years after his retirement, Dave 'The Cobra' Parker finally got the news that he would be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame. Saturday, less than a month away from being able to attend his Hall of Fame induction, baseball lost its giant. The six-foot five-inch slugger left an indelible mark on the game. Parker won an MVP, back-to-back hitting titles, three Gold Gloves and two World Series. The 7-time All-Star finished with 2,712 hits and a 40.1 career WAR. Jake and Jordan remember the legend.The Mets' struggles continue as they suffer their worst series loss in team history. Losing by a combined score of 30-4 over the three game series, the Mets get swept by the Pirates without Paul Skenes. New York remains only 1.5 games back in the NL East, but does a players only meeting and a consistent lack of offense spell trouble as they prepare to meet up with the Brewers this week? The guys dive into this matchup and look ahead for the Mets. However, this was not the only sweep of the weekend as Jake and Jordan discuss the other two sweeps as well. They break down the Cardinals' sweep of the Guardians and the Marlins' sweep of the Diamondbacks in the latest version of 'How Sweep It Is.' Plus, Ohtani dominates on the mound and at the plate, Tarik Skubal strikes out 13, the Orioles score 22 runs in a game and the Astros continue to have the best record in baseball since May 6th. Jake and Jordan get you 'Around the League' quickly with 'Turbo Mode' as they break down each series from the weekend.Join us to start off your 4th of July week at the Baseball Bar-B-Cast.Note: This is the first of two episodes this week. We will return on Thursday to take a look at the upcoming weekend.(1:32) - Remembering Dave Parker(16:36) - Pirates sweep Mets(24:34) - Cardinals sweep Guardians(30:17) - Marlins sweep Diamondbacks(36:31) - Around the League(48:42) - Ohtani returns to the mound(51:47) - Turbo Mode Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast networkAnd 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_

With less than three weeks to go until the 2025 MLB All-Star Game festivities take place in Atlanta, it’s time to start thinking about who might try to steal the show during the Home Run Derby. With Ronald Acuña Jr. and now Cal Raleigh confirmed to take part in the long ball contest, that leaves six spots open—and we have some ideas.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss their dream lineups for the derby and which players could make for the most exciting matchups. While Acuña Jr. seems to be the sentimental favorite to win, the addition of Elly De La Cruz and Mike Trout could make things even more interesting.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan are joined by Athletics rookie sensation Jacob Wilson to talk about his excitement for the All-Star Game, adjusting to life in the majors and why he takes pride in striking out so rarely. The guys then recap news from around the league before making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.(1:58) - The Opener: 2025 Home Run Derby discussion(5:47) - Jake & Jordan make their picks(26:03) - Jacob Wilson joins the show(40:17) - Around the League: Franco sentenced(44:38) - Bobby Witt Jr. joins Team USA(47:31) - Twins extend Baldelli(52:39) - 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 networkAnd 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_

Imagine this. You get the call that you're headed up for your MLB debut. Even better, your first start is at home against the Yankees. You step onto the mound and strike out the first two batters. Aaron Judge steps to the plate, he goes down swinging. The next inning you repeat the same process, striking out three of the next four batters. Well, this was reality for the Reds' Chase Burns on Tuesday. The second overall pick in the 2024 draft is the only pitcher in the last 50 years to strike out the first five batters faced in an MLB debut. Jake and Jordan break down Burns' dazzling debut.The Atlanta Braves have taken the first two games in their series against the New York Mets this week. The guys discuss the Braves' recent success over the Mets and the momentum they have going right now. They also dive into the Mets' recent struggles. Losers of 10 of their last 11, the Mets still sit only 1.5 GB in the NL East. Is it time to panic yet at Citi Field?The former Oakland A's, who are currently in Sacramento, broke ground in Las Vegas yesterday. The drawn-out move to Las Vegas took a crucial step, on Tuesday, with the team announcing that the new stadium will be ready by Opening Day 2028. Team owner, John Fisher, and MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, spoke at the ceremony. Jake and Jordan discuss the continuance of the A's to Vegas saga as they dive into what was said and what this move to Vegas might mean for the A's and MLB.The All-Star Game is just around the corner, and the first voting period is almost complete. The guys explain how the confusing voting system works and talk about the closest races for some of the All-Star spots.All of this and more on this mid-week edition of Baseball Bar-B-Cast.(1:22) - Chase Burns(8:45) - Braves-Mets(31:46) - A's stadium breaks ground(45:25) - All-Star voting update  Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast networkAnd 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_

On Sunday, the LSU Tigers roared yet again en route to their second Men’s College World Series title in the past three years, defeating Coastal Carolina two games to none. After an impressive complete-game shutout by Kade Anderson in game one, the Tigers took care of business in game two to secure their 8th title since 1991.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about LSU’s impressive 10-1 postseason run this year, led by head coach Jay Johnson, and why the title seemed inevitable yet again for the boys from the bayou. They then discuss the controversial moment in game two that saw Coastal’s head coach, Kevin Schnall, get ejected in the 1st inning.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan highlight the incredible offensive season from Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and whether he’s a legitimate threat to Aaron Judge for the American League Most Valuable Player. They also recap all the weekend action, including Shohei Ohtani taking the mound for his second start of the season, Rafael Devers facing off against the Boston Red Sox and a must-see pitching matchup between Paul Skenes and Jacob Misiorowski.(2:01) - The Opener: LSU wins it all(26:21) - How Sweep It Is: Brewers sweep Twins(35:15) - Around The League(45:48) - Can Cal overtake Judge?(50:55) - Devers takes on Sox(53:10) - Turbo Mode weekend recap Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast networkAnd 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_

There was no lack of drama at Chavez Ravine this week as an already heated intradivision rivalry turned the heat up even more. Ejections, players being hit, benches clearing and a walk-off home run were all sprinkled throughout the Dodgers and Padres matchup that saw LA take three of the four games. Jake and Jordan get into all of the drama from the series as they discuss the ejections of both managers, Tatis' injury, the Dodgers starting to look dominant again and more. Plus, the Dodgers' owner now owns another storied LA franchise, and the guys give their thoughts on the impact this may have on the Lakers.While things are heating up in LA, they seem to be cooling off in NYC. Although the Yankees were able to escape a sweep by the Angels, the Mets did not get as lucky as they got swept by the Braves. The guys dive into the series and discuss if the surging Braves, led by Ronald Acuña Jr., are destined for the postseason and how the Mets can snap their six-game losing streak. Plus, Jake and Jordan talk about the Braves' Didier Fuentes reaching the MLB before his 21st birthday and what to make of the NL East.Jake has returned from the Men's College World Series. He shares all that he saw in Omaha and the guys chat about the epic matchup of Coastal Carolina vs. LSU. Plus, Jake tells an amazing story from the aftermath of the Arkansas loss that you don't want to miss.Finally, what does the Pope, Nick Castellanos and some men named Ryan have in common? The Good, The Bad & The Uggla of course! Everyone's favorite segment of the week drops the latest edition. Close out your week with us at the Baseball Bar-B-Cast. (1:15) - Dodgers/Padres rivalry heats up(22:36) - Braves sweep Mets(35:00) - What to make of the NL East(42:20) - College World Series update(54:28) - 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 networkAnd 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_

The baseball world is still buzzing about the shocking trade that sent Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants only two seasons after the Boston Red Sox signed him to an 11-year contract extension. While Devers is already making a great first impression by the Bay, there are still questions about why Boston traded away yet another superstar from their roster.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about Devers’ debut with the Giants, including a star-studded press conference and already mashing in his first game, as well as whether he could play a position the Red Sox once hoped he'd fill when the team rolls into San Francisco this weekend.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan welcome journalist Joon Lee to try to make sense of the trade from the Red Sox’s side. After trading away Mookie Betts, Chris Sale, and Rafael Devers—along with not re-signing Xander Bogaerts—the guys wonder if the team is losing credibility with an already irritated fan base. Then, they talk about Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound and Gage Wood throwing a no-hitter in the College World Series.(2:43) – The Opener: Devers’ debut in San Francisco(23:33) – Joon Lee joins the show to talk Red Sox(50:33) – Around the League: Shohei Ohtani pitches again(54:01) – Gage Wood twirls a no-hitter(57:47) – Jordan’s notes from the MLB Draft Combine Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast networkAnd 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_