Baseball America

In a special Future Projection cross-posted episode, Ben, Carlos and Jacob conduct the fourth annual amateur player draft. The name of the game is simple: select the most talented team you can among 2026 eligible draft prospects. Each drafter has to fill out a roster as follows: one catcher, two corner infielders, two middle infielders, three outfielders, four pitchers and one utility spot. Each player needs to have at least six high school players and at least six college players. Who had the best draft? Let us know what you think. —Time Stamps:(0:00) Intro(0:40) Draft explained(3:40) Draft beings(6:10) First pitcher selected(10:00) Jacob Lombard vs. Justin Lebron(11:50) First catcher off the board(18:00) Ben doubles down on outfielders(23:30) The first positional “debate”(29:35) Carlos continues to stack pitchers(32:40) Ben goes crazy for college players(42:05) Jacob gets an outfield bat he loves(58:00) Team by team draft summaries and takeawaysHELLO FRESH:Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $14

Ben Badler and JJ Cooper are taking an in-depth look at the Milwaukee Brewers farm system on the latest Prospect Podcast Deep Dive. This was already one of the best systems in baseball, and then the team added two more Top 100 Prospects in the Freddy Peralta trade.(00:00) Assessing where the Brewers are after the Peralta week's trade (05:00) Why Jesús Made was the clear and convincing No. 1 (10:00) Luis Peña is an excellent prospect in his own right (14:20) Why the Brewers' farm system stands out (19:30) The biggest wild card prospect in the Brewers' system (22:00) Who could rise up this list in the upcoming year? (25:00) What are the Brewers good at producing? (30:30) Sleeper prospects to know (37:00) The clever approach the Brewers have taken in the draftBrewers Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2030-milwaukee-brewers/prospects/?season=2026&ranking=preseasonBrewers 31-40 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/10-brewers-prospects-to-know-beyond-the-top-30-in

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper and Geoff Pontes unpack BA's 2026 preseason farm system rankings with teams at the top, middle and bottom of the pack.We also react to the Red Sox acquiring Caleb Durbin from the Brewers in a six-player trade.Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:00) BA's 2026 preseason farm system talent rankings—Cardinals at No. 2 (6:00) Mets at No. 7 (10:20) Marlins at No. 8 and A's at No. 9 (12:00) Padres at No. 29 (16:05) Andrew Fischer and the Brewers (17:40) Dodgers fall outside the top 10 (20:15) Rockies in last place (23:00) Brewers trade Caleb Durbin to the Red SoxThe Hot Sheet Show airs live on the BA YouTube channel every week on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Give us a sub, and we'll see you then!Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and prospect writer Geoff Pontes dive into NCAA Division I opening weekend, breaking down matchups they'll be watching closely. Rudner and Pontes also go in depth on what top 2026 draft prospects need to do in the opening weeks of the season to stay on positive trajectories.(2:27) How much early season play matters for tournament consideration(3:13) No. 9 TCU vs. No. 17 Vanderbilt(9:50) No. 10 Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State(13:20) No. 23 Southern Miss vs. UC Santa Barbara(20:04) Arizona vs. Stanford(24:02) No. 6 Georgia vs. Wright State(28:57) Joey Volchko(33:18) Liam Peterson(39:35) Caden Bogenpohl(45:05) Ryan McPherson(48:33) Jackson Flora(51:07) Ricky Ojeda(54:32) Owen Hull(57:59) Gabe GaeckleHELLO FRESH:Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Our Sponsors:* Sign up and

Geoff Pontes and Jesús Cano are talking all about the Rockies' farm system. There's a lot of work to be done here for the new front office. The two take a look at the challenges and struggles of the system in recent years and what could turn things around.(00:00) Looking at the new front office and what it's doing(06:30) Ethan Holliday is the No. 1 prospect, but there are concerns(09:40) Making the case for Charlie Condon as the other option at No. 1(15:00) How this system compares to a year ago(16:45) Candidates other than Ethan Holliday who could be No. 1 a year from now(19:15) What has the organization been good at developing?(21:45) Some other Rockies sleeper prospects to know(30:00) Taking a look at Zac VeenRockies Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-colorado-rockies-top-mlb-prospects/Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsP

Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper are back to take an in-depth look at one of the best farm systems in baseball. The Detroit Tigers have a pair of Top 10 Prospects and several more in the Top 100.(00:00) The State Of The Tigers(05:20) What Stands Out About Kevin McGonigle And Where Does Hit Fit In 2026?(10:30) This Is One The Best Tigers Farm Systems We've Seen In Years(15:40) Talking About Max Clark, Bryce Rainer And More(20:45) What The Tigers Are Good At Developing And How It's Changed(31:45) Sleeper Names To Know(38:30) Are The Tigers All About 2026 Or Is There Longevity?Tigers Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-detroit-tigers-top-mlb-prospects/Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's Baseball America Fantasy Podcast host Geoff Pontes is joined by fellow BA writer Ian Cundall. The two talk through this week's Brendan Donovan trade, the Eugenio Suarez signing and the Framber Valdez signing. The second part of the show is focused on WBC roster release talk, FYPD updates and some questions focused on two Red Sox players.(3:00) Brendan Donovan traded to Mariners(11:00) Eugenio Suarez signs with Reds.(14:00) Framber Valdez signs with Tigers.(18:00) How Much Does WBC Impact Fantasy?(23:00) Trio of exciting young Korean hitters.(27:00) FYPD updates(30:00) Can Kyson Witherspoon Reach MLB In 2026?(37:00) Will Kristian Campbell rebound?Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos and Jacob break down our latest draft board update on the cusp of the college season kicking off. Who are the names to know, the notable movers, the positional races we’re excited to watch and more. —Time Stamps:(0:00) Intro(6:00) The race for SP1(12:00) Jackson Flora pitch mix questions(16:30) Our excitement for Eric Booth Jr.(19:00) Ryder Helfrick vs. Vahn Lackey for C1(25:00) High-confidence college hitters(38:00) Notable down arrow movers(45:00) Caden Bogenpohl’s batted ball profile(47:10) Cole Carlon’s reliever questionsOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

JJ Cooper and Carlos Collazo are taking an in-depth look at a very deep Guardians farm system in the latest edition of the Prospect Podcast Deep Dive.(00:00) The State Of The Guardians System(04:00) Travis Bazzana Is The Clear No. 1—What Can Be Expected From Him In 2026?(08:20) Chase DeLauter Is Healthy. Keep Your Fingers Crossed.(11:00) Is The System Better Or Worse Than A Year Ago?(13:30) Jace LaViolette Was A Fascinating Guardians Draft Pick(16:00) Who Could Be Next Year's No. 1 Prospect?(17:00) Parker Messick and Braylon Doughty Discussions(22:15) What The Guardians Are Good At Developing(25:00) More Guardians Sleepers To Know(32:00) Khalil Watson's Fascinating PathGuardians Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2007-cleveland-guardians/prospects/?season=2026&ranking=preseasonOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Ou

Carlos Collazo and JJ Cooper are taking an in-depth look at the Braves farm system for the latest Prospect Podcast Deep Dive. This remains a very pitcher-heavy farm system, but we look at some hitters to know as well.(00:00) Looking at the shape of this system(02:30) Why Cam Caminiti Ranked No. 1(09:00) JR Ritchie could make an MLB impact in 2026(11:30) Are There Position Players Who Could Help This Year?(13:30) Looking At The Three Shortstops The Braves Drafted In 2025(18:45) Why Carlos Is Excited About Briggs McKenzie and Diego Tornes(23:00) What Are The Braves Good At Developing?(28:00) Braves Sleeper Prospects To Know(37:00) Could The Braves Pitching Approach Change With New Coaching?Braves Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2026-atlanta-braves/prospects/Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privac

On this week's Hot Sheet Show, J.J. Cooper, Carlos Collazo and Jacob Rudner break down Baseball America's new top 200 draft rankings for 2026 and talk about our newly released college and high school All-America teams.We also break down the three-team trade that sent key Mariners prospects to the Cardinals.As a reminder, the Hot Sheet Show now airs live on the BA YouTube channel every week on Tuesday at 3 p.m. Give us a sub, and we'll see you then!Time Stamps(0:00) Introduction (1:00) A big riser in our top 200 draft rankings (3:30) College pitching in the class (7:15) How this high school class stacks up (10:00) Preseason college All-America teams & breaking down Drew Burress (18:35) Breaking down Mariners prospects heading to St. LouisOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner and national writer Carlos Collazo go over the 2026 Baseball America Preseason College All-America teams, which were voted on and selected by a panel of 18 MLB scouting directors. Rudner and Collazo also discuss BA's preseason national college award selections.(3:18) How our preseason All-America teams are picked(6:15) How we’d pick it(11:57) Reading off the teams(13:46) Surprises(18:37) Potential breakouts on the teams(22:30) Three unanimous selections(24:21) Preseason Player of the Year(29:44) Preseason Pitcher of the Year(35:06) Preseason Freshman of the Year(40:41) Sleeper award candidatesOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Speier and JJ Cooper are here to talk about the Red Sox farm system in depth on the latest Prospect Podcast Deep Dive. We look at the close-to-the-majors pitching, as well as a number of further away but intriguing bats.(00:00) The Red Sox Are Very Willing To Deal(04:15) What Does Payton Tolle Still Need To Work On?(08:30) Franklin Arias Has A Very High Floor, But What's His Ceiling?(13:45) The Red Sox System Has Clearly Taken A Step Back, Here's Why(19:00) Who Is Most Likely To Be No. 1 Next Year?(23:15) What Is This Org Good At Developing?(27:45) Red Sox Sleeper Prospects (35:00) Why Prospects Are On The Move(41:00) Will The Paul Toboni Departure Leave A Mark?Red Sox Top Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2004-boston-red-sox/prospects/?season=2026&ranking=preseasonOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://re

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for an even better encore to their AL pennant-winning 2025 season, and their No. 1 prospect, Trey Yesavage, should get a full year in the rotation. Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper look at Yesavage and the rest of an improved Blue Jays prospects list in the new Prospect Podcast Deep Dive.(00:00) What Can Be Expected Of Trey Yesavage Going Forward?(05:30) How Close Was The Choice Of Who Was The No. 2 Prospect?(12:20) Is This System Better Or Worse Than Last Year?(15:00) Who Is The Pick To Be Next Year's No. 1?(18:30) What Is This Org Good At Developing?(21:30) Blue Jays Sleepers Outside The Top 10(29:15) The Blue Jays Could Use More Pitchers With StuffBlue Jays Top Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-toronto-blue-jays-top-mlb-prospects/Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com

This week on the Baseball America Fantasy Podcast, Geoff Pontes Geoff Pontes is joined by Jacob Rudner to talk 2026 sleepers, targets and trends.We dive into Munetaka Murakami's wide range of values, then talk some top targets and FYPD trends we're seeing.Time Stamps(2:00) The Case For Munetaka Murakami(15:30) Is Josh Baez A 2026 Redraft Sleeper?(24:00) Marlins Outfield Sleeper Prospects(26:00) Devin Fitz-Gerald—A Steal?(33:00) Could Kyson Witherspoon Reach MLB In 2026?(38:00) Jace LaViolette Bounce-Back Tour(43:00) The Case For Nolan Schubart(46:00) The Cam Leiter Value PropositionOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carlos and Jacob talk about the news that South Carolina lefthander Jake McCoy is going to miss the 2026 season and the draft implications for that. After that the two pick out a few of their favorite sleepers who are currently outside of the top-three round range but could see themselves jump up the board with strong spring seasons. —Time Stamps:(1:00) Jake McCoy injury(5:00) How does this impact his draft stock?(11:00) Sleeper talk begins(15:00) Logan Reddemann(19:55) Cal Randall(22:00) Dominic Pellegrin(27:00) Joe Tiroly(31:00) Owen Hull(37:25) Bo RhudyOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ian Cundall and JJ Cooper are taking an in-depth look at the Twins farm system. It's led by No. 1 prospect Walker Jenkins, and after last season's trades, it's also significantly deeper.(00:00) A Quick Note About Edouard Julien and Pierson Ohl's Trade(03:00) Looking At No. 1 Prospect Walker Jenkins(09:00) Emmanuel Rodriguez, Kaelen Culpepper Talk(11:30) Is This System Better Than Last Year?(15:00) Prospects Who Could Rank No. 1 Next Year(19:30) How The Twins' Lack Of A Clear MLB Shortstop Could Affect Culpepper And Marek Houston(24:30) What Do The Twins Develop Really Well?(27:30) Looking At Twins Sleepers(29:45) Are The Twins In A Rebuild?(35:00) Why It's Worth Paying Attention To The Twins' DSL GroupTwins Top 30: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2024-minnesota-twins/prospects/?season=2026&ranking=preseasonOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redci

Geoff Pontes and JJ Cooper are taking an in-depth look at the Cardinals farm system on the newest edition of the Baseball America Prospect Podcast Deep Dives. There's a clear No. 1 prospect here, but the No. 2 and No. 3 prospects also wouldn't look out of place at No. 1.(00:00) Looking at JJ Wetherholt at No. 1(04:30) Examining Liam Doyle(08:45) Is This System Better Or Worse Than Last Year?(12:00) Who Could Be Next Year's No. 1?(15:40) What Is This Org Good At Developing?(18:00) How Will The Cardinals Avoid The Problems Of The Last Wave Of Prospects(23:00) Cardinals Sleeper Prospects To KnowCardinals Top Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2020-st-louis-cardinals/prospects/?season=2026&ranking=preseasonOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Baseball America national college reporter Jacob Rudner is joined by Coastal Carolina director of analytics Matt Pepin to discuss the state of exit velocities in college baseball and whether or not it's time for the NCAA to look into the ball it uses. Rudner and Pepin also break down Coastal Carolina ace and top college pitching prospect Cameron Flukey from a data standpoint.(1:56) Welcoming in Matt Pepin(3:50) Digging deeper on college exit velocities(7:09) Are some players hitting the ball harder than they should?(9:35) Breaking EVs down by percentages(11:23) Changing the ball(17:17) What makes Cameron Flukey great?(19:13) Taking a closer look at Flukey’s fastball(20:49) Flukey’s curveball improvement(21:23) Targeted areas of growth over the offseason(22:28) Implementing data into development at Coastal(25:22) What people miss when studying Flukey(26:00) Flukey’s slider and changeup(28:35) Coastal draft sleepers(30:38) Team USA alums to watch(31:42) Final thoughtsOur Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off a

Geoff Pontes and Josh Norris are talking all about the Phillies farm system, which is led by shortstop Aidan Miller. Who are the names to know, and how does this system stack up against other farm systems? Find out in the latest Deep Dive.(00:00) How Does The System Stack Up?(01:30) How Easy Was It To Choose Aidan Miller at No. 1?(08:50) Analyzing Andrew Painter's Development(11:35) Is This System Better Or Worse Than Last Year?(14:30) Who Could Be The System's No. 1 Prospect Next Year?(18:00) What Is This System Good At Developing?(20:00) Other Sleepers Outside The Top 10 To Watch(23:40) Where Is This System Going?Phillies Top 30 Prospects: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2026-philadelphia-phillies-top-mlb-prospects/Our Sponsors:* Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy