
Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney
ESPN
ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney leads the baseball discussion alongside other top analysts.
Location:
Bristol, CT
Description:
ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney leads the baseball discussion alongside other top analysts.
Language:
English
Episodes
Study: Reds Sal Stewart Stops By; Shohei Ohtani the NL Cy Young Frontrunner?; Rating City Connects
4/17/2026
Is Shohei Ohtani the Cy Young frontrunner in the NL? Hembo and Buster discuss that, plus, the Mets’ lineup struggles and Mason Miller mowing guys down. Then Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart stops by to chat with Buster about his big weekend in Miami, how studying gives him confidence, his at-bat approach, and which pitcher gave him a good cat-and-mouse game. Then, Alden González stops by to talk about what stood out during Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani’s ridiculous pitching performance, and if Steve Cohen will make a move at manager. Later, Todd Radom rates the new City Connects, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game, and Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 3:06 Hembo joins 3:32 Shohei Ohtani Cy Young frontrunner? 8:17 Mets lineup 11:17 Padres Mason Miller 14:28 What makes Sal Stewart great 17:48 Reds Sal Stewart stops by 18:28 Hometown series in Miami 20:26 Winning the Spring Training free throw contest 24:51 At-bat approach 29:02 Watching Bo Bichette hit, hitting against Garrett Crochet 30:17 Alden González joins 31:22 Stories from Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium 35:46 Shohei Ohtani continues to marvel 38:42 Dodger offense 40:09 Mets… yikes… 43:46 Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game 44:50 Todd Radom rates City Connects 54:13 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:00:28
Retire The Number: Rays Chandler Simpson Stops By; Struggling Stars
4/15/2026
The Rays’ Chandler Simpson is a menace on the bases. He joins Buster Olney to discuss what other players say about his speed during games, his on-base obsession, pregame bunting regiments, Tony Gwynn, and Jackie Robinson’s on the field fearlessness. Then, ESPN’s David Schoenfield stops by to talk about star players batting under .200 to start the season and Garrett Crochet’s eyebrow raising game. Plus, on a scale of 1-10, how worried are they about the Blue Jays, Mets and Astros. Later, Buster is joined by former National League President Leonard Coleman Jr. to share the story of how Robinson’s No. 42 was retired across MLB. Finally, Buster answers yours questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Welcome 0:30 Rays OF Chandler Simpson joins the show 1:07 Catchers telling him to “slow down” 2:10 Obsessed with getting on base 3:34 On bunting 7:39 Watching Tony Gwynn highlights 8:40 Wearing No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day 10:40 David Schoenfield joins the show 13:17 Star players batting under .200 16:15 Garret Crochet’s 10 ER outing 18:15 Level of concern for the Toronto Blue Jays 20:16 New York Mets 25:28 Houston Astros 28:22 Story behind retiring No. 42 across MLB 35:23 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:41:28
“Wingspan Like a Condor”: Padres on 5-Game Heater; Francisco Lindor’s problems are getting weird; Bob Costas Stops By
4/13/2026
The New York Yankees were thrown into chaos all weekend long because of the Rays’ Chandler Simpson and his speed. Eduardo Pérez and Buster discuss, plus, the San Diego Padres are hot, can the Sacramento Athletics’ pitching hold up at home, what’s up with the Mets’ Francisco Lindor, and who had the idea for every player to wear No. 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. Later, NBC Sports’ Bob Costas stops by to talk about his role on Sunday Night Baseball, Buster’s first encounter with Bob, if managers will tighten up ABS challenges as the season continues, interactions with Jackie Robinson’s family, and the full story on the 1988 Dodger team chanting “Kill Costas!” before a World Series game. 0:00 Welcome 1:31 Eduardo Pérez joins the show 1:55 Rays Chandler Simpson terrorizes Yankees 7:32 Padres hot 9:08 Athletics: Real or not 10:05 Mets Francisco Lindor’s issues 12:34 Was Eduardo at Jackie Robinson’s last recorded speech? 16:58 All players wearing No. 42 was Ken Griffey Jr.’s idea 21:00 Bob Costas joins the show 25:30 Buster’s first encounter with Bob 26:46 Thought ABS would be used more judiciously 35:15 Interactions with Jackie Robinson’s family 39:10 “Kill Costas” 44:49 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:53:22
Unanimous: Albert Pujols Stops By; Adley Rutschman Has Something to Prove; Budding Braves Star
4/10/2026
Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols joins the podcast! But first, Hembo and Buster talk about the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, if Konnor Griffin is better than advertised, the Orioles’ Adley Rutschman having something to prove, budding Braves star Drake Baldwin, which pitcher that’s been hurt the most by ABS, and Hembo’s three favorite Pujols stats. Then, the Machine joins the show to discuss which numbers from his career he’s most proud of, his reverence for the Hall of Fame, his idea for the World Baseball Classic semifinals, and what he sees in Shohei Ohtani’s swing. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Finally, Buster answers yours questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Hembo 2:38 Cardinals Jordan Walker 4:26 Pirates Konnor Griffin 7:24 Orioles Adley Rutschman 9:53 Braves Drake Baldwin 12:54 Pitcher most impacted by ABS 16:55 Hembo’s 3 favorite Pujols stats 18:32 Albert Pujols 19:30 Important career numbers 21:47 Unanimous selection important? 23:53 Reverence for the HOF 28:07 ABS thoughts 33:39 WBC changes 38:48 You Played, I Didn’t: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Junior Caminero 45:03 Sarah Langs 47:25 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:53:26
Spear: First Baseball Fight of the Season; Konnor Griffin Gets the Bag; How Two Players from Red Sox Country Made it to the Bronx
4/8/2026
Our first baseball fight of the year! The Angels and Braves throw punches, and Atlanta manager Walt Weiss spears Jorge Soler! Plus, the Pittsburgh Pirates sign Konnor Griffin to a 9-year, $120M contract. Then, Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers discuss the messy state of the Cubs’ rotation, the Blue Jays’ rough start, and the Milwaukee Brewers throwing at Red Sox catch Willson Contreras again! Later, Yankees scout Matt Hyde talks about finding diamonds in the rough scouting Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler in Massachusetts, and taking them late in the draft. Finally, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Welcome 0:45 Konnor Griffin, Pirates sign 9-year $140M deal 1:45 Angels-Braves brawl 3:17 Jesse Rogers joins 3:39 Cubs Cade Horton injured 7:11 Blue Jays rough start 11:25 Red Sox Willson Contreras hit by Brewers again! 19:36 Guardians José Ramírez 21:55 Yankees scout Matt Hyde 23:33 Scouting Ben Rice 30:00 Scouting Cam Schlittler 37:30 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:46:33
Knoblach’s Agent: Pirates are Must-Watch; Jo Adell’s Acrobatic Robberies; Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on Giants & Ohtani vs. Ruth
4/6/2026
Angels right fielder Jo Adell robbed three home runs in one game. Was it the greatest defensive performance we’ve ever seen from an outfielder? Tim Kurkjian and Buster Olney discuss. Plus, the guys talk about Konnor Griffin and Paul Skenes make the Pirates must-watch, the NL Central looks strong, if this is Aaron Boone’s best Yankee team, Kyle Harrison and the Brewers rolling along, and if José Ramírez is the greatest Cleveland Guardian ever. Then, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo talks about the first time Buster appeared on his radio show, his early concerns with the San Francisco Giants, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the angriest someone in sports has been with him, and the time he infuriated Arizona Diamondback fans — and paid the price for it. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Tim Kurkjian joins 1:02 Jo Adell 3:27 Konnor Griffin 6:29 Best NL division 8:55 Alejandro Kirk out 13:02 Aaron Boone’s best Yankee team? 14:53 Brewers 16:23 José Ramírez 17:52 Chris “Mad Dog” Russo joins 20:41 San Francisco Giants 23:44 Los Ángeles Dodgers dominance 25:36 Shohei Ohtani or Babe Ruth? 29:29 Aaron Boone Yankees 37:15 Angry Arizona Diamondback fans 41:53 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:48
Small, Simple Moves: Pirates Call Up #1 Prospect Konnor Griffin; Joe Buck Stops By
4/3/2026
Konnor Griffin gets the call to The Show. Eric Hosmer and Buster Olney discuss the Pirates calling up the No. 1 prospect in baseball, the Miami Marlins off to a surprising start, Cam Schlittler cruising, if Shohei Ohtani is actually AI and the Kansas City Royals honoring the late Terrance Gore. Then, Joe Buck stops by to talk about calling the Jackie Robinson Game on ESPN, writing his Baseball Hall of Fame speech, interviewing his kids at a St. Louis Blues game, his dad Jack’s relationship with Robinson, which of Jack’s famous calls was his father’s favorite, and how he connect with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick over baseball. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Eric Hosmer joins the show 0:37 Pirates call up Konnor Griffin 11:17 Miami Marlins 5-1 start 12:47 Yankees Cam Schlittler is dominating 15:07 Dodgers Shohei Ohtani in midseason form 19:18 Kansas City Royals honored late Terrance Gore 24:46 Joe Buck joins the show 26:09 Buck to be honored in Cooperstown 29:39 Interviewing his sons 32:39 Jack Buck’s relationship with Jackie Robinson 34:38 Jack Buck’s favorite call 38:41 Bill Belichick loves baseball 44:04 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:32
Big Fish: Mike Trout Joins the Show!; Andrew Painter Debuts; Shohei Sizzles; Should the Cubs be Worried?
4/1/2026
Angels center fielder Mike Trout joins Buster to discuss a strong start to the season, reflecting on the past few season, striving for the postseason, his relationship with new manager Kurt Suzuki, and his first impressions of the ABS System. Then, Hembo talks about Phillies prospect Andrew Painter impressing in his debut, Shohei Ohtani’s outrageous first outing, what’s behind prospects Colt Emerson Cooper Pratt signing big deals, the Blue Jays’ terrific start, the White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami playing like he has something to prove, and the worrisome Cubs starting pitching. 0:00 Welcome 0:36 Mike Trout 3:35 Reflecting, slowing down the process 8:23 Putting together a healthy season 9:41 Striving for a postseason return 10:50 On manager Kurt Suzuki 12:06 ABS first impressions 14:20 Hembo, Phillies Andrew Painter debuts 19:06 Dodgers Shohei Ohtani throws 6 scoreless innings 22:35 Prospects Colt Emerson, Cooper Pratt sign big deals 27:58 Blue Jays, Dylan Cease off to terrific start 31:02 Mets Bo Bichette’s rough start 33:48 White Sox Munetaka Murakami can rake 37:51 Cubs pitching is worrisome 39:50 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:49:38
Relaxed: Hunter Pence on ABS First Impressions, Rookies, Giants; Blue Jays & Yankees Sweep
3/30/2026
It was an exciting first weekend of MLB action! Hunter Pence and Buster Olney discuss shaking off Opening Day jitters, how rookies dominated the conversation to start the season, first impressions of the ABS System, the San Francisco Giants starting 0-3, and how teams move on from losses. Then, ESPN’s Jorge Castillo stops by to talk about the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees sweeping their respective series to open the season, and the Los Angeles Dodgers treating the regular season like a dress rehearsal. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game. Laters, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Hunter Pence joins the show 3:39 Rookies rule first MLB weekend 5:59 Guardians Chase DeLauter 8:08 Tigers Kevin McGonigle 9:43 Reds Sal Stewart 11:23 JJ Wetherholt 13:08 ABS System initial impressions 18:18 Giants start 0-3 28:33 ESPN’s Jorge Castillo 29:06 Mets start 2-1 30:36 Juan Soto seems relaxed 33:05 Yankees & Blue Jays sweep 37:01 Is this Dave Roberts’ best Dodger team? 38:41 Sarah Langs 40:00 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:48:45
Opening Day Overreactions: Aaron Judge 0-fer; Rookies Shine, Can the Dodgers Win 103 Games?
3/27/2026
Let’s overreact to MLB Opening Day 2026! Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez and Buster Olney discuss the joy of baseball’s return, why the overreactions to Aaron Judge’s first game don’t make sense, Paul Skenes getting knocked around with an assist from Oneil Cruz, all the rookies who shined in their debuts, if the Dodgers can win more than 102 games, another quality start from Tarik Skubal, Junior Caminero taking four walks, Jacob Misiorowski’s 11 strikeouts, and what Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s peers are saying about him after is 2025 postseason. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 MLB Opening Day 2026 overreactions 4:40 Yankees Aaron Judge overreactions 8:28 Pirates Paul Skenes 0.2 IP 9:19 Oneil Cruz’s costly mistake 13:49 Rookies shine on Opening Day 14:28 Tiger Kevin McGonigle 15:48 Mets Carson Benge 16:26 Cardinals J.J. Wetherholt 20:29 Can the Dodgers win 103 games? 25:05 Tigers Tarik Skubal quality start 26:56 Cubs extend Nico Hoerner 27:28 Brewers Jacob Misiorowski throws 11 Ks 28:25 Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ready to roll CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:42:48
Opening Day 2026: Cubs Throw Cash at PCA; Pitching Ninja on the Best Pitches in Baseball
3/25/2026
MLB Opening Day 2026 has arrived! Buster Olney and Hembo discuss the Chicago Cubs locking up Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year, $115 million deal, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ascending to superstar, MLB's No. 2 prospect Kevin McGonigle making the Tigers Opening Day roster, why Cinncinati Reds rookie Sal Stewart could be the rock of their lineup, if Wyatt Langford can make noise in the AL MVP race, and why Hembo is down on Tyler Glasnow after a stellar spring. Then, Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman stops by to talk about his new book "Unhittable: How Technology, Mavericks, and Innovators Engineered Baseball's New Era of Pitching Dominance," the best pitches in baseball, which pitcher he'd choose for a Space Jam "winner-takes-the-planet" game, why pitching is so different today, Japanese players bringing the splitter back in America, the prevalence of injuries among pitchers, and their friend Sarah Langs. Plus, Buster finishes the team previews with the Detroit Tigers, the Washington Nationals, the Tampa Bay Rays, the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 1:53 Cubs sign Pete Crow-Armstrong to six-year deal 5:26 Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. primed for a monster year 10:18 Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle makes the roster 14:52 Reds Sal Stewart can bang 16:32 Rangers Wyatt Lanford for MVP? 19:54 Dodgers Tyler Glasnow looks good 22:31 Pitching Ninja 23:37 Best pitches in baseball 27:29 Shohei Ohtani hyperbole 30:52 How pitching changed? 49:34 San Diego Padres preview 51:13 Detroit Tigers preview 52:55 Arizona Diamondbacks preview 53:47 Washington Nationals preview 54:55 Tampa Bay Rays preview 56:22 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS BUY PITCHING NINJA’S NEW BOOK: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/unhittable-rob-friedman?variant=43912948252706&utm_source=Rob+Friedman&utm_medium=athrweb&utm_campaign=Unhittable Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:08:32
Hangover or Continuation: Picking Division Winners, Wild Card Teams & More; Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Stops By
3/23/2026
Opening Day is right around the corner. Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers discuss some of the storylines playing out at Spring Training while the World Baseball Classic wrapped up. The Rangers’ Wyatt Langford looks great, the Braves’ offense needs to get right and the Blue Jays are slow-playing Trey Yesavage. Then, Jesse shares his predictions for division and award winners, and his wild card teams. Next, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora stops by to talk about his thoughts on the World Baseball Classic, Wilyer Abreu looking sharp, which manager called him to talk about Roman Anthony, if the Red Sox have enough power in their lineup, and how he’s handling the back end of the rotation. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Welcome 0:56 Phillies sign Cristopher Sanchez to 6-year deal 5:26 Rangers Wyatt Langford looks great 8:04 Braves offense needs to perform 10:31 Blue Jays holding out Trey Yesavage 11:00 Making predictions for the 2026 MLB season 11:29 AL East 13:18 AL Central 14:19 AL West 15:41 AL Wild Card Teams 17:39 NL West 17:45 NL Central 18:28 NL West 18:49 NL Wild Card Teams 19:52 Are Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani MVP Locks? 20:54 Picking against Paul Skenes or Tarik Skubal for Cy Young? 21:30 Rookie of the Year picks 23:33 Red Sox Manager Alex Cora joins the show 24:02 Cora’s thoughts on the World Baseball Classic 28:39 Wilyer Abreu’s breakout performance at the WBC 30:09 Getting calls from other managers about Roman Anthony 32:14 Outlook on the 2026 Boston Red Sox 35:26 Other Headlines: Boston 2B Marcelo Mayer makes the team 36:16 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:44:30
Loved Every Second: Venezuela Tops Team USA to Win an Exciting WBC!
3/18/2026
Venezuela earns its first World Baseball Classic title, defeating Team USA 3-2 in a dramatic final game. Buster Olney and Tim Kurkjian discuss what a fun tournament this edition of the WBC was, Venezuela taking down the United States and Japan on its way to a championship, the celebration that ensued, which players shined, the United States’ failure to get the offense going, and what they would change about the World Baseball Classic going forward. 0:00 Venezuela beats USA 3-2 in WBC final 3:57 Eugenio Suarez has another big moment 6:25 Bryce Harper finds his swing 7:49 Cubs allow Daniel Palencia to pitch 9:05 Wilyer Abreu is a breakout candidate in 2026 11:04 Eduardo Rodríguez came up big 11:56 Nolan McLean was spinning it 13:55 Luis Arráez walks to get the late rally going 14:49 How did manager Omar López and Mark DeRosa perform? 16:06 What would you change about the WBC? 21:43 Milwaukee Brewers Preview 23:11 Headlines 23:44 Kansas City Royals Preview 25:06 Bleacher Tweets w/ more on Cubs OF Seyia Suzuki’s injury CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:31:15
Blair Witch Podcast: USA-Venezuela to Face-Off in the WBC Final, Joe Davis Stops By
3/17/2026
The World Baseball Classic final is set: The United States will face Venezuela for the championship. FOX play-by-play voice Joe Davis joins Buster to discuss Venezuela beating Italy 4-2 to advance to the final, Aaron Nola starting for Italy, Venezuela putting the ball in play, what Venezuela and the United States need from their starting pitchers in the final, and which final adjustments Team USA manager might make to the lineup. Then, Buster previews the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Joe Davis 13:45 San Francisco Giants preview 15:05 Other headlines 15:35 Boston Red Sox preview 16:51 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:24:56
Stiff and Serious: Team USA Defeats the Dominican Republic 2-1, Advancing to the WBC Final
3/16/2026
Team USA wins a tight World Baseball Classic semifinal 2-1 over the Dominican Republic. Buster Olney and Dave Schoenfield link up following the game to discuss the bad strike call that ended the game, Team USA's outstanding bullpen, the Dominican Republic's missed opportunities, Junior Caminero hitting another bomb, Julio Rodriguez and Aaron Judge making outrageous defensive plays, Red Sox fans salivating over Roman Anthony, USA manager Mark DeRosa making the right move starting Gunner Henderson, and whether Italy or Venezuela has a better shot against the Americans in the WBC final on Tuesday. 0:00 Dave Schoenfield & Buster recap USA-DOM 24:19 New York Yankees preview 25:44 New York Mets preview 26:57 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Follow The Baseball Tonight Podcast on… YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeL6O-A-ASmSMwbSCFvPKEq1Cslo_lrw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FG6xCcd338SgZjZ9urHRI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/baseball-tonight-with-buster-olney/id137699414 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:36:28
Magnitude: Tigers A.J. Hinch on Team USA Conversations with Tarik Skubal + WBC Quarterfinal Preview
3/12/2026
What makes LoanPark Depot in Miami so loud? Alden Gonzalez and Buster Olney investigate the parties on the concourse. Plus, Mark DeRosa’s rough few days as manager of Team USA, the Americans avoiding embarrassment with help from Italy, if they believe Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh are cool, and a look at the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals. Then, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch stops by to talk about the tough decisions ahead of him with a deep outfield, his conversations with Tairk Skubal as Skubal decided to play one game for Team USA, his advice for managers dealing with the media, and who in his life keeps him honest on the job. Later, Buster previews the Cincinnati Reds, the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Finally, Buster answers your WBC questions during Bleacher Tweets. WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 0:00 Alden Gonzalez 22:32 Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch 34:37 Cincinnati Reds preview 35:57 Texas Rangers Preview 37:14 Philadelphia Phillies Preview 38:32 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:17
Taking Flack: Tarik Skubal Done at WBC; Cal Raleigh & Randy Arozarena Awkwardness; Scott Boras on Skubal’s Decision
3/10/2026
Tarik Skubal will not pitch again for Team USA in this World Baseball Classic. Buster Olney and Hembo discuss his decision, the flack he’s getting for it and if Mark DeRosa should’ve publicly defended Skubal. Then, the guys discuss Cal Raleigh refusing to shake Seattle Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena during USA-Mexico, the Phillies signing Jesus Luzardo, and which number Bryce Harper should chase this season. Then, Scott Boras joins the show to talk about his client Tarik Skubal’s decision to not pitch again in the WBC, Skubal’s emotions after pitching in his only planned start for Team USA, what he likes about A.J. Hinch’s communication with Skubal, if he advised Skubal to bring his Cy Young awards to his arbitration hearing, and Skubal’s emotions after wining the case. Next, Buster previews the Minnesota Twins. Later, Buster answers your personal and WBC questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Hembo 21:33 Scott Boras 38:26 Minnesota Twins Preview 40:01 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:49:50
Tell Me If I’m Weird: Best WBC Moments So Far; Tim Kurkjian’s Spring Training Observations
3/9/2026
What was your favorite moment from the first weekend of World Baseball Classic action? Buster and Eric Hosmer discuss. Plus, Manny Machado mentoring breakout start Junior Caminero on the Dominican Republic, and should Tarik Skubal pitch another game for the U.S.? Then, Tim Kurkjian talks about what gets him fired up about the WBC, Kyle Schwarber’s home run against Great Britain, a high schooler forcing Aaron Judge into a double play, and his thoughts on the Tigers, Red Sox and Yankees after visiting Spring Training. Plus, Buster previews the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals. Later, Buster answers your WBC questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Eric Hosmer 18:38 Atlanta Braves Preview 19:53 Tim Kurkjian 38:39 St. Louis Cardinals Preview 39:45 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:51:02
The List: ESPN's Top-100 MLB Players Drops; Top Player Draft; MLB Official on ABS Challenge System
3/6/2026
ESPN released its 2026 Top-100 ranking of MLB players, and somehow Shohei Ohtani wasn’t the unanimous No. 1 pick? Buster, Jesse Rogers and ESPN.com MLB editor Liz Finny share their reactions to the top-100 list, including Mike Trout’s absence. Then, the gang drafts their top players in the league, and things go sideways at pick No. 2. Next, Buster and Jesse discuss injuries to Jeremy Peńan and Hunter Greene, Jesse’s reporting on Team USA and the World Baseball Classic, and how MLB should handle contracts of players testing positive for PEDs. Then, MLB VP of On-Field Strategy Joe Martinez stops by to talk about how the ABS Challenge System is working so far to start Spring Training. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Rank 2026: ESPN's Top-100 MLB Players 8:06 Drafting the best players in MLB 14:30 Jesse Rogers on Team USA 21:11 MLB VP of On-Field Strategy Joe Martinez on ABS Challenges 31:48 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:40:47
Stuffiness: Jurickson Profar Suspended 162 Games; Concern for Roki Sasaki; Mariners Preview
3/4/2026
Atlanta Braves’ outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire 2026 season, leaving the Braves in a hole as the season nears. Buster Olney, Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez discuss. Plus, what is the level of concern for Roki Sasaki, their takeaways after a day with the Detroit Tigers, and who they’re picking to win the World Baseball Classic. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about the most important pitching skill in an ABS world, why he’s betting on a MacKenzie Gore breakout with the Texas Rangers, the star who’s hiding in plain sight and his WBC pick. Later, Buster previews the Seattle Mariners. Finally, he answers a listener question during Bleacher Tweets 0:00 Karl Ravech & Eduardo Perez 20:55 Hembo 36:38 Mariners preview 38:03 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEETS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:42:29