State of the Division

Dusty Baker and Derek Johnson try to figure out how the rest of the NL West shakes out. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Jack McMullen and Javier Reyes bask in the dysfunction of the AL Central. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Colby Olson and Sam Luckini hit the state of the American League East, where the Rays are making a serious push despite major contributors still being sidelined. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Clay Snowden talk about the State of the NL Central and what is left to watch in a division that is all but decided.

For the first time since the middle of April, the New York Mets woke up on September 7th and did not have sole possession of first place in the National League East, as the Atlanta Braves drew even atop the division. In the latest State of the NL East, hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton talk about whether the Braves should now be considered the favorites in the NL East, especially with the impending returns of Mike Soroka and Ozzie Albies. They also discuss the opposite with the Mets, as Max Scherzer has hit the IL. Around the rest of the NL East, the Phillies are still comfortably in a Wild Card spot, while the Marlins may have found their next rotation cornerstone in lefty Jesus Luzardo.

Justin Verlander is currently the favorite to win the AL Cy Young, but just hit the IL with a calf strain. Could this lead to Shohei Ohtani winning his first Cy Young? Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Kendall McKee discuss the AL Cy Young race and what is the one thing to watch from each team in the AL West down the final month of the season.

Jack McMullen and Javier Reyes are in awe at the massive success that Cleveland's bullpen has had since the All-Star Break. Plus, the White Sox are now buried and never coming back. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves are in a tight divisional race right now, with the winner set to earn a bye for the first round of the playoffs, while the loser will have to play in the new Wild Card round. The incentive to win the division is obvious, but it becomes even more significant when you realize that by winning the NL East you avoid having to play the juggernaut that is the Los Angeles Dodgers until the NLCS. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton break down all the different playoff scenarios as it relates to the NL East and talk about the return of Bryce Harper, as well as what the Phillies were able to accomplish during his absence.

Dusty Baker and Derek Johnson dish on the NL West on Thursday, August 25. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Kendall McKee and Jack McMullen dive into the AL West. On the agenda: Arte Moreno's possible sale of the Angels, Mike Trout's return, and Jon Gray's squirrel friends. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Jack McMullen and Javier Reyes deliver the state of the American League Central. Other topics include Minnesota's Puerto Rican power, Michael Kopech's injury concerns, and the Manti Te'o documentary. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Despite the Mets playing well, the Atlanta Braves continue to climb and gain ground on them in the standings for the NL East. Can the Mets really hold them off all season? Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss the State of the NL East, breaking down the race between the Mets and Braves and how the Phillies have established themselves as a legit playoff team. They also talk about who has the better infield, the Braves or the Mets and who projects to have the better infield beyond this season. Also while there is not much to talk about with the Miami Marlins, Edward Cabrera is turning heads as another young starter to dream on with the Fish.

Colby Olson and Sam Luckini deliver the state of the American League East. Other topics include why the Red Sox seem primed to finish ahead of the Orioles in the division, and the jostle for second place between Toronto and Tampa Bay. Join our Baseball Group Chat on Chalkboard Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/ Listen to our flagship podcast: The Just Baseball Show New MLB Prospects Podcast: The Call-Up! Check out our New College Baseball Podcast Please subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoy the State of the Division on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

State of the NL West for August 19th, hosts Dusty Baker and Derek Johnson talk about the impact of Fernando Tatis Jr. getting suspended for PED use. They also talk about the new MLB prospect rankings in this division and wonder if the San Francisco Giants can still make the playoffs.

Aaron Judge might be running away with the AL MVP this season, but we cannot forget about the history we are watching when it comes to Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player. Host Ryan Finkelstein and Kendall McKee discuss Ohtani's MVP case and how he has become one of the best starting pitchers in baseball this season. Should Ohtani win the Cy Young in 2022, or does that title belong to fellow AL West ace, Justin Verlander? They also discuss the Rangers firing manager Chris Woodward and President of Baseball Operations Jon Daniels, as well as the return of Mitch Haniger for the Seattle Mariners.

Jack McMullen and Javier Reyes break into the Cy Young campaign that Dylan Cease has put together and the youthful energy that the Royals are boasting at the moment. Use Code "JustBaseball" for Deposit Match on Prize Picks Join our Baseball Groupchat! Get Your Just Baseball Merch! Check out our website: https://www.justbaseball.com/

If the NL Central comes down to a tie between the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals this year, it would no longer be decided by a Game 163. Instead, the two teams would have their fate decided by a tiebreaker. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Clay Snowden explore the new rule that would have the division decided by season series record, rather than playing a do-or-die one-game playoff. They also discuss the top stories from around the NL Central, like the Cubs addition of Franmil Reyes and the early struggles of Oneil Cruz.

Colby Olson and Sam Luckini break down the state of the American League East on Tuesday, August 16. Top story: Aaron Judge could very well break Roger Maris' home run record. So, how on earth has he done it?

Austin Riley is once again in the midst of putting together a great second half for the Atlanta Braves. Could he make a push to win this year's MVP? Host Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss Riley's MVP case and also talk about if the Braves should be favorites to come out of the National League. Also, are the Phillies a threat to not only make the playoff but make a run if they get there? Lastly, they discuss the Mets standing atop the division, as well as the Nationals promotion of top prospect CJ Abrams.

On the latest State of the AL West, we discuss who has the best duo of players in this division. Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani are the best duo on paper, but they are heading towards yet another missed season out of the playoffs. Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve have been the most productive in the present, but Julio Rodriguez offers the Mariners a brighter future. Corey Seager and Marcus Semien were acquired for hefty salaries to become a great duo in Texas, but the early returns have been uneven. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Kendall McKee break down which of teams has the best one-two punch in this division.

This week at Just Baseball, we are ranking the top duos in the game this season. Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor have been the two best players on a Mets team that has stayed atop the standings all yea. Are they the best duo that exists in the National League East in 2022? Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton compare Alonso and Lindor to the other duos in this division, such as Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson, to decide if they are the best the NL East has to offer. They also discuss the state of the NL East after the Mets took four of five from the Braves over the weekend, while the Phillies have won nine of their last 10.

Jack McMullen and Javier Reyes assess the status of the AL Central after last week's Trade Deadline. Also, a discussion on the Guardians and White Sox' lack of aggressiveness.

The Milwaukee Brewers made a head-scratching move at the deadline for a first place team, trading their elite closer Josh Hader with an eye towards the future, despite their chance to win now. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Clay Snowden break down who should be favored in this division post-deadline with the Brewers and Cardinals both set to be vying for the title. They also give grades for each team's deadline in the NL Central.

The New York Mets created a new DH platoon with Daniel Vogelbach and Darin Ruf, the Braves added a elite closer in Raisel Iglesias and the Phillies addressed multiple needs, picking up a closer, a starter and a new starting center fielder. Which contending team from the NL East had the best trade deadline? Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton give grades for each team's deadline in the NL East and discuss the massive trade haul the Nationals received for Juan Soto.

It's time for trade deadline grades, as we are breaking down what each team in the American League West did at the deadline. The Houston Astros added two starting players into their lineup with Trey Mancini and Christian Vazquez each getting brought into the fold, while the Mariners made the biggest swing of all to land an ace in Luis Castillo. The Rangers mostly stood pad at the deadline, while the Angels made a few salary-related minor trades and dealt a quality defensive outfielder in Brandon Marsh. Lastly, the Athletics dealt ace Frankie Montas, but held back from trading other top players like catcher Sean Murphy and center fielder Ramon Laureno. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Kendall McKee discuss all the moves and give each team a deadline grade.

The Tigers expected to compete in the American League Central this year. That has not been the case. How can they squeak any value out of this season? By gutting the bullpen. For a full written breakdown, click here.

Kansas City has already moved their lone All-Star in Andrew Benintendi, and they didn't get as strong of a return as many were expecting. How can they salvage this deadline and get more back? For a full written breakdown, click here.

Owning far-and-away the best farm system in baseball, the Cleveland Guardians are playing with house money. How do they turn this surplus of young talent into a couple of great players? For a full written breakdown, click here.

The Chicago White Sox might be the most disappointing team in baseball so far this season. However, windows to win aren't perpetually open. How do the White Sox turn this into a contending season? For a full written breakdown, click here.

The Minnesota Twins turned an aggressive offseason into a chance to win the American League Central. How can they better the roster to keep Cleveland and Chicago away from their heels? For a full written breakdown, click here.

After shipping off Matt Chapman and Matt Olson over the off-season, the time is now to cash in on every ounce of value that currently inhabits the roster in Oakland. For a full written breakdown, click here.

Like it or not, the Texas Rangers may be on the hunt for reinforcements. Much like this past offseason, when they inked Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to long-term deals, Texas may be going BIG (get it? Because everything's bigger in Texas!). For a full written breakdown, click here.

Ahh, the Angels. Another year, another wasted opportunity with the modern-day Mickey Mantle and modern-day Babe Ruth on the same roster. How do they sell this deadline? Is Babe out the door? For a written breakdown, click here.

**THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE LUIS CASTILLO TRADE WAS ANNOUNCED** The Mariners have captured lightning in a bottle. At this year's Trade Deadline, how can they turn the magic into true momentum? For a written breakdown of the Mariners, click here.

The Astros ascended to the mountaintop in 2017 with a World Series victory, and haven't looked back since. They've already all but locked up the AL West; what do they do to get out of the American League? For a full written breakdown of the Astros' deadline, click here.

The Washington Nationals need to reset their franchise and this deadline will go a long way in deciding if they can do that. Juan Soto is on the block and could bring back a record-setting haul, but the Nationals also have to maximize the return they can get on Josh Bell too. Outside of Soto and Bell, Washington is left with a lot of middling trade assets that will not fetch the biggest of returns. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss all of the Nationals options at the deadline. For a full written breakdown of what the Nationals can do at the deadline, go here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/washington-nationals-trade-deadline-preview/

The Atlanta Braves made a plethora of moves at the trade deadline last year and it resulted in a World Series title. Could Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos take a similar approach to the deadline this year? Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss the Braves options as they could look to bolster their starting rotation as well as replace injured starters Ozzie Albies and Adam Duvall. For a full written breakdown of the Braves trade deadline outlook, go here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/atlanta-braves-trade-deadline-outlook/

The New York Mets have already swung two trades ahead of the deadline, acquiring Daniel Vogelbach and Tyler Naquin. Still, there is more work that needs to be done to fill out this roster. If the Mets trade for Willson Contreras and David Robertson, would that be enough to put them over the top to win the NL East? Or should they look towards trading for Brandon Drury or Trey Mancini. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss all of the Mets options at the deadline. For a full written breakdown of what the Mets could do at this year's deadline, go here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/new-york-mets-trade-deadline-outlook/

The Philadelphia Phillies have done a good job keeping themselves afloat without Bryce Harper, but need to make some moves to really make a push for a Wild Card. What should be the priority? Do the Phillies have the prospect capital to swing a trade for a top-tier starter or reliever? Can the Phillies find a center fielder and another big bat at the deadline? Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss all of the Phillies options at the deadline. If you want to read a full written breakdown of the Phillies trade deadline outlook, you can find that here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies-trade-deadline-outlook/

The Miami Marlins aimed to be contenders this year, but with Jazz Chisolm Jr. now likely out for the season, they may fold up shop and be sellers. If they do decide to sell off some of their pieces, there might not be a better trade chip to be dangle than Pablo Lopez. The 26-year-old starter is under team control for two years beyond this season and could fetch the Marlins a real haul. Other players like Garrett Cooper, Brian Anderson, Anthony Bass and Jesus Aguilar could all be on the move too. Hosts Ryan Finkelstein and Aram Leighton discuss all of the Marlins options at the trade deadline. For a full written breakdown of what the Marlins could do at the deadline go here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/miami-marlins-trade-deadline-outlook/

The Colorado Rockies made it clear they want to compete this year when they signed Kris Bryant to a massive contract, yet find themselves nowhere close to contention. At this deadline, they have to figure out the best way to build around Bryant. Closer Daniel Bard is Colorado's main trade piece that will almost definitely be on the move, but they could have another if they decide to put All-Star CJ Cron on the table. Check out our full written breakdown of what the Rockies could do at this year's deadline here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/colorado-rockies-trade-deadline-outlook/

The Arizona Diamondbacks are certainly going to be sellers at this year's trade deadline, but what exactly do they have to sell? All-Star left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply could be on the move and Arizona also has to make a decision on whether or not to keep Christian Walker. David Peralta, Merrill Kelly and Jordan Luplow are few of the other names that could be moved at the deadline for the Diamondbacks. If you want to read the trade deadline outlook on the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can find it here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks-trade-deadline-outlook/

Coming off an amazing 2021 season, the Giants have come back to Earth in 2022, yet still find themselves in the thick of the Wild Card race. The question is, should they add to make a playoff push or take some of their expiring contracts and sell for the future? The Giants could make a deal for an impact player ranging from massive moves like Juan Soto and Pablo Lopez, to acquiring Ian Happ or Brandon Drury. San Francisco can also trade pieces to other contenders like Wilmer Flores and Joc Pederson. For a full written breakdown of what the Giants could do at the deadline, follow this link: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants-trade-deadline-outlook/

The Los Angeles Dodgers seems to take a big swing at every trade deadline. Last year, they got Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. So which stars will be heading to L.A. this year? Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas are two of the top names available on the market and it would be surprising to see if neither of them end up on the Dodgers. Also would any of us be surprised if the Dodgers pull of the biggest trade imaginable and land Juan Soto? If you want to read our written outlook on what the Los Angeles Dodgers should do at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline, you can find that here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers-trade-deadline-outlook/

The San Diego Padres best second half addition is likely to be the return of superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Still, this a team that will be looking to add to their roster further at this trade deadline and the outfield is an area of primary concern. How will the Padres approach the deadline and will it be enough to turn them into a legitimate threat in the National League? If you want to read our written outlook on what the San Diego Padres should do at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline, you can find that here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/san-diego-padres-trade-deadline-outlook/

The Orioles are in a very interesting situation heading into the next week. Winners of 19 of their last 30, should the Orioles buy at the deadline and make a playoff push? Or sell some assets to boost this young core... If you want to read our written outlook on what the Baltimore Orioles should do at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline, you can find that here: https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/baltimore-orioles-trade-deadline-outlook/