MLB Pipeline

Find out about the stars of tomorrow, from the guys who know today. Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) are your tour guides for this ride through the unfolding stories & breaking news in Minor League Baseball. From top prospects to scouting executives to farm directors, the MLB Pipeline is jam-packed with exclusive coverage of the minors you can't get anywhere else.

Sports
Baseball
226
Fall Stars Recap, Postseason Stars as Prospects...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss a wide variety of topics from the Fall League to the postseason. First, they review a few standouts from the Fall Stars Game, including Rangers RHP Cole Uvila and his spectacularly-high spin rate, and Reds C Tyler Stephenson’s big power. Next, they discuss the recent ejection of Giants prospect Jacob Heyward for arguing balls and strikes with the robot umpir, and how the electronic strike zone has worked thus far in the Fall League. Then, they take a look back on the prospect journeys of current postseason heroes, including a couple excellent Howie Kendrick stories from Jonathan, and the unusual signing stories of super-aces Gerrit Cole and Max Scherzer. Finally, we hear two interviews with a couple Arizona Fall League standouts: Jonathan talks to Angels OF prospect Brandon Marsh, then Jordan sits down with Nationals pitching prospect Sterling Sharp.
57 min
227
Fall Stars Game Preview, Prospects on Team USA,...
33 min
228
The Postseason, Updates from the Fall League, a...
MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) discuss the 2019 Postseason getting under way and how each team was built.  Callis and Mayo make their predictions on who they think will win the World Series and whether or not Clayton Kershaw needs to be dominant to cement his legacy. Next, they give an update from the Arizona Fall League, discussing their early breakout candidates.  Finally, we hear an interview from Padres prospect Owen Miller.
43 min
229
The ROY Race, AFL Sleepers, and an Interview wi...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the 2019 AL and NL Rookie of the Year races, including the historic seasons of Yordan Alvarez and Pete Alonso, the loaded NL rookie class, and comparing Alonso’s rookie year to Aaron Judge’s 2017 campaign. Next, they discuss two other rookies having big Septembers, Mariners OF Kyle Lewis, and Rockies OF Sam Hilliard. Then, they cover three intriguing Arizona Fall League sleepers: Blue Jays RHP Jackson Rees, Cardinals OF Conner Capel, and Dodgers RHP Marshall Kasowski. Finally, we hear an interview from the AFL with Astros pitching prospect Forrest Whitley, who discusses his second trip to the AFL, and how he has dealt with adversity over the last two seasons.
38 min
230
The Fall League begins, Biggest Top 100 Movers,...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the Arizona Fall League getting under way in Phoenix, where 20 of the Top 100 prospects will be participating over the next six weeks. Jonathan discusses a few early impressions from Opening Day, including the incredible batting practice and infield practice of Pirates SS Oneil Cruz. Then, the guys discuss some of the biggest risers and fallers on the final Top 100 prospects list of the 2019 season, including Twins OF Trevor Larnach, Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez, Nationals SS Luis Garcia, and D-backs OF Kristian Robinson. Next, they discuss Jim’s article projecting the future value of the top rookies that graduated off prospect lists this year. Finally, Jonathan interviews two of the more intriguing Fall League participants about their seasons, Royals LHP Daniel Tillo, and Braves OF Trey Harris.
35 min
231
Prospect Team of the Year, Nico Hoerner’s Surpr...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss some of the most notable members the recently announced MLB Pipeline Prospect Team of the Year, including Josh Rojas, Joe Ryan, Jared Walsh, and Daulton Varsho. Next, they cover the surprise call-up if Cubs INF Nico Hoerner, the first player from the 2018 Draft to reach the big leagues, how he managed to speed through the Minors at such a wild pace, and which 2018 Draftee is most likely to be the next one to make their debut. Finally, they discuss the A’s decision to call up LHP Jesus Luzardo, and how much we can expect him to help Oakland down the stretch.
25 min
232
Hitter/Pitcher of the Year, 20-20 Seasons, and ...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the recently announced MLB Pipeline Hitting and Pitching Prospect of the Year awards, won by White Sox OF Luis Robert and Padres LHP MacKenzie Gore respectively. They discuss why Robert edged out Dodgers INF Gavin Lux for the award, and how his monster season really showed what all the fuss was about when he originally signed with the White Sox. Then, they review Gore’s outstanding season and why he beat out a few other exciting arms that may have had slightly better statistical seasons. Next, they review the 10 Minor League players who joined the 20 HR/20 SB club in 2019, and which of those prospects are most intriguing going forward. Finally, Jordan is joined by Rays pitching prospect Shane Baz to discuss his season in the Midwest League, being teammates with #1 overall prospect Wander Franco, being the youngest pitcher in the upcoming Arizona Fall League, who he is excited to play with and against in the AFL, and more.
31 min
233
Fall League Roster Reactions and the Top Colleg...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the recently released Arizona Fall League rosters, which feature 20 of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects and a ton of other young talent. The guys discuss which Fall League players they are most excited to see, including Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez, Pirates SS Oneil Cruz, Rays RHP Shane Baz, White Sox OF Blake Rutherford, Astros RHP Forrest Whitley, Padres C Luis Campusano, Red Sox OF Jarren Duran, and many more. Next, they discuss Jim’s list of the top 15 college prospects for the 2020 Draft, how Nick Gonzales played his way onto the list, the potential of Cole Wilcox and C.J. Van Eyk, and more.
29 min
234
High School 2020 Draft prospects, Adley Rutschm...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss where the 2020 high school Draft class stands as the summer showcase events have wrapped up, and why RHP Jared Kelley (Refugio, TX) earned the top spot on Jim’s list of the top 15 HS prospects. Next, they discuss the #1 overall pick in the 2018 Draft Adley Rutschman’s recent callup to Class-A Delmarva and how quickly he could move up the Minor League ladder. Then, they cover the return of Red Sox LHP prospect Jay Groome, and where he may factor in among the best left-handed pitching prospects in baseball should his stuff fully return post-surgery. Finally, the guys discuss the new Arizona Fall League schedule and name a few guys that they are most excited to see participate in the AFL.
30 min
235
2019 Draftees, pitching prospects, and ROY races
27 min
236
Big league debuts, top farm systems, and Jazz C...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) discuss the big league debuts of Bo Bichette, Dustin May and Isan Diaz. They dive into the top three farm systems from the newly released Top 15 Farm System Rankings and talk about the Marlins and D-backs' farm system improvements. Finally, Jonathan Mayo sits down with new Marlins prospect Jazz Chisholm, who was traded from the D-backs at the Trade Deadline.
47 min
237
Midseason Top 100, prospects traded at the Dead...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the recently updated Top 100 prospect list, some of the biggest risers, including Orioles RHP Grayson Rodriguez, and which 2019 Draftees were most interesting to try to rank, including Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. Then, the guys cover some of the prospects moved at the Trade Deadline, including new Padres OF Taylor Trammell, new Mets pitchers Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods-Richardson, as well as a couple under-the-radar prospects who changed teams. Finally, Jonathan talks to Cardinals OF Dylan Carlson about his breakout season, his dad being his high school coach, his Futures Game experience, and one unexpected thing he struggles with off the field.
43 min
238
7/16/17: Fascinating Callups and High School Al...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss some of the more interesting recent callups, including the long journey for Royals OF Bubba Starling, the unprecedented story of Cubs INF Robel Garcia, whether Rays LHP/DH Brendan McKay should keep trying to hit, and the fast-tracking of Padres RHP Andrés Muñoz. Then, they delve into the rosters for the upcoming Under Armour and Perfect Game All-American Games featuring some of the top high school prospects for the 2020 Draft.
34 min
239
7/7/19: Recapping the Futures Game
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2019 Futures Game, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB), Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the game’s MVP, Rangers C Sam Huff, which hitters stood out during the game and batting practice, the most impressive pitching performances, how the guys felt about the new formats, and some of their favorite moments from the game on and off the field.
18 min
240
7/3/19: 2019 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game Pre...
MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the rosters for the 2019 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, and delve into the new format, which players could steal the show, pitchers will light up the radar gun, the most unlikely inclusions on the roster, and which team may have the edge in the game. Then, Jonathan shares his thoughts on some of the best 2020 Draft prospects he’s seen down at the Prospect Development Pipeline League taking place at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, including Cam Brown, Dylan Crews, and Carson Swilling. Finally, Jonathan talks to Marlins CEO Derek Jeter about his involvement with the PDP League, his involvement in preparing the Marlins for the 2019 Draft, and more.
40 min
241
6/26/19: New PDP League and Breakout Prospect P...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the brand new Prospect Development Pipeline League taking place at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, as well as which 2020 Draft prospects have been impressing the most in the first week of games, including Austin Hendrick and Mick Abel. Then, the guys discuss the Orioles signing of No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschman and why fans shouldn’t worry if their favorite teams haven’t signed their top picks yet. Finally, they discuss some breakout prospect performances, including Yankees RHP Deivi Garcia, Indians 1B Bobby Bradley and Marlins RHP Zac Gallen.
27 min
242
6/18/19: Updated Top 100 list
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by Rangers catching prospect Sam Huff, to discuss his remarkable 20-HR first half, the biggest changes he’s made over the past year, how he views himself as a defensive catcher, who he is rooting for in the College World Series and more. Then, the guys delve into the new update to the Top 100 Prospects list, including the breakouts of Yordan Alvarez and Austin Riley, the biggest risers and fallers and where the top 2019 Draft picks (Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr. and Andrew Vaughn) might slot into the list.
41 min
243
6/11/19: Recapping the Draft
With the 2019 Draft officially in the books, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) as well as Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by D-backs Scouting Director Deric Ladnier to discuss Arizona’s loaded Draft class, the process of preparing for a Draft with so many picks (7 of the first 75), how satisfied he was with the balance of his Draft class, and more. Then, the guys dive into which teams besides the D-Backs had the best Drafts, which players they were surprised fell in the Draft, and which 2019 Draftees could get to the big leagues first.
38 min
244
5/30/19: Countdown to the Draft
With the 2019 Draft just a few days away, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the process behind developing a mock draft and the fun challenges of trying to predict which players teams may prefer. Then, they cover some of the intriguing storylines going into the draft: Which pitcher will get selected first and by who? What will the D-backs’ Draft strategy be with 7 of the first 75 picks? What player could surprise us and get selected in the first round? Finally, they take a look back at the 2009 Draft that produced All-Stars Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, and Paul Goldschmidt, and what we can learn from reflecting on a Draft a decade later.
34 min
245
5/22/19: Carter Stewart's big decision and late...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by Cal 1B Andrew Vaughn to discuss what he’s focused on this season after winning the Golden Spikes as a sophomore, his friendly rivalry with Adley Rutschman, the best pitchers he’s ever faced, and more. Then, the guys discuss the surprising news about 2018 1st round pick Carter Stewart’s reported decision to sign with a team in Japan, and how it affects his draft stock. Finally, they touch on some late risers in the 2019 Draft class, including Florida SS Brady McConnell, Mobile Christian HS C Ethan Hearn, Navy RHP Noah Song, Western Kentucky OF Jake Sanford, and Canadian HS OF Dasan Brown.
36 min
246
5/15/19: Bobby Witt Jr.'s rise in Draft ranking...
With the Draft just a few weeks away, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ talk to Bobby Witt Jr., one of the top prospects in the 2019 Draft, about his rise to the top of the Draft rankings, the best players he’s played against, how he would fare against his Major League father Bobby Witt in his prime, and more. Then, the guys discuss the recent callups of Brewers 2B Keston Hiura, Braves 3B Austin Riley, and Rangers OF Willie Calhoun, and their expectations for the three hitters going forward in the big leagues.
24 min
247
5/9/19: Top international prospects and First-R...
On this week's MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo discuss this year's international crop with Jesse Sanchez. Jesse breaks down the top two players in the 2019 class, outfielder Jasson Dominguez and shortstop Robert Puason (5:28), and talks about various issues involved with evaluating international players (11:54). After that, Jim and Jonathan turn to the 2019 Draft and compare their initial attempts at forecasting the first round (23:50) as well as some of their favorite sleepers who aren't consensus first-rounders (31:00)
42 min
248
5/2/19: 2019 Top 100 Draft prospects list
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. officially in the big leagues, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ speculate about which prospects could be the most likely successors as the next top prospect in all of baseball, including Rays SS Wander Franco and Tigers RHP Casey Mize. They also discuss the callup of Reds’ top prospect Nick Senzel and why he may be even better than people realize. Then, the guys dive into the updated Top 100 Draft prospects list and discuss some of the most intriguing names on the list, including RHP Quinn Priester, LHP Hunter Barco, OF Maurice Hampton, OF Jerrion Ealy, 1B Michael Toglia, 2B Chase Strumpf, LHP Antoine Kelly (perhaps the most fascinating player in the draft), and OF Sammy Siani.
39 min
249
4/25/19: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s MLB debut and ...
With top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s MLB debut officially on the calendar, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss their expectations for the Blue Jays phenom and if he is still the favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year. Next, they discuss Pirates SS prospect Cole Tucker’s remarkable debut and whether he could be in Pittsburgh for good. The, the guys debate whether Tigers RHP Casey Mize has made a case for being the best RHP prospect in baseball ahead of Astros RHP Forrest Whitley. Finally, the guys give a sneak preview for the upcoming updated Top 100 Draft prospects, and discuss some of the biggest risers in the rankings, including Hunter Bishop, Gunnar Henderson, Kody Hoese, Alek Manoah, and Jackson Rutledge.  
28 min
250
4/16/19: Early ROY debate and Interesting Draft...
MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the early NL Rookie of the Year race between Fernando Tatis Jr. and Pete Alonso. Next, the guys cover a variety of Draft-related topics, including Texas HS 3B Brett Baty and why teams are sometimes afraid to draft 19-year-old high schoolers, whether West Virginia RHP Alek Manoah could be the first pitcher selected, Arkansas RHP Isaiah Campbell looking to become the first Major League born in Portugal since 1875, and the current Division-I home run leader, Tulane 3B Kody Hoese. Finally, they discuss a few other hot starts for prospects, including Mariners RHP Logan Gilbert, Pirates 1B Will Craig, Astros OF Yordan Alvarez, and Padres OF Buddy Reed.
49 min