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
251
Reviewing the Top 10 2B, SS, 3B, and OF Lists
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ, discuss the last four Top 10 positional lists in the lead-up to the reveal of the 2020 Top 100 prospects. First, they discuss the 2B list and the nature of putting together a list of the best prospects at a position that is rarely a player’s first choice, Nick Solak’s strong MLB Debut and the upside of Aaron Bracho. Next, they slide across the diamond and cover the shortstops, including many of the highest-ceiling prospects in the Minors. But which of them is most likely to actually stay at shortstop long-term? Then, they discuss the top third base prospects in baseball, why the top half of the list could go in any order and why Bobby Dalbec might be a bit underrated. Finally, they review the top outfield prospects, the deepest position on the new Top 100, and which players not currently on the Top 10 list could comfortably be included this time next year.
39 min
252
Reviewing the Top 10 RHP, LHP, C and 1B Lists
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ review the first four positional Top 10 lists. First, they discuss the Top 10 right-handed pitchers list, including Spencer Howard’s breakout, comparing Casey Mize and Nate Pearson and the right-handers that just barely missed the list, like Logan Gilbert. Then they move to the southpaws, covering Tarik Skubal’s meteoric rise, recently traded Matthew Liberatore and the hard-throwing Brailyn Marquez. Next, they delve into the top catching prospects in baseball, including Francisco Alvarez’s aggressive ranking, Sam Huff’s Futures Game-driven breakout, Daulton Varsho’s ranking and why Tyler Stephenson just missed. Finally, they check in on the top first base prospects in the game, including Andrew Vaughn being in his own tier, Triston Casas’ development and the Rockies having three players on one positional list.
51 min
253
Angels OF prospects Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh...
From the 2020 Rookie Program in Miami, MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ are joined by two pairs of prospect friends. First, they sit down with Angels OF prospects Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh to discuss the first time they played each other in high school, what they like most about each other’s games and the likely possibility of soon joining Mike Trout in the Anaheim outfield. Then, they are joined by Padres OF Taylor Trammell and Reds C Tyler Stephenson to discuss their longtime friendship dating back to their high school days in Atlanta, playing together in the Reds system, the drama surrounding Trammell’s trade to San Diego, how much they still keep in touch despite no longer being in the same organization and reliving Trammell’s unique Futures Game experiences.
34 min
254
Kluber for Clase trade, 2020 Draft fun facts, a...
MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss RHP Sterling Sharp being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, the many sides of the Corey Kluber to Texas trade (especially former Rule 5 pick Delino DeShields Jr.), some of the best fun facts about the top of the 2020 Draft class, and conclude the final Pipeline pod of 2019 with one prospect wish for the 2020 season, both of which involve outfield prospects in the AL West.
33 min
255
The Draft goes to Omaha, prospects on the move ...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the news that the MLB Draft will be moving to Omaha, the site of the College World Series, and how that will change the way the Draft looks and feels for the better. Next, they discuss the latest Hot Stove trades involving prospects, including the Padres/Rays trade, the Angels/Orioles trade, the Angels/Giants trade, and the White Sox/Rangers trade. Finally, they discuss the Rule 5 Draft and how the new 26-man roster could affect teams’ motivation to select players.
26 min
256
A fresh 2020 Draft Top 100 and reacting to the ...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the latest edition of the Top 100 Draft prospects for the 2020 Draft. They review the clear top tier of RHP Emerson Hancock, 1B Spencer Torkelson, and SS Austin Martin; the strengths (college pitching) and weaknesses (high school position players) of the class, the guys in the 50-100 range who could rise in the spring, the Draft stock of Blaze Jordan, and more. Finally, they touch on last week’s trade between San Diego and Milwaukee which saw two recently graduated prospects, Trent Grisham and Luis Urias, change teams.
40 min
257
Remembering Bellinger as a prospect, Angels and...
Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ joins MLB Pipeline's MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) to look back at NL MVP Cody Bellinger’s days as a prospect. They highlight his time as a lanky high schooler in Arizona and rise to one of the best prospects in baseball in the 2016 Arizona Fall League. Then, the guys turn to the State of the System series and discuss two farm systems on the rise, the Angels and the Giants. Finally, using a recent article on the best athletes from all 30 farm systems, they each draft three players who they believe are the best athletes in the Minors.
29 min
258
Alonso and Alvarez Win ROY, 2020 ROY Contenders...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss the vastly different ascents of sluggers Pete Alonso and Yordan Alvarez from their days as amateurs to Rookie of the Year winners. Then, they take a look back at AL Manager of the Year Rocco Baldelli’s past as an elite Draft prospect from Rhode Island in 2000. Finally, Jonathan tells a story of seeing an epic showdown between 2004 first-round picks Justin Verlander and Justin Orenduff, and Jim explains the complex behind-the-scenes story of why the Padres chose not to take Verlander with the no. 1 pick.
46 min
259
World Series Reflections and AFL Wrap-up
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss their reflections on the 2019 postseason and the Nationals becoming World Series champions, including the journeys of Stephen Strasburg, Ryan Zimmerman and the 2005 Draft, and the long-time connection between Mike Rizzo and Max Scherzer. Then, the guys put a bow on the 2019 AFL season with a discussion on some of the biggest breakout players and top Statcast performers, including Rangers RHP Nick Snyder, D-backs SS Geraldo Perdomo, Reds C Tyler Stephenson, and Mets SS Andres Gimenez.
25 min
260
Ranking World Series Stars as Prospects, Greg D...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss Jim’s article ranking the players in the 2019 World Series based on how highly rated they were as prospects, and focus specifically on the prospect development of Stephen Strasburg, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, and Juan Soto. Then, the guys discuss Athletics OF prospect Greg Deichmann and how he is running away with the Arizona Fall League HR title. Finally, we hear interviews with this week’s AFL Pitcher and Player of the Week – first, Rockies RHP Ashton Goudeau, and then, Twins OF Luke Raley.
34 min
261
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
262
Fall Stars Game Preview, Prospects on Team USA,...
33 min
263
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
264
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
265
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
266
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
267
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
268
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
269
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
270
2019 Draftees, pitching prospects, and ROY races
27 min
271
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
272
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
273
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
274
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
275
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