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.

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276
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
277
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
278
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
279
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
280
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
281
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
282
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
283
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
284
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
285
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
286
4/10/19: Hot Starts for Prospects and a Way Too...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss a few prospects off to hot starts in the Minor Leagues, including Cardinals 3B Nolan Gorman, White Sox OF Luis Robert and Orioles RHP Grayson Rodriguez. Next, Jonathan recaps the best Draft prospects he saw at the NHSI, including RHP Brennan Malone and SS Anthony Volpe. Finally, the guys conduct an early mock draft for the first ten picks of the 2019 Draft.
36 min
287
4/4/19: Intriguing Minor League assignments for...
With the Minor League season under way, MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss which Minor League teams feature the highest volume of prospect talent, and the key ingredients to forming an exciting Minor League roster. Next, they discuss some of the more intriguing Minor League assignments, including Cubs SS Nico Hoerner, Phillies 3B Alec Bohm, Braves OF Drew Waters, Mariners OF Julio Rodriguez and Mets SS Ronny Mauricio. Finally, they discuss how high Hunter Bishop has climbed on Draft boards and the general lack of depth of pitchers at the top of the 2019 Draft class.
41 min
288
3/19/19: All the latest from the Cactus and Gra...
Spring Training remains the focus on our latest podcast, as MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo break down what's happening in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues. They discuss the players they've enjoyed seeing and are looking forward to seeing, then talk about MLB Pipeline's series of demo stories and videos featuring prospects such as Tigers right-hander Casey Mize and Rockies first baseman Grant Lavigne. They also analyze how injuries will affect the development of two Top 100 Prospects, White Sox right-hander Dane Dunning and Yankees outfielder Estevan Florial, before detailing the changes coming in the Arizona Fall League this offseason.
41 min
289
3/14/19: Prospects excelling this spring, posit...
Opening Day is rapidly approaching but there are still some top prospects performing well in big league camp. MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss a few exciting young players making some noise this spring, including Miami’s Sandy Alcantara, the Cubs’ Nico Hoerner, and Colorado’s Colton Welker. Then, they look at each of the positional Top 10 lists and discuss and debate which players are most likely to rise to the top of each of those lists at this time next year.
42 min
290
3/7/19: Prospects shining in Spring Training
Spring Training is in full swing, and some of the game’s top prospects are performing quite well on the big league stage. MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss a few top prospects who have stood out in big league camp, including Pittsburgh’s Ke’Bryan Hayes, Boston’s Michael Chavis, Atlanta’s Kyle Wright and Detroit’s Daz Cameron and Casey Mize. Then, Jonathan checks in from Arizona with an update from Mariners camp, where some of the new faces like Justus Sheffield are making a strong impression. Next, the guys turn to the 2019 MLB Draft, and discuss how Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman compares to recent No. 1 Draft picks and where Cal first baseman Andrew Vaughn, the best hitter in the Draft, is most likely to be picked. Finally, they touch on a few pitchers who have risen up Draft boards early in the season, including college arms Drey Jameson and Jackson Rutledge and high school right-hander Matthew Allan
33 min
291
3/1/19: The top farm systems in baseball
The San Diego Padres have the No. 1 farm system in baseball. MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ discuss what made San Diego the obvious top choice, how the system compares to other recent top farm systems and which organizations outside the Top 10 could be on the list at this time next season. Next, they discuss Jim’s Spring Training trip and some of the notable prospects he got to speak to, and who Jonathan is looking forward to seeing and talking to in Arizona. Then, they reflect on the prospect days of Manny Machado and Nolan Arenado, two star third basemen who recently signed historic contracts. Finally, the guys take turns drafting prospects who they think will be making the most noise in 2021.
42 min
292
2/6/19: Prospects to watch this Spring
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training next week. MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Tim McMaster discuss which prospects they’re most excited to see compete in Major League camp (1:15). Then, Jonathan and Jim draft their favorite prospects outside of the new Top 100 list (8:32).
24 min
293
1/30/19: Top 100 Prospects
MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospect list is out. Is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. the best prospect ever (4:18)? Who’s rising and falling on the list (12:25)? Which teams are dominating the prospect points (24:38)? MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB), Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) and Tim McMaster (@MLB_McMaster) discuss those topics and more on this week’s podcast.
37 min
294
1/24/19: Hall of Famers when they were prospects
Four players have been voted into Cooperstown. On this week’s podcast, Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB), Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Tim McMaster (MLB_McMaster) discuss what kind of prospects Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay, Mike Mussina and Edgar Martinez were (1:12). The guys then continue their trip around the diamond with MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 position lists (11:33).
33 min
295
1/17/19: Top 10 Prospects - RHP, LHP, C
1/17/19: Top 10 Pitchers and Catchers for 2019: MLB Pipeline is unveiling its Top 10 prospects at each position, starting with pitchers and catchers. On this week’s podcast, Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Tim McMaster (@MLB_McMaster) discuss how the lists came together and what stands out with the right-handers (1:10), southpaws (7:10) and backstops (17:46).
26 min
296
1/10/19: Kyler Murray enters NFL draft, Rookie ...
Athletics 2018 first-round pick Kyler Murray is entering the NFL draft. MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB), Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Tim McMaster (@MLB_McMaster) discuss what it means for the Heisman Trophy winner’s baseball career (1:20). Then the guys react to the Braves winning the grievance filed by the MLB Players Association on the behalf of their 2018 first-round pick, Carter Stewart (11:30). Finally, we’ll hear Jonathan’s interviews with some of the top prospects in the game from the 2019 Rookie Career Development Program in Miami (24:48).
45 min
297
1/2/19: 2019 Prospect Wish List
With some help from Twitter, MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and MLB.com’s Tim McMaster put together a prospect wish list for 2019 (1:07). The guys also chat about the most improved farm systems of 2018 (24:13).
32 min
298
12/19/18: The Best Prospect Moments of 2018
The Pipeline podcast takes a look back at the best prospect moments of 2018, from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Olympic Stadium walk-off to the Futures Game and more (). MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and MLB.com’s Tim McMaster (@MLB_McMaster) also look ahead to 2019 with some prospect New Year’s resolutions (), and they recap the biggest prospects to be traded this offseason ().
34 min
299
12/11/18: Kyle Tucker on Fortnite, Astros, Wint...
The Podcast heads to Las Vegas for the 2018 Winter Meetings. MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo) and MLB.com’s Tim McMaster (@MLB_McMaster) are joined by Astros top prospect Kyle Tucker, who was at the Winter Meetings to participate in a Fortnite tournament (0:23). Jonathan and Tim also talk about teams could still be active at the meetings, and they look ahead to the Rule 5 Draft.
27 min
300
12/5/18: MLB Pipeline 2019 #1 Draft Prospect Ad...
MLB Pipeline released the 2019 Top 50 Draft Prospect List and Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman landed in the top spot. Rutschman joined MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB), Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) and MLB.com's Tim McMaster (@MLB_McMaster) to share how he's dealt with expectations and to look ahead to 2019.
42 min