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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Baseball
201
Breaking down International Prospect List and 2...
Jason Ratliff, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo are joined by Jesse Sanchez to break down his newly released Top 30 International Prospects list, led by Yoelqui Cespedes. Then the trio turned their attention to the Draft, which now looks like it will take place on June 10 and analyzed Jonathan's first mock draft of the first round.  
54 min
202
Breaking down the new Top 150 Draft Prospects a...
Jason Ratliff, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo break down the new Draft Top 150 prospects rankings and also take a look at the best shortstop prospects over the past 20 years.
55 min
203
Callis and Mayo's Top 20 Picks
On this week’s Pipeline Podcast, Jason Ratliff, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo dive into the 2020 Draft as they work on their Draft rankings. Jim and Jonathan did a self-draft, taking turns for the top 20 picks based on who they would want, not what they think teams will do.
50 min
204
Analyzing Pipeline Prospect Quizzes; Vlad Jr. v...
On this week’s Pipeline Podcast, Jason Ratliff, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo talk about the Pipeline Prospect quiz and how they did in naming the top prospect from each organization. Speaking of prospect quizzes, the trio dove into Jim’s story comparing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Wander Franco, and what scouts in the industry had to say about the duo. They also looked at the top second base prospects for each team and teased Jonathan’s story about ranking the No. 1 prospects from over the years of MLB.com rankings (2004-2020).
52 min
205
Breaking down the "expert drafts" and top first...
Jason Ratliff, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo are joined by Pipeline colleague Mike Rosenbaum to discuss the “experts draft” they held. They also talked about the top first base prospects for each organization and the terrific series about scouts by Alexis Brudnicki before closing out with Jonathan’s interview with Twins prospect Royce Lewis.
50 min
206
The '20 Draft, all-time prospect teams, compari...
Jason Ratliff, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo talk about the new deal for the MLB Draft, while also disussing Jim and Jonathan’s all-time all-prospect teams, MLB Pipeline’s picks for best catching prospects for each team this century and how their Top 100 measures up when compared to other Top 100 prospects lists put out by colleagues and competitors.
49 min
207
Prospects who will be creating buzz in 2022
On today’s Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff look ahead to 2022 and some prospects who will be generating buzz a couple years down the road. They discuss a big recent international signing (Yhoswar Garcia with the Phillies) and the news that Yoenis Cespedes’ younger brother Yoelqui is now on the market. They also consider how the coronavirus and the suspension of the season could impact the Draft.
39 min
208
Breaking down the Top 30 prospects for each club
Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis break down the new Top 30 farm system rankings, talk about their favorite guys who just missed the top 30 team rankings list and discuss their favorite parts of traveling around the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.
37 min
209
Prospects in Spring Training to get excited about
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ, discuss which prospects they are most looking forward to seeing in Spring Training, especially ones that they haven’t seen before, including Yankees OF Jasson Dominguez and Giants SS Marco Luciano, among others. Then, they review which prospects in big league camp they are most intrigued to see compete for a job, including Blue Jays RHP Nate Pearson, Astros RHP Forrest Whitley, Twins SS Royce Lewis, Angels OF Jo Adell, and D-backs C Daulton Varsho.
24 min
210
Reviewing the real Mookie Betts trade, the fast...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ, discuss the finalized deal between the Dodgers and Red Sox that sent Mookie Betts west and netted Boston prospects Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Then they review the deal that sent Brusdar Graterol to the Dodgers and the Minor Leaguers involved in that trade, Luke Raley and Jair Camargo. Next, they debate which of the 30 prospects listed as the faster players in each organization is actually the definitive fastest. Finally, they review the best fastballs in the Minor Leagues.
31 min
211
Mookie Betts trade reaction and intriguing clos...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ, discuss the reported trade between the Red Sox, Dodgers and Twins that is sending Mookie Betts to LA. They also touch on the reported trade that is sending Joc Pederson from the Dodgers to the Angels, and the interesting young OF prospect Andy Pages that is expected to be involved. Finally, they review three young pitching prospects who were not quite on the Top 100 list but could be with a strong 2020: White Sox RHP Jonathan Stiever, Twins RHP Jhoan Duran and Rockies LHP Ryan Rolison. 
32 min
212
New Top 100 List Discussion and Starling Marte ...
MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis (@JimCallisMLB) and Jonathan Mayo (@jonathanmayo), as well as Jordan Shusterman of @CespedesBBQ, discuss the 2020 Top 100 prospect list and the process behind how the list gets put together, including: why Wander Franco was the unanimous no. 1 overall prospect; the most likely candidates to be no. 1 on the 2021 list; where the 2019 Draft class slotted into the list; which Brewers prospect was closest to cracking to the Top 100; which team’s group of Top 100 prospects is most intriguing; comparing Yankees RHP prospects Clarke Schmidt and Deivi Garcia; and more! Finally, they touch on this week’s trade between the Pirates and D-backs which netted Pittsburgh two very young high-upside prospects, SS Liover Peguero and RHP Brennan Malone.
42 min
213
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
214
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
215
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
216
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
217
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
218
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
219
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
220
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
221
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
222
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
223
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
224
Fall Stars Game Preview, Prospects on Team USA,...
33 min
225
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