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
1
Awards and the postseason (Guest: Quinn Mathews)
It might seem as if the prospect season is over, but it's far from it! Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff were buzzing with talk of award-winning prospects and those (present and former) playing in the MLB Postseason. This week's pod kicked off with a discussion of some of the recently-announced MiLB Awards winners, from Hitter of the Year Kristian Campbell of the Red Sox to Pitcher of the Year Quinn Mathews of the Cardinals, who joined Jonathan for a conversation about his extremely successful first season of pro ball. Then the guys took a closer look at rookies who could have a big impact in the playoffs and how each of the 12 postseason teams were built. And they wrap up with a Mailbag question about Padres 17-year-old phenom Leodalis De Vries.
64 min
2
Rosters Of The Fall (Guest: Bryce Eldridge)
With the Arizona Fall League set to begin play on Oct. 7, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff use the latest edition of the Pipeline Podcast to discuss the many quality prospects headed to the developmental circuit. They focus on the 14 Top 100 Prospects set to attend, headlined by Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone and Padres catcher Ethan Salas, and identify a few sleepers before interviewing another Top 100 dude headed to the desert in Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge. The guys also discuss Jonathan's rankings of the top 20 high schoolers for the 2025 Draft (starting with Jackson Holliday's younger brother Ethan) and the Tigers' promotion of the game's top pitching prospect (Jackson Jobe), then answer a listener mailbag question about potential AFL MVPs.
55 min
3
Finally, the final finalists
As the 2024 season reaches its conclusion, it seems a great time for Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff to look at the best prospect performances of the year, with a nod to the September 30 MiLB Awards show on MLB Network. They kicked things off by discussing the finalists for hitting and pitching prospects of the year. The guys then dug a bit deeper by breaking down candidates for breakout prospect of the year before looking much further ahead by peeking at the top 20 college players for the 2025 Draft before finishing with a Mailbag question about a 2024 college draftee, Rockies outfielder Charlie Condon.
48 min
4
Dudes On The Move (Guest: Kristian Campbell)
Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff discuss several notable promotions on the latest edition of the Pipeline Podcast, including No. 3 overall prospect Walker Jenkins (Twins) to Double-A and Jasson Dominguez and Kumar Rocker to the big leagues.
48 min
5
Crews-ing for prospects
The big news in prospect-land this week is the debut of Nationals' top prospect Dylan Crews, and Sam Dykstra and Jonathan Mayo are all over his callup on this week's MLB Pipeline Podcast, breaking down the 2023 No. 2 overall pick's game and first full season of pro ball. From there, Sam and Jonathan head to Montgomery, where the Biscuits have perhaps the most prospect-laden lineup in the Minors, something they discuss with Biscuits broadcaster Jack Sadighian. The Rays also top a list of farm systems ranked by infield prospect talent and the guys discuss that and other organizations on that list before debating the merits of adding Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker to the Top 100 and answering a question from the listener mailbag about the Rockies' Chase Dollander.
64 min
6
Dog Days of Summer
It's late August, the week after launching all of MLB Pipeline's new rankings, but there was still plenty to talk about on this week's episode. Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff dig some more into the new Top 100 list, examining new names on the list, including Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Kristian Campbell, Dodgers lefty Jackson Ferris and a pair of Nationals flame-throwers (one of whom isn't officially on the list . . . yet!). From there, the guys take a look at 2024 Draftees and how they've started their pro careers, focusing on guys with some upward mobility, like first-rounders Christian Moore (Angels) and Nick Kurtz (Athletics). While the Arizona Fall League doesn't start until early October, it's never too early to dream about rosters, with Jim and Jonathan providing a wish list of who they'd like to see this year before providing a "si" or "no" on if they think the top 30 prospects from the Top 100 will head to the AFL. The episode finishes, as always, with a mailbag question asking about two college bats from the Class of '24.
58 min
7
Breaking Down The New Top 100
On the latest Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo & Jason Ratliff dive deep into MLB Pipeline's newly revamped Top 100 Prospects list, which is headlined by infielders Jackson Holliday (Orioles) and Junior Caminero (Rays). They discuss why this is the most hitter-heavy Top 100 ever and talk about players who made the biggest jumps from the preseason, including infielders Colt Emerson (Mariners) and Kevin McGonigle (Tigers). Afterward, they give a sneak preview of MLB Pipeline's soon-to-be-released farm system rankings before circling back to the Top 100 with a listener mailbag question.
63 min
8
The New Top 100 Is Nearly Here (Guest: George K...
MLB Pipeline will drop a fully updated Top 100 Prospects list next week, and Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo give a sneak preview without giving away any of the rankings on the latest Pipeline Podcast. They begin by discussing the Top 100 process, chat about candidates for the No. 1 spot and how many 2024 draftees to expect on the new list. Jonathan interviews right-hander George Klassen, who significantly has boosted his stock in his pro debut and went to from the Phillies to the Angels in the recent Carlos Estévez trade. Then the guys name other players who have rocketed up prospect lists this summer before answering a listener mailbag question about promising Nationals pitching prospects.
55 min
9
Deadline sandwich
This week's MLB Pipeline Podcast comes to you right in between the Trade Deadline and the Draft signing deadline and Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff have you covered on both fronts. They kick things off by looking at the top prospects who changed teams and the sheer volume (90!) of prospects who changed hands. Then the guys broke down the biggest hauls by teams, highlighting the Marlins, Rays and Blue Jays. The trio pivoted from the Trade Deadline to the Draft signing deadline to talk about the remaining unsigned draftees, with four likely not to sign at the time of recording. The pod wrapped up with a question about the White Sox return in the Erick Fedde/Michael Kopech deal from the listener Mailbag.
60 min
10
Deadlines and Rerank Approaching
On the latest Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff break down the upcoming Trade and Draft Signing deadlines and the midseason rerank. First, they rank the contenders that have the best combinations of desire to make a deal and the prospects to make it happen. Then they discuss some record-setting Draft signings and preview more to come. After that, the guys tease the upcoming overhaul of the Top 100 Prospects and organization Top 30 lists before answering a mailbag question about prospects who could make an impact in the postseason.
65 min
11
Live from Arlington: Futures, Draft and more
After an action-packed week in Texas for All-Star festivities, the MLB Pipeline gang gathered together in person to wrap up all of the events. Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff started off by breaking down the Draft, from surprises in the first round to the biggest steal in each round. From there, they reviewed the excitement of the 25th Futures Game and the first ever Futures Skills Showcase before answering an unprecedented five-part question in the Mailbag.
63 min
12
Predictions Galore
The biggest prospect week of the year is upon us, highlighted by the All-Star Futures Game and the start of the Draft, and Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff have you covered on the latest Pipeline Podcast. The guys offer prognostications on the Futures Game winner, final score and MVP before Jim and Jonathan make their annual picks for the Futures Game batting practice/unofficial home run derby. With the new Futures Skills Showcase this year, they draft participants in that as well, with Jonathan's No. 1 overall selection prompting Jim to nearly curse on air. After that, it's more predictions as they break down the percentage chances of various players getting selected by the Guardians with the No. 1 overall pick. Lastly, they dip into the listener mailbag for not one but two Draft-related questions.
57 min
13
Futures Game, Draft and Moore (Christian)
It's a very busy time in MLB Pipeline world these days and the Pipeline Podcast guys have it all for you.
65 min
14
A Topsy-Turvy Podcast (guest: Brody Brecht)
Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff try to make sense out of chaos on the latest Pipeline Podcast. They sort out who the Guardians may select with the No. 1 overall pick, putting percentages on various candidates, and try to determine who should be anointed the top game's pitching prospect now that Paul Skenes has officially graduated to the big leagues. The guys also interview Iowa right-hander Brody Brecht (a likely first-round pick next month), sort through the college pitching class, review the College World Series and answer a Draft-related listener mailbag question.
68 min
15
Live from the Combine! (with Carter Johnson)
Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff are all in Phoenix for the fourth annual MLB Draft Combine.
66 min
16
Prospects heading to Omaha (plus top prepster K...
With the College World Series about to begin, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff take a look at the top Draft prospects still playing in Omaha in this week's episode of the MLB Pipeline Podcast.
52 min
17
Prospects Head Toward Omaha, Draft
The College World Series and the Draft are on the horizon, and Jim Callis, Sam Dykstra and Jason Ratliff discuss top prospects on tap for both events in the latest Pipeline Podcast. First, they talk about MLB Pipeline's recently released Draft Top 200 and what separates the best position players (Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, Georgia outfielder/third baseman Charlie Condon) and the best pitchers (Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns, Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith).
63 min
18
Evaluating NCAA Tournament Prospects
With the NCAA tournament set to begin this weekend, the latest Pipeline Podcast focuses on the top prospects vying for a College World Series championship. Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff discuss two dozen potential first-round picks who will compete in the 16 four-team regionals, as well as other prospects who could factor early in the Draft.
56 min
19
Best pure hitters in the Minors (Guest: Jacob W...
This week's MLB Pipeline Podcast is all about the bats. Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff kick things off with a ranking of the top 10 pure hitters in the Minors right now, a list still topped by No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday. He's followed closely by this week's guest, A's top prospect Jacob Wilson, who talks with Jonathan along with his dad, former MLB All-Star Jack Wilson. The guys turn their attention to the Draft after that, diving into Jim's latest mock and looking at some names rising up boards, before finishing with a Mailbag question about each top Draft prospect's odds of being taken No. 1 by the Guardians.
72 min
20
Market Corrections and a Bubba (Chandler) visit
MLB Pipeline has refreshed its Top 100 Prospects list for the first time this season, and Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo & Jason Ratliff break down the changes on the latest edition of the Pipeline Podcast. Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday and Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes claim the top two spots, Nationals outfielder James Wood enters the top five, Mets righty Christian Scott makes a huge leap and Mariners outfielder Lazaro Montes is the highest-ranked newcomer. Jonathan interviews Bucs righty Bubba Chandler, who moved from No. 83 to No. 67, before the guys discuss Skenes' big league debut and then answer a pair of Draft-related questions from the listener mailbag.
59 min
21
Holliday, Skenes And More
This week's episode of the MLB Pipeline Podcast starts off at the very top of the Top 100. Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff discuss the latest with No. 1 Jackson Holliday and his return to Triple-A and top pitching prospect (No. 3 overall) Paul Skenes and when the Pirates might call him up.
66 min
22
New Draft Top 150 and the list's highest risers
After releasing MLB Pipeline's updated and expanded Top 150 Draft Prospects list last week, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff break it all down on the latest Pipeline Podcast. They begin by talking about the players at the very top of the list, including new No. 1 Charlie Condon of Georgia, Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana and Florida first baseman/left-hander Jac Caglianone. After an interview with Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith, the Draft's top pitching prospect, they identify the biggest risers and highest-ranked newcomers on the list and explain why they have helium. Then they wrap things up with a listener mailbag question about what the Guardians are thinking with the No. 1 overall pick.
54 min
23
Justins, Skenes & The Draft
On the latest edition of the Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis, Sam Dykstra and Jonathan Mayo discuss prospects past, present and future. Jonathan revisits a 2004 story he did on a college pitching duel between Justin Verlander and Justin Orenduff and relates how Verlander presented him with a Gold Pass last weekend to celebrate Jonathan's 25 years with MLB. Then Sam discusses his recent visit with Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes, baseball's best pitching prospect, before we hear Sam interview Skenes about his overpowering repertoire. After that, the guys preview the imminent release of the Draft Top 150 by discussing how many legitimate No. 1 overall pick candidates there are, identifying the best prospect at each position and answering a related question from the listener mailbag.
63 min
24
Rookies, Prospects & The Draft
There's so much going on in every aspect baseball right now and Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff tried to cram discussion of it all into the latest Pipeline Podcast. They started by talking about scorching-hot rookies (Michael Busch, Mason Miller) and Minor Leaguers off to fast starts (including Astros outfielder Joey Loperfido and Rockies right-hander Chase Dollander) as well as two big-name prospects just called up to the Majors (Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages, Rangers righty Jack Leiter). Then they switched gears to look at the Draft, interviewing Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery, to break down standouts at the recent National High School Invitational and to answer a listener mailbag question about which Draft prospects have boosted their stock the most this year.
49 min
25
Cagli-Oh My!
Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo welcome in Florida Gators two-way star Jac Caglianone.
54 min