With the 2018 mid-summer classic in the rearview mirror, teams aren't holding back on making deals to bolster their clubs before the trade deadline. Just in the past few days, the Dodgers landed Manny Machado from the Orioles and the Indians picked up Brad Hand and Adam Cimber from the Padres. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss the latest moves and how it will affect the pennant race down the stretch. Later in the podcast they talk about a few relievers you probably don't know that might get traded, what contenders have the biggest holes they need to fill and a recap of All-Star Weekend.

On this episode of the Statcast podcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers are joined by former Mets Sr. Director of Baseball Operations and former Braves assistant GM Adam Fisher to the podcast to discuss working in a baseball front office and what the trade deadline season, from a front office perspective, is like. They also talks about what it was like for Adam to work in the sport when the statistical revolution got started, the deadline moves that he was a part of that helped propel the Mets to the 2015 World Series and what the next advantage that front offices might start utilizing in the future. 

The Washington Nationals were supposed to be the lead dog in the NL East for the 2018 season. Instead, they currently find themselves seven games behind the divisional leaders Atlanta Braves in third place. Because of that, the Nationals could very well become sellers at the trading deadline. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss why Washington may consider trading upcoming free agent Bryce Harper and what kind of return it could net the Nats. They also talk about a few dark horse trade candidates, something you might not know about Aaron Judge, the most interesting minor league pitcher you probably don’t know and why the return of Luis Perdomo to the bigs has Matt excited.

Freddy Peralta might be someone you’ve never heard of, but what he’s accomplishing for the Milwaukee Brewers this season is remarkable. Even though Freddy has only been in the bigs for a short time, he’s become the only pitcher since 1908 to strikeout five or more batters and give up three or fewer hits in his first four starts. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a look at how Peralta has managed to be so successful with the Brew Crew despite throwing his 91 mph fastball 80% of the time. Later they discuss four hitters who are turning it around despite their rough start, the Tampa Bay Rays having some of the best pitching stats since their “opener” experiment began and Mike Trout’s still doing crazy good things. 

The defending champion Houston Astros play in a ballpark that has had the stigma of being hitters park. With the "Crawford Boxes" being only 315 feet down the left field line, one would think it's safe to make that assumption. However, after much research, Statcast host Mike Petriello takes a look at why Minute Maid Park has in fact become the opposite and how the numbers can back that up. Mike also discusses some of the notable Statcast moments from this past week, if Giancarlo Stanton is starting to turn it around, another ridiculous stretch of games from Mike Trout and a conversation between the Dodgers Max Muncy and MLB.com Dodgers beat reporter Ken Gurnick. 

When Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks exploded onto the scene this season by throwing the fastest pitches in 2018, topping out at 105 MPH, many people asked themselves “who is this guy?” As a prospect that was in the Single-A ball in 2017 and was the first player cut from the Cardinals 2018 spring training camp, Hicks has become a bright spot for St. Louis’ pitching staff this season. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about what Jordan is doing to be so successful in the bigs and why the change to his slider has been key. They also discuss the most improved pitchers this season in baseball, hitters that aren’t living up to their projected stats and why Max Muncy has been one of the best hitters in baseball.  

Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts are a big reason for the Boston Red Sox success in 2018. After both played through injuries during the 2017 season, they've statistically become the more improved hitters this season. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine how they've gotten better, as well as a surprising addition to the list. Later in the podcast, Mike and Matt discuss if the Brewers have the best defense in baseball, the Rays pitcher who has had the best start this season and why you should know who Daniel Palka is. 

When the Dodgers placed Clayton Kershaw went on the DL earlier this month for left biceps tendinitis, there was a sense of panic. However, despite losing their ace for the majority of May, the blue crew has managed to not just survive but also thrive. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about how the Dodgers have been able to stay afloat despite the rash of early season injuries that they've experienced. They also talk about who the most underrated slugger in baseball is, the hot start that Gleyber Torres has gotten off to and who is baseballs most dangerous catcher.

The increased number of home runs hit in baseball has become a hot button subject with many searching for answers, including Commissioner Manfred. That’s why he put together a committee of scientists to try and find out what has caused the baseball to fly out at such alarming rates. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers are joined on the podcast by the Chairman of the committee, Dr. Alan Nathan, a professor of physics emeritus at the University of Illinois. They discuss the groups findings, along with what expectations he had going into the study and how they put the committee together. Later in the podcast, Mike and Matt talk hot defensive takes on Manny Machado, Mike Trout and Josh Donaldson, along with which team should be next to try the Tampa Bay Rays/Sergio Romo starting experiment. 

The surprising Atlanta Braves currently own the best record in the National League and have some of the most exciting players in baseball on their squad. With the call-ups of Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna, along with the already established stars like Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis, the Braves are trying to prove the naysayers wrong. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a look at why the Braves have been so successful and if they can sustain it through the rest of the season. Later in the show, the Statcast crew examines if the Cleveland Indians offense is back to what people expected and they talk about all the new shift data courtesy of Baseball Savant. 

Didi Gregorius had a fantastic month of April and currently leads the Bronx Bombers in batting average, runs scored, home runs and RBI, all the while being named the American League Player of the Month. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers, using Statcast data, explores why Didi has been crushing it at the plate this season and isn’t only a product of Yankee Stadium. They also take a look at James Paxton’s no-hitter against the Blues Jays, who the best reliever in baseball is, the Rockies success at the plate on the road and why getting 3,000 hits is bogus. 

As the calendar turns to May, the majority of MLB teams have already played out roughly 20 percent of their schedule so now is a good time to examine which outfield defenses have improved the most in 2018. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers, with the use of Statcast metrics, take a look at why certain teams outfield defense has gotten better and what factors might be playing a part in that. They also discuss the early impact of the D-Backs using a humidor in Arizona, why Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies have made the Braves so interesting, five young hitters that are intriguing and much more.

Giancarlo Stanton was arguably the biggest acquisition by the New York Yankees this past offseason. While it was unrealistic for Stanton to pick-up where he left off following his 2017 MVP seasoe, he has struggled since joining the Bronx Bombers. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine the early season struggles from Giancarlo, as well as other players like Yu Darvish and Lucas Giolito, and what we can conclude from the Statcast data. Later in the podcast, the guys take a look at what player has added the most speed to his game this season and some interesting notes about the Padres’ Franchy Cordero. 

With the first month of the baseball season past the halfway point, the Statcast crew examines some of the best small sample sizes they’ve seen so far. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discusses small sample sizes from Brandon Nimmo, Adam Ottavino, Rick Porcello, Craig Stammen, among others, and how much stock one should take in these early samples. Later in the podcast they discuss the DJ LeMahieu’s impressive start to the season, buying or selling the Atlanta Braves hot offense, a reliever you need to know about and the rollout of the 2018 sprint speed leaderboard.

When the Phillies signed Carlos Santana to a three-year, $60 million deal this past offseason, many thought there would be some pressure to make a good, first impression with his new club. However, Carlos has gotten off to a rough start at the dish but how much of that has been bad luck? Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers talk about why Santana is leading the way as a hard luck hitter this season and why Phillies fans should still be encouraged in his production, despite his numbers being down. Also in this weeks podcast, they chat about how the Mets created two great relievers for their bullpen, the most interesting reliever that nobody has heard of, an important reliever you should be worried about and an update on Shoehi Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani was one of the biggest storylines going into the 2018 season, and he hasn’t disappointed only a week in. After an impressive first start on the mound, Ohtani followed up by slugging his first MLB career home run on Tuesday night. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss the “Japanese Babe Ruth’s” first week in the bigs and if he was more impressive at the plate or on the mound. Also in this weeks’ podcast, they talk about elite exit velocity following Giancarlo Stanton’s home run at Yankee Stadium and an update to hit probability. Finally, Mike sits down with the Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins to chat about how he developed his swing, how he positions himself in the outfield and playing for a manager who is more analytically focused. 

With the 2018 season just around the corner, it’s only appropriate to get a preview for what’s to be expected when things kick-off on Thursday. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers each provide 30 stats on 30 teams in this jam-packed episode. Later in the podcast, they discuss their predictions for who will win the World Series, the end of the year awards and much more. 

It may have taken almost the entire offseason and spring training but starting pitcher Alex Cobb finally has a new home. After inking a four-year, $57 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how Cobb fits into the Orioles 2018 plans and if playing his home games at Camden Yards could affect his numbers. Later, they talk about what kind of season Yasiel Puig might have based off of Statcast data from his 2017 campaign, some notable spring training exit velocity notes and which pitchers should be throwing more secondary pitches. 

This past Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals and Paul DeJong agreed to a $26 million 6-year contract extension. The shortstop made history accepting the largest contract for a player with less than one year of playing time. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers examine the risks that may come with the extension and take a look at DeJong’s Statcast numbers to see if it was the right move by the club. Later, the Statcast guys continue to ponder why Neil Walker is still a free agent and if Billy Hamilton becoming a designated base runner makes sense. Finally, they’ll tease some new Statcast metrics that will be introduced at the SABR Analytics Conference later this week. 

The Minnesota Twins have reportedly signed Logan Morrison to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with a club option for 2019. Coming off of 2017 with a career high 38 home runs, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss why Morrison’s success in 2017 was in big part to an enormous jump in his launch angle. They also talk about the Angels dropping the home run line on their right field wall and how that may factor into their offense this season, as well as examining why the Blue Jays might have a decent outlook for 2018.

Eric Hosmer is a member of the San Diego Padres. J.D. Martinez is moving from the desert to Fenway Park. Jake Odorizzi was traded to Minnesota. Jarrod Dyson signs on to swipe bases in Arizona. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a closer look at these recent transactions and discuss how these moves will affect their teams from a Statcast perspective. They also explore why it doesn’t matter who your closer is on Opening Day.

Lance Lynn, Alex Cobb and Greg Holland currently have a lot in common. All three pitchers had Tommy John Surgery in their careers, rejected qualifying offers this offseason and they’re still currently without a team as pitchers and catchers officially reported this week. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers do some digging to figure out where the market currently stands for these pitchers and why they might still be unsigned. Later in the podcast, the Statcast crew talks about the Diamondbacks installing a humidor at Chase Field for the 2018 season and why that might affect the D-Backs offensive heavy numbers at home for the future. 

Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers, has a reputation of being a nightmare for hitters due to the fields’ dimensions. However, that perception isn’t to be believed by all. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discusses how despite Comerica’s pitchers park reputation, the batters eye might be the reason for offensive success. They also discuss why Todd Frazier to the Mets makes all the world of sense, using Statcast data to hack your way to a 56 game hitting streak and why centerfielders get more batted balls. 

The Milwaukee Brewers struck quickly last week by re-tooling their outfield after trading for the Marlins' Christian Yelich and signing Lorenzo Cain to a five-year contract. Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers discuss how Miller Park will affect the numbers for the newest members of the Brew Crew. Later, they examine if the Houston Astros' lineup will be better than last season and why the Oakland Athletics are interesting from a Statcast perspective.

The MLB free agent market is still looking for someone to throw gasoline onto the fire but it's safe to assume that a few players will wind up with new teams. Even though there might be some obvious destinations, Statcast host Mike Petriello and national editor Matt Meyers take a look at some landing spots for big free agents that aren't so obvious. They also discuss how J.D. Martinez has aged and what that could mean for his future contract, Jose Martinez being the true breakout Cardinals star from 2017 and if the 2018 Yankees could break the single-season team home run record.