Kenley Jansen goes into next season needing two more saves to tie Lee Smith for most career saves (478), and just 24 more saves to become just the third pitching with 500 saves. No. 1 and No. 2: Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601).

The Royals' bullpen depth: Closer: RH Carlos Estevez Set-up: LH Matt Strahm RH Lucas Erceg RH John Schreiber RH Nick Mears LH Daniel Lynch RH Steven Cruz RH Luinder Avila By the way: Other teams that have asked about Cole Ragans in any deal say the Royals fully intend to keep the lefty.

Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/6w8k... Jeff Passan discusses the Mets' offseason, the Skubal situation, looming labor questions; Paul Hembekides talks about the Phillies' signing of Garcia, the Braves' re-tooling. And a fantasy football ethical question must be flushed out.

Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/5h3P... Paul Hembekides, Alden Gonzalez and Jorge Castillo dig into the news -- the O's big signing, what's next for the Mets, Skubal, Marte, the Dodgers, Kyle Tucker.

The World Series run for the Jays completely changed the perception of the organization among players, some agents say, and Toronto is loaded with money. They've been linked to every major FA from Kyle Tucker to Edwin Diaz, as well as Bo. But as one agent notes: They can't/won't sign everyone.

Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/6WOy... New Padres Manager Craig Stammen on his unusual path to this new job, Manny, playing hoops w/Preller, running a bullpen; a Sarah Langs essay on the winter's first big signing; David Schoenfield on what was behind the Orioles trade, the Naylor signing, Skubal.

On the podcast, open.spotify.com/episode/3taP... we held an offseason roundtable, with Alden Gonzalez, Jesse Rogers, Jorge Castillo; analysis from Paul Hembekides, about three sleeper free agents, the World Series, Harper.

Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/7AvT... A conversation with new Giants Manager Tony Vitello, about his first contact with Buster Posey and their conversations about helping players get better, the future and past HOFers who served as sounding boards; Karl Ravech talks Skubal, Alonso, World Series.

Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/7yK0... The Dodgers win Game 6, with Mookie Betts, Miguel Rojas, Kike Hernandez pitching in -- now we get ready for Game 7 that could be filled with Cy Young winners and MVPs. A conversation with the Jays' Ernie Clement.

Which team has the edge in every aspect of the Fall Classic? We asked around the sport to find out. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Podcast spotify.link/J2CNtaoNCXb Karl Ravech and Tim Kurkjian talk Game 7 -- will Mariners pitch to Vladdy, the state of the pitching of both teams, Vitello/Giants, Ohtani; Sarah Langs essay, and Numbers Game; David Vassegh talks Ohtani, Dodger clubhouse beer showers.

The series shifts to Toronto with Seattle a win from the World Series. Here's what the Blue Jays and Mariners must do from here. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

From Elias Sports, about Detroit's Game 1 victory: In the expansion era (since 1961), teams that win the first game of a multi-game playoff series in extras are 25–2 in series outcomes. Exceptions: the Athletics in the 2003 ALDS vs. Boston and the Phillies in the 2022 World Series vs. Houston.

Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/7FDW... Karl Ravech, David Cone and Eduardo Perez take the Clown Subway after Game 2, with input from fans; Taylor McGregor talks Guards-Tigers, Cubs-Padres, Dodgers-Reds, Snitker, Rockies plan for what's next.

Shohei Ohtani just established ANOTHER 50-50 club, this one for 50 HR hit & 50 strikeouts as a pitcher the only other 50-HR hitter with any strikeouts as pitcher that season is 1921 Babe Ruth, with 3 strikeouts

Juan Soto is on pace to finish the season with: 123 runs 106 RBI 150 hits 127 walks 19 doubles 44 homers 34 steals

The last 35 games the Red Sox played with Roman Anthony, in which he hit .326/.427/.530: A 22-13 W-L record Since Anthony got hurt: 3-6 W-L Team .232/.289/.368 slash line 3.9 runs per game

From skippers possibly managing their final games to front office execs facing uncertainty, we break down looming decisions for a number of teams. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Within our obituary, Jim Palmer tells an amazing story that gives insight into the mind of Davey Johnson, who once went to the mound with analytic advice for Dave McNally. Johnson has passed away at the age of 82. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

We've got Braves, Phillies on Sunday Night Baseball. From Elias Sports: Over his 5 games in '25––covering four starts and a relief appearance––ATL's Hurston Waldrep is 4–0 with a 0.90 ERA. Since 1950, only 2 other rookies won at least 4 of their first 5 games, w/ ERA below 1.00-- Fernando and Shota.

Podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/5Mtb... Author Jane Leavy discusses her new book Make Me Commissioner, and all the great conversations she had along the way; Jorge Castillo discusses the Mets' pitching staff; Sarah Langs's essay on Schwarber; and Todd Radom talks Billy Goat Curse.

Giancarlo Stanton in his last 27 games: 13 homers 30 RBI .337/.394/.826

Welcome to 'Milwaukee Community College': How the Brewers built a $115 million juggernaut As small-market Milwaukee rolls along with MLB's best record, everyone wants to know the Brew Crew's secret formula. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

The Padres since the trade deadline: 14-7 Ramon Laureano, picked up from the O's (with a very affordable $6.5m option for next season, is hitting .338. Ryan O'Hearn hitting .275/.376/.467 for SD. Mason Miller with 1 ER allowed in 9 IP, 16 strikeouts.

Little Leaguers spending time with their favorite MLB stars, autographs and more. Here's what makes Williamsport so special. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

After the trade deadline, @Kurkjian_ESPN and I handed out grades for all 30 teams -- 30 teams in 35 minutes -- and @JeffPassan offered his assessment. This was a lot of fun. And we were joined by Cubs' exec Jed Hoyer. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVOO...

The Yankees continue to work on adding bullpen help, according to rival evaluators, and they have talked with other teams about right-handed hitting outfielders. Former Yankee Harrison Bader is among those discussed, as well as White Sox outfielder Austin Slater.

From the contenders to the rebuilders, here's what every front office is thinking ahead of the July 31 deadline. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Yankees are 4 games behind TOR in the AL East, lead the Wildcard race by 2 games. Something worth remembering down the stretch: Per Fangraphs, they have the easiest remaining schedule for any AL team. This is how they'll wrap the season, starting Sept. 15: 3 g. at MIN 4 at BAL 3 vs. CWS 3 vs. BAL

What you need to know about this year's Home Run Derby hitters -- and the coaches, fathers and stepfathers they chose for their biggest moment. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Playoff odds for some of the teams on the fringe of the wildcard races, per Fangraphs, as decisions are made about buying or selling: Cardinals 23.4% Twins 22.6% Rangers 17.3% Royals 11.3% Reds 10.7% Guardians 10.3% D-Backs 8.7% Angels 5% Braves 4.4% Orioles 2.7%

Tarik Skubal went into Sunday's game w/ a 71.5% rate of throwing 1st-pitch strikes, 2nd-best in MLB, and given that tendency, a lot of the damage against him--6 of the 8 HR-- had come on first pitches in at-bats. He and catcher Dillon Dingler adapted vs. MIN, throwing a ton of first-pitch changeups.

Tarik Skubal creates the illusion that hitters seem to be working uphill against him, with these factors: 1. 97.8 avg. fastball velo, 2nd best in majors 2. 71.5% 1st-pitch strike % (2nd) 3. 17.6 seconds between pitches (12th) 4. 32% called/swinging K % (1st). 5. Hides the ball well. Like peak Pedro.

We've got Tarik Skubal and the Tigers vs. Chris Paddack and the Twins on Sunday Night Baseball. Detroit was the first team to win 50 games -- but do our experts actually pick the Tigers to win it all at the halfway mark? www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Two AL hitters are crushing long balls at a historic rate. Before their 81st games, we compare their first-half performances to the best ever -- and if they can keep it going. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

Career best OPS+ for HOF catchers Mike Piazza 1997 185 Buster Posey 2012 171 Johnny Bench 1972 166 Carlton Fisk 1972 162 Roy Campanella 1951 159 Ivan Rodriguez 2000 156 Gary Carter 1982 146 Yogi Berra 1956 142 Cal Raleigh 2025 198

Career best OPS+ for HOF catchers Mike Piazza 1997 185 Buster Posey 2012 171 Johnny Bench 1972 166 Carlton Fisk 1972 162 Roy Campanella 1951 159 Ivan Rodriguez 2000 156 Gary Carter 1982 146 Yogi Berra 1956 142 Cal Raleigh 2025 198

There was a lot of movement in our top 10 in Week 13, with the Mets falling as their slump continues and the Astros notching their highest ranking of the season so far. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

John Henry & Co. traded away another franchise icon. There's only one thing they can do now: Win. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...

On the podcast, a crazy day at Dodger Stadium. Alden Gonzalez talks about the Devers trade and what it means for the Giants, Red Sox, Buster Posey; Ohtani takes the hill; a convo with Clayton Kershaw; Sarah Langs and the Numbers Game, w/help from three big-leaguers. open.spotify.com/episode/5OYK...

Aaron Judge is on pace to finish the season with: 241 hits 110 walks 157 runs 145 RBI 42 doubles 5 triples 61 homers He's batting .394, with an Adjusted OPS+ of 250. In 1941, the year Ted Williams batted .406, Williams had an Adjusted OPS+ of 235.

On the podcast open.spotify.com/episode/4nE7... Jesse Rogers and Tim Kurkjian discuss the teams improving over the season -- Jays, Reds, Rays -- and Tim seeks a name for his new puppy; the Yankees' culture vs. the Red Sox culture; a conversation with AL MVP candidate Cal Raleigh.

An AL MVP ballot might look something like this right now: 1. Aaron Judge 2. Cal Raleigh 3. Tarik Skubal 4. Jeremy Pena 5. Jacob Wilson

Podcast: A Clown Car Edition, with Eduardo Perez hijacking the convo, David Cone helping Ed Sfida navigate (sorta safely) the streets of L.A., Karl Ravech talks Dodgers, Yankees, Burnes injury, Ohtani's greeting for umpires. open.spotify.com/episode/2x6p... Sarah Langs's Lou Gehrig Essay, Numbers.

From Elias: Aaron Judge has reached base––with a hit, walk or HBP––126 times this season. That’s the highest total for any player since 1900 through the end of May. Next-highest: Albert Pujols––121 times for the 2008 Cardinals; and Jason Giambi––120 times for the 2001 Athletics.

On the podcast, open.spotify.com/episode/2dLG... former agent Jeff Berry talks about the newly designed helmet, the Equalizer, built to prevent hitters from being hit in the face; David Schoenfield talks Yankees-Dodgers; a Sarah Langs Ohtani essay; Todd Radom's Ballpark and Beyond.

Aaron Judge currently on pace to finish the season with: 244 hits 108 walks 43 doubles 6 triples 60 homers 153 runs 142 RBI He's batting .398.

From Elias: Aaron Judge’s two home runs last night give him 11 in 12 regular-season games vs. the Dodgers. That’s the most homers that anybody since 1900 has hit in his first 12 regular-season games vs. one team.

From Elias: Aaron Judge has reached base––with a hit, walk or HBP––126 times this season. That’s the highest total for any player since 1900 through the end of May. Next-highest: Albert Pujols––121 times for the 2008 Cardinals; and Jason Giambi––120 times for the 2001 Athletics.

On the podcast, open.spotify.com/episode/2dLG... former agent Jeff Berry talks about the newly designed helmet, the Equalizer, built to prevent hitters from being hit in the face; David Schoenfield talks Yankees-Dodgers; a Sarah Langs Ohtani essay; Todd Radom's Ballpark and Beyond.