Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

Tigers Nightmare Season: Might Have to Trade Tarik Skubal? + Christopher Sanchez is UNSTOPPABLE | Flippin’ Bats The Detroit Tigers are in a full collapse, sitting at 21-33 after losing 8 games in a row. In this episode we discuss the nightmare scenario they’ve been dreading: whether the Tigers will be forced to trade Tarik Skubal if they can’t turn things around soon. Plus: - The Milwaukee Brewers are a Factory! How they turned Kyle Harrison into an absolute ace (1.77 ERA) with a simple mechanical tweak. - Christopher Sanchez is the most underrated player in sports on a 37.2 scoreless inning streak, currently the favorite to win the NL Cy Young, and putting up historic numbers. - Full Power Rankings + Team of the Week included. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:33 Tigers playing BAD baseball 6:10 Brewers are a FACTORY 9:50 Cristopher Sanchez is ELITE 12:55 New MLB Power Rankings 21:45 Team of the Week 26:28 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Week in Shohei Ohtani News: Leadoff HR + ERA Drops to 0.73… He’s BACK! Shohei Ohtani delivered the full superstar experience in the 1st inning! Hitting a leadoff home run (the 2nd time a pitcher has ever done it in MLB history, joining himself) and dominating on the mound. On the mound: 5 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, lowers his season ERA to a ridiculous 0.73 — the lowest through 8 starts in the live-ball era (since 1920) outside of a few all-time great seasons. At the plate: He’s absolutely on fire lately! 13 hits in his last 24 at-bats, and he DOMINATED his former team the LA Angels. A “down year” for Ohtani is still a career year for most players. Plus: - The crazy story of the Angels almost trading Ohtani to the Rays for Junior Caminero right before the 2023 deadline - Ohtani’s honest post-game comments - Historic two-way dominance Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:43 1st Inning Ohtani Experience 1:30 Pitching Performance vs Padres 6:32 Shohei’s Offense is BACK 13:40 Ohtani almost traded WHERE?! 18:18 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode we dive into the 3 biggest stories in baseball right now: Tarps Off in STL — The best fan energy in all of sports right now. How a group of college kids from Stephen F. Austin started a shirtless movement that has taken over Busch Stadium and even got manager Oliver Marmol buying out sections for fans. The Phillies Are Back — After a slow start, Philadelphia is rolling under Donnie Baseball. Christopher Sanchez is the Cy Young favorite, Zack Wheeler is dealing, and Kyle Schwarber already has 20 homers. What’s Wrong with the Mariners? — My preseason AL West and AL Champion favorite is struggling badly. We break down their terrible offense, the Cal Raleigh regression, and why their pitching hasn’t been enough to save them. Plus full MLB Power Rankings and Team of the Week. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:29 Rivalry Weekend Recap 2:45 Shirtless in St. Louis?! 6:12 Phillies are ROLLING 10:31 Mariners Surprising Struggles 15:34 MLB Power Rankings 26:48 Team of the Week 32:15 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz opens up about the passing of his legendary manager Bobby Cox — one of the greatest managers in MLB history and a true father figure to so many players. In this heartfelt conversation, Smoltz shares incredible stories, memories, and lessons from his years playing under Cox with the Atlanta Braves. From Cox’s intense competitiveness and leadership style to funny moments, life lessons, and what made him so special behind the scenes. We discuss: What Bobby Cox was really like as a manager and person His impact on Smoltz’s career and the Braves dynasty Hall of Fame legacy and why he meant so much to generations of players Rest in Peace, Bobby Cox. One of the all-time greats. What’s your favorite Bobby Cox memory or story? Drop it in the comments below. #BobbyCox #JohnSmoltz #AtlantaBraves #MLB #flippinbats Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:00 John Smoltz on Bobby Cox 13:26 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chicago Cubs are off to one of the best starts in franchise history — multiple 10-game win streaks, leading MLB in OBP, wRC+, and WAR, and the best defense in baseball. Are they real World Series contenders who can beat the Dodgers and Braves? Plus, we break down why Junior Caminero is already a superstar at just 22 years old — 45 HR last season, 10 HR already in 2026, and looking like a future MVP. And the Houston Astros continue to be the most unlucky team in baseball — 16 players on the IL this year after setting the record for most injured team in MLB history in 2025. What’s going on with this injury curse? Full MLB Power Rankings + Team of the Week breakdown included. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:39 Are the Cubs World Series contenders? 5:20 Junior Caminero is a superstar 8:46 Bad luck Houston Astros 13:04 MLB Power Rankings 22:44 Team of the Week 27:43 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz on Tarik Skubal’s Elbow Procedure, Framber Valdez Meltdown & Sign Stealing Rumors John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for a candid conversation on the biggest stories in MLB right now. We discuss Tarik Skubal’s elbow procedure and what it means for the Tigers’ ace. Then we break down Framber Valdez’s ugly ejection after giving up 7 earned runs, throwing at Trevor Story after back-to-back homers, and the ongoing mental side of his game. The Tigers desperately need Framber to step up as the leader of their staff, can he handle it? Plus: Sign stealing rumors and how prevalent it was during Smoltz’s playing days Remembering broadcasting legend John Sterling — Smoltz shares fun stories Remembering Ted Turner — classic stories from Smoltz’s time with the Braves Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - John Smoltz Joins 1:25 - Smoltz on Skubal Elbow Surgery 5:11 - Can Framber Valdez lead a staff? 7:14 - Smoltz discusses sign stealing 11:30 - Smoltz remembers John Sterling 12:37 - Smoltz remembers Ted Turner 14:44 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani delivered his longest pitching performance of 2026 — going 7 innings for the first time this season and as a Dodger (since his second elbow surgery). He struck out 8, walked zero, and threw 89 pitches with 15 whiffs in a dominant outing. Yet the Dodgers continue to give him ZERO RUN SUPPORT! They’re just 2-7 in his last 9 starts and have scored nothing in his last 19 offensive innings on the mound. Ohtani now has a ridiculous 0.70 ERA (just 4 earned runs in 51.2 innings). On the offensive side, Shohei busted out of a major slump: 0-for-18, his second-longest hitless drought of his career, and 0-12 in one series. Am I worried? Will he be fine? Should he focus on one or another? Ben will answer it all this episode! Plus: Ohtani’s honest (and mature) comments on his slump, NL Pitcher of the Month honors, and more. #FlippinBats #MLB #shoheiohtani #dodgers #shohei #ohtani SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander content which includes a WEEKLY "This Week in Shohei Ohtani News": https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1 CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 1:06 - Shohei Ohtani pitching performance 9:13 - Shohei Offensive Struggles 11:04 - Ben Verlander Guarantee 12:00 - Shohei Offensive Struggles 15:55 - Dramatic HBP 16:53 - NL Pitcher of the Month 17:47 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Rice Is the Best Hitter in Baseball?! Murakami Leads MLB in HRs + Cardinals Surprise Ben Rice has taken over the Yankees, the former platoon hitter is now dominating with a 219 wRC+, leading MLB in OPS, SLG, and OBP while hitting .327 with 10+ homers. Is he the best hitter in baseball right now? Munetaka Murakami is a STUD. The White Sox believed in him when no one else would, now he leads all of MLB with 13 home runs in his first 32 career games (3rd-most ever) and has a 159 OPS+. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the biggest surprises in baseball at 20-14 in a rebuild year! Jordan Walker has completely figured it out. How? Plus: Latest Power Rankings (Yankees climb. Dodgers drop.) Team of the Month highlights (Ohtani, Mason Miller, Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez & more) Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Munetaka Murakami 4:53 - Cardinals hot start 9:20 - Ben Rice is a star 12:13 - Power Rankings 25:58 - Team of the Month 33:34 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz on Red Sox Chaos, Phillies Firing Rob Thompson & Power Rankings Debate John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for his weekly breakdown of the biggest storylines in MLB. We dive into the Boston Red Sox drama: What’s really going on with the organization after their coaching shakeup? Then we ask the tough question on the Philadelphia Phillies: Was firing Rob Thompson the right move, or is it still too early to panic on this talented (but struggling) roster? Plus: Power Rankings debate — Braves, Dodgers or Yankees at #1 right now? Smoltz shares his funniest mound visit story of all time Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:19 - Red Sox Fiasco 7:38 - Phillies Bad Start 11:29 - Smoltz #1 Team in Power Rankings 13:40 - Funniest Mound Visit Story 16:21 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red Sox Fire Alex Cora & Most Of Their Coaching Staff… Phillies Are Historically Awful + A brand new MLB Power Rankings with a BIG change at the top! The Boston Red Sox just fired nearly their entire coaching staff... but kept the people actually responsible. We break down the messy, petty drama: Alex Cora’s IG post,, the “Coaches for Hire” bus, and the awkward press conference where Breslow and Kennedy pointed fingers. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are in total freefall! The worst record in baseball, worst run differential, worst defense (-17 DRS), and one of the worst offenses despite a $250M+ payroll. Are they living and dying by the home run too much? Plus: - Latest Power Rankings - Team of the Week highlights - Mexico City Series thoughts Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Red Sox Fiasco 16:35 - Phillies Awful Start 22:54 - New MLB Power Rankings 32:18 - Team of the Week 36:11 - Mexico City Recap 38:22 - Outro What’s your take — did the Red Sox fire the right people? Are the Phillies in real trouble? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani keeps making history his on-base streak is now at 51 straight games (dating back to August 24th of last season). He’s closing in on Barry Bonds, the Dodgers’ all-time record, and legends like Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. We also react to one of the most wholesome moments you’ll see all week involving Jake Mangum. On the darker side: The New York Mets are in the middle of their longest losing streak in 22 years (11 games straight). Sitting at 7-15, they have the worst record in baseball tied with the Royals and are further out of first place than any other team. Is it time to stop giving them the benefit of the doubt? Plus, the AL West is a complete mess! Only a .500 team is leading the division, the Astros are struggling despite Yordan Alvarez raking, the Mariners look nothing like a contender, and the A’s and Angels are somehow the bright spots. We break down the latest Power Rankings and our Team of the Week, including standout performances from Mike Trout, Yordan Alvarez, Mason Miller, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:46 - Shohei Ohtani’s 51-Game On-Base Streak 4:03 - Mets’ Historic Losing Streak 9:29 - The Awful AL West 12:40 - New MLB Power Rankings 23:27 - Team of the Week 31:03 - Wholesome Moment of the Week 32:20 - Outro What’s your biggest takeaway this week? Ohtani’s streak, the Mets collapse, or the AL West disaster? Let us know in the comments! SUBSCRIBE for weekly MLB breakdowns with Ben Verlander & John Smoltz: https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1 #ShoheiOhtani #Mets #ALWest #MLB #PowerRankings #FlippinBats Like Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flippinbatspod/ Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flippinbatspod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@flippinbatspod Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinBatsPod Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flippinbatspod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for a full breakdown of the biggest storylines in MLB right now. We dive deep into Shohei Ohtani’s Cy Young chances, how realistic is it for him to win one as a two-way superstar, and what would he need to do to take home the award? Can Mason Miller actually win the Cy Young as a closer? Smoltz shares his Hall of Fame pitcher perspective on what it would take for a reliever to win the award for the first time since Eric Gagné in 2003. Plus: - Are the Braves legitimately back after their brutal 2025 season? - The Mets’ early struggles, should we be worried? Smoltz gives his unfiltered takes on all of it, including his thoughts on pitching dominance, team identity, and what stands out early in the 2026 season. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - John Smoltz joins the show 2:00 - Can Shohei win Cy Young? 8:28 - Can Mason Miller win Cy Young? 12:33 - Worried about the Mets? 15:59 - Are the Braves back? 18:11 - When will the Braves build a statue? 20:28 - Brewers baseball on display 23:47 - Outro What do you think — can Ohtani win Cy Young this year? Could a closer like Mason Miller actually take home the award? Drop your thoughts in the comments! SUBSCRIBE for weekly MLB conversations with John Smoltz and so much more: https://www.youtube.com/@FlippinBatsPod #JohnSmoltz #ShoheiOhtani #MasonMiller #Braves #Mets #MLB #CyYoung #FlippinBats #baseball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani makes history by passing Ichiro Suzuki for the longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born player in MLB history, reaching 46 games — and the viral broken Ichiro statue moment adds to the drama. After a disappointing 76-86 season in 2025 that saw them miss the playoffs and the entire projected Opening Day rotation hit the IL, the Atlanta Braves are off to a hot 10-6 start in 2026. They lead the league in home runs and rank 3rd in batting average despite ongoing pitching injuries. Are the Braves legitimately back? We also dive into whether Mason Miller is on track for Cy Young contention — the first closer to win the award since Eric Gagne in 2003. Miller is dominating with a 0.00 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 7.1 innings, and perfect save opportunities so far. Plus, MLB power rankings shakeup (Dodgers holding strong, Braves rising, Padres jumping, Yankees sliding), our Team of the Week, and more early-season storylines. What do you think — are the Braves back, and could a closer actually win Cy Young in 2026? Let us know! Follow Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander for weekly MLB breakdowns. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1 Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flippinbatspod/ Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flippinbatspod Follow on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@flippinbatspod Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinBatsPod Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flippinbatspod/ #MLB #Ohtani #Braves #MasonMiller #FlippinBats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander to break down the hottest topics from the first week-plus of the 2026 MLB season. We discuss the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System: Is it perfect? Is three challenges per team the right balance, or should MLB move to full ABS? Smoltz shares his unfiltered take as a former pitcher. Then we relive the wild Braves-Angels brawl from Tuesday night, including Jorge Soler charging the mound and Braves manager Walt Weiss, Smoltz's former teammate, delivering a memorable tackle takedown. Plus, the ongoing feud between Willson Contreras and the Brewers — especially Brandon Woodruff. Smoltz opens up about whether he ever had heated rivalries with specific teams or batters during his career. We also cover the most surprising teams so far in 2026 — who’s exceeding expectations and who’s struggling early in the season. What are your thoughts on the new ABS rules? Let us know in the comments or reviews! Subscribe for weekly MLB conversations with John Smoltz and more all season long. #MLB #JohnSmoltz #ABS #Braves #MLB2026 Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:22 John Smoltz on ABS 6:16 Smoltz on Braves/Angels Brawl 10:33 Contreras vs Brewers Fued 13:30 John Smoltz Surprising Teams 17:32 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Yankees are off to a historic start, led by a dominant rotation putting up one of the lowest ERAs to begin a season in over a century. We break down what’s fueling their early success, including standout performances from Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and a healthy Giancarlo Stanton. Plus, are the Pittsburgh Pirates actually for real? With elite pitching, emerging prospects, and a strong start to the season, Pittsburgh is forcing its way into the conversation. We also dive into this week’s MLB Power Rankings, biggest risers and fallers, and highlight the top performers in our Team of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new ABS Challenge System is an absolute GAME-CHANGER for baseball. It fixed brutal missed calls, upheld the tight ones, got crowds roaring, and adds a fresh layer of strategy and excitement for fans. Best part? Challenges are lightning fast — often just 10 seconds. Key ABS Stats from the Weekend: 10 oldest umpires: 69% of calls overturned 10 youngest umpires: 39% overturned Across 47 games: 94 calls overturned (54% success rate) 175 total challenges — pitchers only initiated 5 (just 2 overturned) This tech is here to stay, and I'm all in. Then there's the insane rookie explosion — one of the best Opening Weekends for young talent in MLB history. A record number of top-100 prospects made Opening Day rosters, and several delivered immediately: Chase DeLauter (Guardians): 4 home runs in his first 3 career MLB games (.353 AVG, 1.412 OPS). He's already drawing "next Barry Bonds" buzz after a go-ahead bomb off an All-Star closer. Only the second player in MLB history to achieve this feat. Munetaka Murakami: 3 HRs in his first 3 games Kevin McGonigle: 5-12, 2 doubles, 4 RBI JJ Wetherholt: Homer + walk-off 2-run single Sal Stewart, Owen Caissie, Carson Benge & more lighting it up The youth movement is real — baseball's future looks bright. Plus, a personal highlight: My brother Justin Verlander begins Year 21 today, back in a Detroit Tigers uniform for the first time in 9 years. Emotional stuff — Father Time still hasn't caught him. I break down my full Power Rankings after the first weekend: Dodgers Blue Jays Yankees Mariners Mets Tigers Phillies Brewers Orioles Braves And my Team of the Week, including standouts like Shea Langeliers (3 HRs), Mike Trout (vintage mode with diving plays), Brandon Lowe, Brendan Donovan, and Chase DeLauter. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:43 ABS System is a hit 10:38 Chase DeLauter is INSANE 13:04 Rookies showing out 17:30 Justin starts year 21 21:57 Power Rankings 33:20 Team of the Week #MLB2026 #OpeningWeekend #ChaseDeLauter #ABSChallenge #JustinVerlander #MLBPowerRankings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening Day is in the books and it delivered chaos, surprises, and some BIG early storylines across Major League Baseball. Paul Skenes had a tough first outing and didn’t make it out of the 1st inning... but there’s more to the story than the box score. On the other side, Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers looked dominant, raising the question: are they already the team to beat in the American League? We also break down one of the most impressive Opening Days for rookies in recent memory. Kevin McGonigle’s historic debut, JJ Wetherholt going deep early, Chase DeLauter’s two-homer performance, and Carson Benge making an instant impact all headline a wave of young talent making noise right away. Plus, Shohei Ohtani sets the tone for the Dodgers’ season with a powerful message to his teammates, the Mets’ revamped offense shows real promise, and several standout moments around the league. From overreactions to real takeaways, this episode covers everything you need to know from an unforgettable Opening Day. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes throughout the season. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:35 New Look Mets 1:53 Paul Skenes tough luck 5:03 Detroit Tigers look LEGIT 09:55 Dodgers are as advertised 13:02 Murakami homers in MLB debut 14:37 Rookies shined on opening day 19:13 ABS System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 MLB season is here! And it’s time for Ben's full World Series prediction and award picks. In this episode, Ben breaks down his picks for Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP in both the American League and National League, along with his full playoff bracket and World Series champion. There are a few award races that feel wide open… and at least one prediction that might surprise you. Plus we're giving away a copy of MLB The Show 26. Listen for how to enter! 🏆 2026 MLB Predictions: AL & NL Rookie of the Year AL & NL Cy Young AL & NL MVP Full playoff bracket World Series prediction From stars like Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr., to rising young talent looking to break out, this season has no shortage of storylines. Who do you have winning the World Series this year? Follow/subscribe for more MLB coverage, predictions, and weekly episodes all season long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National League might run through the Dodgers again… but it’s not that simple. In this episode, Ben breaks down my full 2026 National League preview! Including division-by-division predictions, playoff teams, and who he thinks is representing the NL in the World Series. Can Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers dominate again, or is there a team ready to take them down? Plus, I’m giving away a copy of MLB The Show 26. Listen to find out how to enter. 2026 National League Preview: NL East breakdown NL Central predictions NL West predictions Wild Card teams NL Champion Who do you have winning the National League this season? Follow/subscribe for more MLB coverage, predictions, and weekly episodes all year long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American League might be the most unpredictable it’s been in years. In this episode, I break down my full 2026 American League preview! including division winners, playoff teams, and who I think is representing the AL in the World Series. Some teams I’m higher on than most… and at least one contender I’m not buying. Plus I’m giving away a copy of MLB The Show 26 Digital Deluxe Edition. Listen to find out how to enter! 2026 American League Preview: AL East breakdown AL Central predictions AL West predictions Wild Card teams AL Champion Who do you have winning the American League this year? Follow/subscribe for more MLB coverage, predictions, and weekly episodes all season long. 0:00 Intro 03:02 Toronto Blue Jays 05:05 New York Yankees 07:34 Boston Red Sox 11:12 Baltimore Orioles 15:11 Tampa Rays 15:57 AL East Prediction 17:07 Cleveland Guardians 19:30 Detroit Tigers 22:16 Kansas City Royals 23:58 Minnesota Twins 24:52 Chicago White Sox 26:43 AL Central Prediction 27:53 Seattle Mariners 29:33 Houston Astros 30:55 Texas Rangers 32:23 Athletics 34:36 Los Angeles Angels 36:14 AL West Prediction 36:52 Wild Cards 39:20 AL Champion Prediction 40:47 MLB The Show Giveaway 42:55 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices