Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney
781 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 2K ratingsESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney leads the baseball discussion alongside other top analysts.
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Episodes
Sleepers And Starting Pitching Tiers
March 31, 2022 16:10 - 48 minutesEric and Tristan project the roles of hot shot prospects, debate starting pitcher tiers and dive into Tristan's top sleepers for the 2022 season!
Slam Dunk Selection
March 30, 2022 15:46 - 45 minutesBuster and David Schoenfield discuss Oneil Cruz being sent to the minors, how the Cruz move underscores the lack of substantive changes in service time manipulation and tanking, if Bobby Witt Jr. is the favorite for AL rookie of the year, and offseason grades for the Braves, Yankees and the NL Central. Then, Hembo makes that case for an all-time great season from the Dodgers’ lineup, explains why he’s picking the White Sox to win the World Series and shares which players he thinks will be bre...
Does Tim Kurkjian Know?
March 28, 2022 16:11 - 41 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster Olney discuss the Oscars slap heard around the world, the communication breakdown between Freddie Freeman and the Braves, Albert Pujols signing with the Cardinals, why Bobby Witt Jr. should be on the Royals’ Opening Day roster, MLB continuing to check for sticky stuff, and Max Scherzer looking ready to go. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the Mets throwing two multi-time Cy Young winners, if Gerrit Cole can lead the AL in strikeouts, Shohei Ohtani...
Ketel Cashes, Grichuk Gains And An Outfield Preview
March 28, 2022 16:00 - 49 minutesEric and Tristan discuss a pair of players with their value trending up, their impressions on some spring developments and breakdown the outfield position as a whole.
Always About Urgency
March 24, 2022 16:16 - 51 minutesBuster starts the show examining the Orioles’ continuing tank-a-thon as oddsmakers peg Baltimore’s 2022 win total at 62.5 games. Then, Todd Radom stops by to discuss Vanderbilt’s new logo and his new weekly series Phantom Franchises, as well as administer the first quiz of the year. Then, Karl Ravech on New York City lifting its vaccine mandate for athletes, the looming issue of needing to be vaccinated to travel to Toronto, wins totals for the AL East and NL West, and the return of the ghost...
Spring Stars And Pressing Questions
March 24, 2022 16:02 - 51 minutesEric and Tristan give early impressions on Spring games, talk pitchers unearthed in the "Kings Of Command" exercise, preview the corner infield spots and pick apart a recent points league mock draft before answering your draft day questions!
Sign, Sealed, Delivered
March 22, 2022 18:26 - 40 minutesHembo joins Buster to give his three bold predictions for this season. Plus, Buster pays homage to Max Scherzer after his performance Monday. Then, Joon Lee joins Buster to discuss the suspected content in the letter that will be released by the courts from Rob Manfred to the Yankees. Later, Buster answers this week’s Bleacher Tweets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Splitting Up
March 21, 2022 18:17 - 44 minutesBuster Olney reports on the historic class of free agent shortstops all finally finding homes. Then, Tim Kurkjian stops by to discuss the Twins signing Carlos Correa, Trevor Story landing with the Red Sox, Freddie Freeman making less money with the Dodgers than he would’ve with the Braves, how much of a difference Bob Melvin will make on the Padres and potential bubble teams in MLB’s expanded playoffs. Later, Sarah Langs has notes on which team still needs starting pitching, the Braves’ bullp...
Telling A Story Of Increased Value?
March 21, 2022 16:28 - 1 hourEric and Tristan take a look at the impact of recent signings on the middle infield hierarchy, wonder what the 2022 Phillies will offer fantasy managers and take their pick on some high profile closers.
School Systems
March 17, 2022 16:21 - 37 minutesKarl Ravech and Buster discuss Freddie Freeman landing with the Dodgers, L.A. and Atlanta's contract numbers for Freeman not being far off, Kris Bryant signing with Colorado making no sense, Chris Sale’s broken ribs, and their surprised that the Red Sox haven't been more aggressive. Then, Buster examines the hyper-competitive AL East. Later, Hembo stops by to talk about why the Braves moving on from Freeman in favor of Matt Olson was a smart move, if Bryant will still be in Colorado in seven ...
"Not Even Close"
March 15, 2022 15:54 - 41 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Fernando Tatis Jr.’s wrist injury and how the Padres are going to have trouble scoring runs, the Mariners trading for Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez, Joe Maddon’ bungled attempt to move Mike Trout to right field, the Yankees improving defensively, the Braves trading for Matt Olson and closing the door on signing Freddie Freeman. Then, Buster gets reaction from Dansby Swanson, Ian Anderson, Ozzie Albies and Alex Anthopoulos on the Freeman news. Later, Marly Riv...
Blockbuster Deal
March 14, 2022 17:46 - 31 minutesSarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the competitive advantage of the vaccination status of players. Then, they break down the blockbuster deal of the Yankees acquiring Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. Next, Austin Riley met with Buster and fellow reporters at camp discussing their chances of repeating a championship and the absence of Freddie Freeman. Finally, Buster answers this week’s bleacher tweets. Learn more ab...
New Teams, New Roles And Closers Oh My!
March 14, 2022 17:38 - 57 minutesEric and Tristan discuss recent expert drafts, early feels for free agency and help you start your draft prep process now that a season is officially on the horizon!
EMERGENCY POD: The Lockout Is Over
March 10, 2022 23:39 - 26 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster convene for an emergency pod to discuss the end of the lockout, why they’re excited to see which moves the Yankees and Dodgers make, keeping an eye on the A’s, if the Brewers will deal Josh Hader for a bat, their thoughts on Carlos Correa and Trevor Story, if there will be backchannel conversations about other rule changes, if enough was done to combat tanking, and the mini-revolt among the players that forced the end of the lockout. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
The Best We Can Do
March 10, 2022 17:21 - 45 minutesRed Sox pitcher and friend of the pod Rich Hill joins Buster to discuss potential rule changes in baseball, the need to streamline instant replay, if the pitch clock gives an advantage to hitters, whether the shift should be banned or tweaked, why bigger bases make sense and devaluing starting pitching. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about where labor negotiations stand, the qualifying offer creating a bottleneck, the conversation around the international draft being a bad look, Steve Cohen’s T...
Feeling Sad
March 02, 2022 16:24 - 32 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster discuss MLB canceling games, the erosion of fan support this decision will cause, the shortsightedness of negotiations, handwringing over the luxury tax, the union’s path of non-engagement, if the owners are trying to break the union and Tim having never played a single video game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fantasy Baseball 2022: What's Changed?
March 01, 2022 17:08 - 55 minutesEric and Tristan discuss the impact of the universal DH, what the advanced pitching metrics from 2021 mean for 2022, how experts are drafting, where to draft Mike Trout and answer your offseason questions!
Lawn Chairs
March 01, 2022 16:23 - 51 minutesJesse Rogers and Buster discuss how close the players and the league are to a labor deal, what it’s been like covering these negotiations, the remaining issues to be resolved, the leverage players have with playoff format proposals, Derrick Jeter steps down as Marlins CEO and the Jesse Rogers rule of owning a team. Then, Buster talks to a group of Bleacher Tweeters to get their thoughts on the labor fight, and what they'd say to owners and players. Later, Scott Van Pelt on why the Orioles' po...
Baseball-Type Things
February 24, 2022 20:13 - 47 minutesKiley McDaniel joins Buster to discuss his top 100 prospect list, when the Orioles will debut Adley Rutschman, if there’s more pressure on teams to call players up, the rhetoric surrounding Anthony Volpe, O’Neil Cruz’s potential impact for the Pirates, Kiley’s draft board and if Freddie Freeman stays with the Braves. Then, Buster’s conversation with a group of major leaguers who are working out in Nashville as they wait for the labor situation to be resolved. Later, Todd Radom stops by to tal...
Human Sigh
February 16, 2022 16:31 - 51 minutesJeff Passan and Buster discuss the Eric Kay trial and opioid use among pitchers, why labor negotiations feel like falling in a dream down an infinite cavern, and the parallels to the 1981 strike. Then, Jessica Mendoza stops by to talk about running into Kyle Schwarber decked out Bengals’ gear at the Super Bowl, the absurdity of negotiations taking place over short meetings on Zoom, and her thoughts on Rachel Balkovec and the wave of women being hired to important roles in MLB. Later, Hembo on...
Protect Your Investments
February 08, 2022 19:55 - 52 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster discuss updates in the labor negotiations, what team first baseman Freddie Freeman will sign with, and how stopping steroid testing will affect the game. Next, Buster sits down with the executive director for Advocates for Minor Leaguers Harry Marino and player Rhett Wiseman to shed light on the living conditions of minor league players and what changes need to be made. Later, Buster answers this week's Bleacher Tweets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
Bubble Screen
February 01, 2022 17:29 - 51 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster discuss the state of the labor negotiations, if the owners should throw the players a bone after steamrolling them, the lack of consistent back-and-forth, the NFL’s blockbuster playoffs looming in the background of the talks, ESPN unveiling its top-100 MLB players of all-time, their logic when assembling their rankings, and the debates that have emerged from Nos. 100-51. Later, Doug Glanville stops by to talk about his piece on why he’s fine with Barry Bonds not making...
Like Bags of Sand
January 26, 2022 17:10 - 59 minutesHembo and Buster discuss the relevancy and money MLB is losing as labor talks drag on, David Ortiz’s election to the Hall of Fame, and if his election will help Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez get into the Hall. Then, Rich Hill stops by to talk about signing for his 18th season with the Boston Red Sox, the AL East, involving his son with team activities, his worry for the sport’s health if a labor agreement is not reached soon, his concerns with a potentially shortened spring training and th...
Sky is the Limit
January 19, 2022 17:21 - 44 minutesBuster Olney discusses the latest news in the MLB. Then, Sarah Langs joins Buster to share her top three Australian-born players in honor of Buster’s special guest this week, Genevieve Beacom. Then, Buster talks with the 17-year old Beacom, who is the first woman to pitch professionally in Australia. Plus, Jeff Passan joins Buster to discuss the updates in the labor negotiations. Finally, Buster answers your questions with this week’s bleacher tweets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
Breaking News
January 12, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutesJesse Rogers and Buster discuss the career of Jon Lester following his retirement announcement this morning. Plus, they break down if Lester has the possibility of entering the Hall of Fame. Then, Buster and Jesse discuss the labor situation and if there is any progress being made on the path to an agreement. Later, Buster is joined by Hembo to debate who is in their top ten player positional rankings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the Ballot
January 06, 2022 18:13 - 44 minutesSarah Langs and Buster discuss the chances of Barry Bonds, Rogers Clemens, Curt Schilling, David Ortiz and others being elected to the Hall of Fame this year. Then, Derrick Goold stops by to talk about the negativity surrounding the Hall of Fame voting process, the slow-drip of results, what they would change about the voting process and if writers should even participate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“The Most Important Puerto Rican Ever”
December 23, 2021 16:17 - 54 minutesBuster Olney remembers the life and tragic passing of Roberto Clemente on New Year’s Eve of 1972 with three distinct voices. First, Buster talks to former Pirates pitcher Steve Blass about meeting Clemente as an 18-year-old minor leaguer, when he heard the news of the plane crash, spring training of 1973 feeling like an extension of the memorial, what Clemente was like in the clubhouse and why no one could take their eyes off of him. Then David Maraniss, author of Clemente: The Passion and Gr...
1994 What Ifs…
December 16, 2021 16:06 - 1 hourDavid Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss abstaining from Twitter, Freddie Freeman and Carlos Correa in free agency limbo, the riskiness of the Mets not hiring Buck Showalter, and what comes to David’s mind when thinking about the 1994 Expos. Then, the GM for the 1994 Expos Kevin Malone stops by to talk about his work for the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, Montreal ownership forcing him to dismantle the ’94 Expos as a result of the labor strike, why he thinks that dismantling was t...
A Little Destiny Involved
December 07, 2021 17:14 - 55 minutesSarah Langs joins Buster to discuss her favorite Tim Kurkjian story as he’s up for the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s BBWAA Career Excellence Award, and her thoughts on the newest inductees to the Hall. Then, Tim Kurkjian stops by to talk about how he’s been feeling as he awaits word on the vote, his connection to Walter Johnson, the worst mistake he’s ever made and the continued stalemate between owners and players in labor negotiations. Later, Jim Kaat on being elected to the Hall of Fame...
Introducing "Haters" from Man in the Arena
December 04, 2021 08:01 - 30 minutesWhether you love him or hate him or are somehow completely indifferent, you’ve probably spent at least some of the last 20 years thinking about Tom Brady. Brady has altered friendships, families and communities. He’s changed the trajectory of careers and reputations, enabled fairy tale dreams to be both realized and dashed. 'Man In the Arena' is a new 10-part series from ESPN and Religion of Sports that looks at those two decades of Brady through the eyes of the fans and the haters, those in ...
Lockout
December 02, 2021 19:39 - 53 minutesJeff Passan joins Buster to discuss the official start of the lockout, the forever fight over money, the poor working relationship between the players and owners, the importance of message discipline, each side's soft underbelly and how much spending will occur when the labor situation is resolved. Then, Hembo stops by to discuss his research on the middle class dilemma, his favorite free agent signing and his least favorite signing. Later, Buster and Tim Kurkjian suspend reality and hit on a...
Is Max Scherzer Worth The Fantasy Price Tag?
December 01, 2021 18:44 - 1 hourEric and Tristan talk Max Scherzer's future in New York (2:25), the Rangers middle infield (7:30) and the other impact signings across the league (12:25).
Side Dish
November 23, 2021 17:19 - 53 minutesJesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss the intrigue around this year’s Hall of Fame ballot, how they think voters will treat David Ortíz, if Curt Schilling will make it in, the expectation that there will be a lock out, how a lockout would crush the middle class of players, Carlos Correa contract predictions from executives, the biggest names that are likely to be traded this offseason and keeping an eye on the Rangers. Later, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the Comeback Player...
Jagged
November 19, 2021 17:58 - 48 minutesKarl Ravech joins Buster to discuss Cleveland’s official transition to the Guardians name, Bryce Harper winning a second MVP and growing into the face of the franchise, Freddie Freeman’s contract talks with the Braves, José Berríos signing for 7-years with the Blue Jays, the Angels grabbing Noah Syndergaard for one year, Justin Verlander returning to the Astros, Eduardo Rodríguez heading to Detroit, their advice for new Mets GM Billy Eppler, and Rob Manfred’s lockout comments. Learn more abou...
Question Marks And Breakouts For 2022
November 09, 2021 18:39 - 1 hourEric and Tristan share what they learned from the postseason for fantasy baseball 2022 (1:00), the retirement of Buster Posey (8:00), how to approach the banged up stars (10:30) and the overall ranking process heading into an uncertain 2022 (19:10).
Family Program
November 09, 2021 15:46 - 50 minutesKarl Ravech and Buster discuss their feelings about the labor situation, Justin Verlander throwing 96 mph at his workout, the Dodgers not extending a qualifying offer to Clayton Kershaw and signing Andrew Heaney, if Craig Kimbrel will be on the White Sox next season, and what surprised them about the awards list. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about how he’s handling his offseason sadness, if the Braves are serious contenders in 2022, Kershaw possibility being underrated this free agency, the C...
Hundreds of Dogs and Cats
November 04, 2021 16:36 - 1 hourJeff Passan joins Buster to discuss their personal recovery time following the postseason, Buster Posey’s retirement and if he’s a Hall of Famer, the dearth of catchers in the Hall, Jeff’s rainbow of a bruise he received after catching for his son, the time someone confused Buster with Posey, and the progress — or lack thereof — of labor talks between the union and the league. Later, Todd Radom closes the podcast with his connection to late-commissioner Bart Giamatti and the final quiz of the...
Fortune Favors the Bold
November 03, 2021 13:54 - 56 minutesDavid Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss the Atlanta Braves winning the World Series, Jorge Soler earning the World Series MVP, Freddie Freeman affecting how other teams used their bullpens, Alex Anthopoulos making all-time great trade deadline moves, Max Fried being due for a good outing and baseball lifer Brian Snitker finally winning the big one. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about the Braves out-homering the Astros by a wide margin, the Atlanta’s bullpen, the innings discrepancy between r...
Canadian Loonie
November 02, 2021 04:00 - 50 minutesDan Shulman joins Buster to discuss the last time a team rallied from 3-1 down in the World Series, why the Braves still have the upper hand, Luis Garcia as a wild card and what to watch while Max Fried is pitching. Then, Tony Gwynn Jr. stops by to share Barry Bonds stories and explain why he thinks Bonds should go into the Hall of Fame. Later, Sarah Langs on her favorite Bonds stat, Freddie Freeman, the Astros’ two-out offense and the last time a rookie started in the World Series on three g...
Caffeine Monday
November 01, 2021 17:29 - 50 minutesTim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss Tim’s now-nixed travel plans he made after Adam Duvall’s grand slam in the first inning of Game 5, the resiliency of the Astros, Brian Snitker waiting too long to call the bullpen, fears of Atlanta’s bullpen being worn out, how the Braves won Game 4 and Atlanta needing a big outing from Max Fried in Game 6. Plus, the guys remember Red Sox player and broadcaster Jerry Remy. Then, Sarah Langs stops by to talk about Dusty Baker’s lineup changes, Alex Bregman ...
Contrived Controversy
October 29, 2021 15:40 - 47 minutesKarl Ravech joins Buster to discuss the Padres hiring Bob Melvin, if the A’s organization is happy to shed Melvin’s contract, the Mets watching traffic zoom by, the potential for a rainout throwing the World Series into complete disarray and the inevitability of Atlanta changing its name. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on the Astros’ offense thriving, the ballparks where the Braves have played home World Series games and Atlanta’s home losing streak in the Fall Classic. L...
Holding Myself Accountable
October 28, 2021 16:33 - 48 minutesChris Singleton and Buster discuss the Astros’ Game 2 victory, the uncertainty when looking at the rest of the series, the buzz in Atlanta surrounding the Braves, Dusty Baker plugging in Jose Siri, José Urquidy pounding the strike zone, a two-part performance for Max Fried, why Brian Snitker didn’t pull Fried after a rough start, if Kyle Wright can be a difference maker and José Altuve. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with notes on rookie pitchers matching up, the importance of winni...
Tornado Warning
October 27, 2021 18:20 - 53 minutesDavid Schoenfield joins Buster to discuss Charlie Morton going down with a broken leg, the pressure now on the Braves, the Atlanta bullpen hitting its stride and a head-scratcher from Framber Valdez. Then, Jessica Mendoza stops by after a tornado warning in Houston to talk about wanting to record the podcast after last night’s game, Morton pitching on a broken leg, what’s happening with Alex Bregman, the World Series as an event and tales from the pregame dugout. Later, Sarah Langs plays The ...
Benefit of Divine Intervention
October 26, 2021 17:49 - 40 minutesSarah Langs joins Buster to talk about Dusty Baker getting a shot at a World Series, play a pre-World Series edition of The Numbers Game and make her series prediction. Then, Hembo stops by with context for the Braves’ and Astros’ World Series runs, and thoughts on who has the most to gain by winning the whole thing and which team has the Game 1 pitching advantage. Later, Xavier Scruggs on the general fan interest in the matchup, his favorite storylines going into the World Series, the Snitke...
Pure Joy
October 25, 2021 15:15 - 57 minutesTim Kurkjian and Buster discuss the Astros defeating the Red Sox in the ALCS, Houston’s pitching holding the line, Yordan Álvarez offensive explosion, the Braves defeating the Dodgers in the NLCS, Atlanta maintaining the best record in baseball since the trade deadline, the similarities between the Astros and Braves, what’s next for the Red Sox and Dodgers, the Cardinals hiring Ollie Marmol, and the Padres hiring a pitching coach before a manager. Then, longtime MLB catcher Alex Avila stops b...
We Didn’t Get to the Pump
October 22, 2021 13:49 - 49 minutesKarl Ravech and Buster discuss Chris Taylor’s three home run night, the Dodgers’ ability to get the most out of players, Nathan Eovaldi starting for the Red Sox, and a few Bleacher Tweets on the electronic strike zone, tying the DH to starting pitching and Alex Cora vs. Dusty Baker’s managerial styles. Later, Hembo stops by to talk about Mad Max: Road Warrior, Taylor’s free agent value, his key for Game 6 of the ALCS, and his traditionalist thoughts on changes likely coming to MLB. Learn more...
Ichabod Crane
October 21, 2021 16:28 - 49 minutesSarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the Braves taking a 3-1 lead over the Dodgers, how Atlanta and Los Angeles feel like different teams compared to last year’s NLCS, Framber Valdez’s ridiculous sinker, and Alex Cora’s mistake with Chris Sale. Plus, Sarah and Buster talk about the big changes coming soon to MLB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wet Pile of Leaves
October 20, 2021 17:24 - 51 minutesDavid Schoenfield and Buster discuss Cody Bellinger coming up big in the postseason, whether Bellinger is in position to make these big hits if Max Muncy doesn’t get hurt, if the Braves will fold, the Astros’ bullpen salvaging the game, Boston failing to knockout Houston, José Altuve and Carlos Correa showing their toughness, Laz Diaz and the would-be strike three call, and the top-five free agent shortstops according to 11 baseball evaluators. Later, Todd Radom has the final Forgotten Franch...
Like a Christmas Present
October 19, 2021 16:38 - 50 minutesSarah Langs joins Buster to discuss the Yankees signing Aaron Boone to a three-year contract, what could turn the NLCS series for the Dodgers, Walker Buehler, the emergence of Austin Riley and Alex Cora’s coaching moment with Eduardo Rodriguez. Then, the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier stops by to talk the Red Sox being locked in offensively, the hitting culture in Boston, Kyle Schwarber’s relationship with Bobby Dalbec, if the Astros have a path back into the series and the Mets’ GM search. Learn...
Interchangeable
October 18, 2021 17:30 - 54 minutesTim Kurkjian joins Buster to discuss the Braves’ back-to-back walk off wins to take a 2-0 lead in the NLCS, the feeling of something special happening in Atlanta, the Dodgers missing Max Muncy, Dave Roberts bringing in Julio Urias in Game 2, Austin Riley continuing to look like the best player in the NL, MLB increasing housing support for minor-leaguers and the Yankees’ managerial situation. Later, Dan Shulman stops by to talk about the ALCS, pitching injuries for the Astros, how Houston shou...