Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

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

Venezuela upset USA in the World Baseball Classic Final. Ben Verlander breaks down the WBC final and what this win means for Venezeula and how big of a disappointment this is for Team USA. Ben interviewed Miguel Cabrera, Gleyber Torres, and Eugenio Suarez after the win. CHAPTERS:0:00 INTRO0:45 VENEZUELA DEF. USA2:48 VENEZEULA WINS 1ST WBC CHAMPIONSHIP3:45 MIGUEL CABRERA4:15 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR VENEZEULA6:30 GLEYBER TORRES7:30 VENZEULA WINS, 3-28:54 EUGENIO SUAREZ9:50 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC RECAP12:45 USA DISAPPOINTMENT15:00 OUTRO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander breakdown the instant classic between the USA & Dominican Republic LIVE from the field in Miami. Ben also talks about the atmosphere and why attending a World Baseball Classic should be in every baseball fan's future. He talks about Japan failing to make it the Semis for the first time ever & also takes a brief look ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World Baseball Classic pool play is officially in the books — and the drama delivered. Team USA barely survived after a shocking loss to Italy, while Samurai Japan continued their dominant run and the Dominican Republic proved why they’re one of the tournament favorites. In this episode, I break down what went wrong for Team USA, why Italy deserves way more credit than they’re getting, and which teams have been the most impressive so far in the WBC. We also take a look at some of the great stories from pool play — including Canada advancing to the knockout stage for the first time ever and the incredible atmosphere created by fans around the world. Plus, I re-rank the top teams left in the tournament and preview the upcoming quarterfinal matchups. Quarterfinal matchups: Korea vs Dominican Republic USA vs Canada Puerto Rico vs Italy Venezuela vs Japan The knockout stage is set — and the road to the World Baseball Classic championship is about to get even better. 0:00 Intro 1:29 Team USA disappointment 10:56 Team Italy dominates 13:50 Canada Advances 18:48 Latin America making WBC fun 25:55 Re-Ranking WBC team 31:00 QF matchups Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World Baseball Classic is off the charts this year, and it’s not even halfway done! In this episode, we break down all the must-watch moments and biggest storylines so far: Team Japan punches their ticket to Miami, dominating Pool C with a relentless lineup and unforgettable performances. Team Korea pulls off an insane 3-way tiebreaker over Australia—7-2 in the 9th inning, ending in a celebration you have to hear to believe. Team Dominican Republic is redefining fun in baseball, playing with energy, flair, and pure excitement. Forget the “old way”—this is baseball made for the fans! Team USA sits 2-0 entering a massive clash against Team Mexico, fighting to break a 20-year losing streak in the WBC rivalry. Gunnar Henderson, Paul Skenes, and the squad bring intensity, emotion, and unforgettable highlights. We also recap the other top teams, key players, and pool play drama, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, and more. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just tuning in for thrilling baseball, this episode has everything: historic rivalries, clutch plays, and a behind-the-scenes look at the excitement you can’t see on TV. Tune in, subscribe, and get ready for all the WBC highlights, analysis, and stories that make this tournament one of the greatest spectacles in sports. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 01:49 WBC Updates 14:00 USA vs Mexico 20:15 Team Japan 31:30 Upcoming WBC 34:00 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🔥 The 2026 World Baseball Classic is here — and this might be the most loaded tournament we’ve ever seen. 20 teams. 4 pools. 2 weeks. 1 champion. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know: 🇺🇸 Team USA – No More ExcusesThis is tournament number six. The U.S. has won once. With Aaron Judge wearing the captain’s “C,” a loaded lineup, and real pitching depth, it’s time to stop talking and start winning. We dive into their dominant 15–1 exhibition performance and why the pressure has never been higher. 🇯🇵 Japan – The JuggernautThree-time champions. Seven MLB players, including Shohei Ohtani, plus elite stars from NPB. Don’t sleep on the names you don’t recognize — Japan might still be the best team in the world. 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic – A SuperteamVladdy. Soto. Tatis. Machado. Julio. And that’s just the lineup. Managed by Albert Pujols, this team brings unmatched energy and star power. Is this the most talented roster ever assembled in WBC history? We also cover: ⚾ Full pool predictions & knockout bracket⚾ Why WBC insurance rules are becoming a major issue⚾ The impact of Jurickson Profar’s suspension⚾ USA vs Japan finals prediction First pitch from the Tokyo Dome is here — and the global baseball stage is set. Who wins it all: USA, Japan, or the Dominican Republic? Let’s break it down. 🎙️🔥 00:00 Welcome 00:45 WBC Preview 03:20 Team USA Preview 07:12 Team Japan Preview 10:35 Team Dominican Republic Preview 14:00 WBC Insurance Issues 23:38 Jurickson Profar Suspension 28:05 WBC Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander welcomes Los Angeles Dodgers' Kyle Tucker to the show. They discuss what made him choose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, first impressions of Shohei Ohtani & so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander welcomes Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to the show! They discuss Skubal's decision to play in the World Baseball Classic and how much USA Hockey fired him up to play in the WBC. He also discusses his offseason dealing with arbitration and the Tigers signing Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez & so much more! CHAPTERS:00:00 INTRO01:50 TARIK SKUBAL JOINS03:00 SPRING TRAINING04:30 HOW'S JUSTIN VERLANDER AS A TEAMMATE?09:00 THE OFFSEASON10:50 ARBITRATION PROCESS15:35 DID YOU KNOW ABOUT FRAMBER?16:50 TIGERS ROTATION18:00 THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC20:00 USA HOCKEY FIRING UP MLB24:00 USA'S BASEBALL DREAM TEAM25:40 2026 TIGERS BASEBALL29:00 TIGERS' YOUNGSTERS30:00 ADVICE TO YOUNG BASEBALL PLAYERS33:00 OUTRO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLB Spring Training news and reactions. We discuss the Yankees Spring Training sewage situation, Bo Bichette at third base, Shohei Ohtani WBC update, Tarik Skubal pitching one game for Team USA, Arte Moreno comments, and recent MLB signings including Rhys Hoskins, Jack Suwinski, and Michael Conforto. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Skubal WBC Update 06:20 Yankees Sewage Nightmare 09:35 Bo Bichette Defense 14:25 Arte Moreno Comment 19:20 Shohei Ohtani Updates 24:28 Miguel Rojas Interview Subscribe for weekly MLB news, reactions, player interviews, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander talks about what he thinks of the 2026 Detroit Tigers and his thoughts on the saga between the Philadelphia Phillies & Nick Castellanos. Ben also comments on how the ABS system will affect MLB tv viewing moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander previews the World Baseball Classic now that the rosters have been set. He also talks about the best lineup, rotation & team in the WBC. The Detroit Tigers surprised the baseball world by giving Framber Valdez the highest AAV for the left-handed pitcher & Tarik Skubal also won his record arbitration deal. That and so much more on Flippin' Bats. CHAPTERS:00:00 INTRO01:30 TIGERS SIGN FRAMBER VALDEZ07:00 TARIK SKUBAL'S RECORD DEAL18:00 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC PREVIEW19:30 POOL A23:10 POOL B29:00 POOL C31:50 POOL D35:50 BEST LINEUP38:30 BEST ROTATION39:50 BEST TEAM42:50 TOP 10 TEAMS46:30 OUTRO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander is back with the latest news in baseball. Ben hits on the Boston Red Sox after their trade of Jordan Hicks to the White Sox and revists the Rafael Devers trade. He also touches on the Chicago White Sox sneaky good offseason. Ben touches on Eugenio Suarez signing back with the Cincinnati Reds and why no one else was in on him. Finally, Ben talks about the latest World Baseball Classic news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Verlander is back with another new episode of Flippin' Bats! Ben talks about the New York Mets big backup plan after missing out on Kyle Tucker by adding Bo Bichette & Freddy Peralta to the roster. Ben also talks about the drama between the Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers being very far apart on their arbitration numbers. Then, he touches on the Texas Rangers huge trade for Washington Nationals ace Mackenzie Gore & the remaining free agents available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices