Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

FOX Sports
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Flippin' Bats is a fun baseball podcast bringing you everything you want from around the league! You'll hear from Hall of Famer John Smoltz every week, you'll hear from the game's best players, and you'll be up to date on everything around the league! Baseball. Is. Fun. And so is Flippin' Bats!

  1. John Smoltz on ABS Challenges, Braves Brawl & Early 2026 MLB Surprises

    -3 DIAS

    John Smoltz on ABS Challenges, Braves Brawl & Early 2026 MLB Surprises

    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

    21 min
  2. Yankees Look Like the Best in the American League + MLB Power Rankings & Are the Pirates for Real?

    -5 DIAS

    Yankees Look Like the Best in the American League + MLB Power Rankings & Are the Pirates for Real?

    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

    34 min
  3. ABS Challenge System Verdict: It's AWESOME! + Historic Rookie Weekend + Justin Verlander Year 21 Debut

    30/03

    ABS Challenge System Verdict: It's AWESOME! + Historic Rookie Weekend + Justin Verlander Year 21 Debut

    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

    40 min
  4. Opening Day Reactions: Skenes Struggles, Tigers Make a Statement & Historic Rookie Debuts

    27/03

    Opening Day Reactions: Skenes Struggles, Tigers Make a Statement & Historic Rookie Debuts

    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

    21 min
  5. MLB 2026 Award Winners, MVP, and World Series Prediction

    25/03

    MLB 2026 Award Winners, MVP, and World Series Prediction

    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

    37 min
  6. 2026 National League Preview & Predictions: Dodgers, Ohtani & the Race for the NL

    24/03

    2026 National League Preview & Predictions: Dodgers, Ohtani & the Race for the NL

    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

    46 min
  7. 2026 American League Preview & Predictions: Division Winners, Playoff Teams & AL Champion

    23/03

    2026 American League Preview & Predictions: Division Winners, Playoff Teams & AL Champion

    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

    46 min

  8. 18/03

    WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: VENEZUELA UPSETS USA + POSTGAME INTERVIEWS

    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

    18 min
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Flippin' Bats is a fun baseball podcast bringing you everything you want from around the league! You'll hear from Hall of Famer John Smoltz every week, you'll hear from the game's best players, and you'll be up to date on everything around the league! Baseball. Is. Fun. And so is Flippin' Bats!

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