Future Projection

Ben and Carlos talk about a Guardians 2022 draft class that netted them both Chase DeLauter and Parker Messick. The two then talk about a number of prospects who are top of mind heading into the offseason including: Angels OF Jared Grindlinger, Marlins OF Cam Cannarella, Rockies 1B Charlie Condon, Brewers SS Brady Ebel, Nationals SS Eli Willits and Padres SS Elliot Lascelles, among others.  — Time Stamps:  (0:00) The Guardians 2022 draft (16:00) Angels OF Jared Grindlinger  (24:00) Marlins OF Cam Cannarella (34:00) Rockies 1B Charlie Condon (39:00) Brewers SS Brady Ebel (50:00) Eli Willits & the Nationals (1:01:00) Elliot Lascelles & the Padres  — Do you have feedback for the show or want to ask us a  question? Email us: [email protected]. Future Projection Twitter: @FutureProPod Ben's Twitter: @BenBadler Carlos's Twitter: @CarlosACollazo Baseball America Website — You can preorder Baseball America’s 2027 books today. Get your 2027 Prospect Handbook, 2027 Almanac and 2027 Directory at the BA Store here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Carlos do some podcast housekeeping and followup on their discussion about how an international draft picking order might work. The two then talk about the breakout season of Rays OF Victor Mesa Jr. and how he is already a player we never expected him to be. How is that the case and what are the lessons we can learn from it? The two talk about MLB’s relationship-building efforts with college baseball and then react to their latest proposal that would bring the regular season from 162 games to 154, expand the divisional series and have top-seeded teams choose their opponents.  Read Jacob Rudner’s full piece on MLB/NCAA relationship building: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/how-mlbs-growing-college-baseball-ties-are-changing-the-draft-player-development-more/ — Time Stamps:  (0:00) Intro/Banter (6:00) Housekeeping & draft pick order ideas (13:45) Victor Mesa Jr.’s breakout season (24:00) Lessons we can learn from Mesa’s success (30:00) MLB/NCAA relationship building (38:50) Will the draft timing change? (43:00) MLB’s proposed regular season and postseason changes (55:00) Thinking through postseason ramifications — Do you have feedback for the show or want to ask us a question? Email us: [email protected]. Future Projection Twitter: @FutureProPod Ben's Twitter: @BenBadler Carlos's Twitter: @CarlosACollazo Baseball America WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Carlos talk about Ethan Salas catching in the postseason, and marvel at how he’s this good at just 20 years old. They talk about the next tier of top catching prospects, both current minor leaguers and some of the top names in the 2027 class, and think back to some of the standout catchers they’ve evaluated over the years. They also talk about Royals outfielder Angeibel Gomez going to the Arizona Fall League as a 17-year-old and wonder about the future of Kansas City’s big league team.  — Time Stamps:  (0:00) Ethan Salas and receiving (10:30) Vahn Lackey, Rainiel Rodriguez and next-tier catchers (19:30) Where does Gavin Kelly fit into this mix? (22:00) Is high school catching fading? (30:00) Latin American catching vs. American (35:00) Standout catching prospects we can remember (38:00) Angeibel Gomez going to the AFL as a 17 year old (45:00) The Royals' future and farm system — Do you have feedback for the show or want to ask us a question? Email us: [email protected]. Future Projection Twitter: @FutureProPod Ben's Twitter: @BenBadler Carlos's Twitter: @CarlosACollazo Baseball America WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the close of the 2026 regular season, Ben and Carlos look back on their preseason predictions to evaluate how well—or how poorly—they prognosticated. —Time Stamps: (0:00) Intro(1:00) World Series picks(6:00) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (10:30) Surprise team picks(19:00) Breakout pitcher picks(22:00) Breakout hitter picks(29:20) Biggest storyline(33:00) Bounce back players(36:00) Award picks(1:00:00) Andrew Fischer prospect talk—Do you have feedback for the show or want to ask us a question? Email us: [email protected] Projection Twitter: @FutureProPodBen's Twitter: @BenBadlerCarlos's Twitter: @CarlosACollazoBaseball America Website—Seat Geek: Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Carlos talk about the storylines—or lack thereof—during the stretch run of the major league season, then turn their eyes to the Arizona Fall League, which recently had rosters announced. Who are we excited to see? All that and more. —Time Stamps: (0:00) Postseason talk(11:30) This time of year(13:40) Arizona Fall League(17:40) Vance Honeycutt(23:40) Myles Bailey(29:00) Dax Kilby(31:00) Tate Southisene & Owen Carey (34:50) Braylon Payne—Do you have feedback for the show or want to ask us a question? Email us: [email protected] Projection Twitter: @FutureProPodBen's Twitter: @BenBadlerCarlos's Twitter: @CarlosACollazoBaseball America WebsiteAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.