Sportsnaut sits down with USA Today baseball writer and MLB insider Gabe Lacques to break down the latest news in Major League Baseball as spring training approaches. We discuss the New York Mets' aggressive pivot following a slow start to the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays' focus on pitching, concerns about the New York Yankees' lack of major moves, and the impact of the Los Angeles Dodgers' massive spending on the future of collective bargaining and a potential work stoppage. The biggest winners and losers from the offseason!

Timecode

0:00 Welcome and Introduction of Guest Gabe Lacques

0:50 New York Mets Offseason: Are they better on paper?

1:54 Analysis of the Mets' new additions, including Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette.

4:25 Freddy Peralta trade completes the rotation and makes the Mets a threat.

7:57 Toronto Blue Jays Offseason: Strengthening the pitching staff.

8:56 Analyzing Dylan Cease's stuff and numbers.

9:42 The loss of Bichette or Tucker and reliance on young players

11:24 New York Yankees Offseason: Concerns with running back the same team.

14:07 Question marks for the Yankees' pitching staff (Cole and Rodón).

15:02 The Dodgers' mega-deal for Kyle Tucker & possibility of a salary cap.

15:53 Tucker's contract as a potential "straw that broke the camel's back."

16:13 Dodgers operation and the impact of Shohei Ohtani's contract structure.

17:38 The owners' push for a salary cap

18:21 Winning without buying players and the potential effect of a salary floor.

19:17 Advice to fans: Enjoy the season before the 2026 CBA expiration.

USA Today MLB columnist Bob Nightengale joins the Sportsnot interview to discuss the slow MLB offseason, predicting a "flurry of activity" soon. Nightengale shares his thoughts on the best offseason moves so far (Orioles, Blue Jays, Dodgers) and when the remaining top free agents like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Framer Valdez, and Zack Gallen might sign. He also discusses the likelihood of a work stoppage in 2027.

Chapters:

0:21 – Bob Nightengale joins; slow MLB offseason explained

0:44 – Relievers signed fast; big position players & starters still available

1:05 – Teams that improved most: Orioles (Pete Alonso), Blue Jays, Cubs, Dodgers (Edwin Diaz)

1:32 – Quiet big spenders (Phillies, Yankees, Mets) expected to move soon

1:59 – Alex Bregman started the dominoes; next: Kyle Tucker this week

2:15 – Then Bellinger, Framber Valdez, Zach Gallen likely soon after

2:36 – Most big free agents should sign before spring training (mid-February)

3:00 – Bo Bichette: Phillies lead, but Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers as possible sleeper

3:41 – 2027 work stoppage probable (Dec 2026 start) due to salary cap fight + TV/revenue issues

5:19 – Stoppage likely short; sport is too profitable right now

10:00 – Wrap-up & thanks

On this episode of The Sportsnaut Interview, we discuss the surprising departure of John Harbaugh from the Ravens after 18 years, noting that the season seemed "off" and that players appeared to no longer be "really buying into Harbaugh anymore". Our guest, Frank Schwab of Yahoo, also expresses surprise that the Browns let go of Kevin Stefanski, who is a good coach and has won Coach of the Year twice.