Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

John Smoltz joins me for another edition of Saturday with Smoltz, and this week we start with the biggest question in baseball: Should Shohei Ohtani still be the favorite to win the National League MVP? We break down Shohei's latest injury update, what it means for the Dodgers, and whether the MVP race has become much more interesting. Then, Smoltz shares one of the most fascinating answers he's ever given on this show—revealing what he would've traded for another World Series championship. We also discuss: - The Dodgers' outlook ...

Shohei Ohtani won't pitch again for some time because of his knee—but does that finally open the door for a new National League MVP? In today's episode, I explain why I still believe Shohei is the clear MVP, even if he doesn't throw another pitch this season, and break down what Dave Roberts' latest comments mean for the Dodgers moving forward. Plus: Why Tarik Skubal says he doesn't want to be traded—and whether the Tigers should listen The Boston Red Sox continue one of the hottest stretches in franchise history Are the Mets a...

Shohei Ohtani's latest ESPY win has baseball fans debating one question: Was it the greatest single-game performance ever? In this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, I explain why I believe the award was deserved, react to the debate surrounding Shohei's historic performance, and discuss why I think it belongs among the greatest games ever played. Plus: - Mike Tyson's hilarious reaction to learning Shohei is a man 😂 - The latest update on Shohei's knee after missing the All-Star Game - Whether Dodgers fans should actually be concerned - Shohei's dominant first half on the mound - His inc...

Ben takes you behind the scenes of MLB All-Star Week, recapping everything from Media Day, the Red Carpet, the Home Run Derby, and the MLB All-Star Game while sharing exclusive conversations with some of baseball's biggest stars. This episode features interviews and moments from throughout the week, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Verlander, All-Star Game MVP Cody Bellinger, and many more, along with Ben's biggest takeaways from one of baseball's best events of the year. Whether you missed All-Star Week or want to relive the biggest moments, this episode has you covered. Lea...

With Justin Verlander officially announcing his retirement, I sat down with Hall of Famer John Smoltz to reflect on one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history which just so happens to be accomplished by my brother. We discuss what made Justin so special, the moments that defined his career, what Cooperstown should remember most, and what it's like knowing when it's finally time to walk away from the game. If you're a Justin Verlander fan, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:55 John...

Shohei Ohtani has reached another unbelievable milestone. This week on This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down why Shohei's 300th career home run is so much more than just another number. From becoming the 5th-fastest player in MLB history to 300 home runs to continuing to build one of the greatest careers baseball has ever seen, we put this historic accomplishment into perspective. Also this week: ⚾ Shohei's latest start on the mound 🎂 His birthday week 🏆 His chase for a fifth MVP Award 📈 Where he now ranks among the greatest players in baseball history Timestamps...

Today is a day that I always knew had to come eventually, but never believed it would actually happen. My brother, Justin Verlander, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. In this video, I share my thoughts on his incredible career, what he's meant to me as a brother, and what I'll remember most from watching his journey unfold over the past two decades. Thank you, Justin, for everything you've given to the game of baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 MLB All-Star rosters are officially set, and there are several players who should have made the team. In this episode, I break down my biggest All-Star snubs, discuss who deserves to start the All-Star Game on the mound, react to Mike Trout's 12th All-Star selection, and talk about the possibility of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber competing in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. Plus, I unveil my latest MLB Power Rankings, discuss the surging Astros and Tigers, and reveal my Team of the Month after another exciting month around Major League Baseball. <...

This week on Saturday with Smoltz, John Smoltz joins me to discuss one of baseball's biggest trade deadline questions: Should the Tigers consider trading Tarik Skubal? We also break down whether the Yankees should be concerned about their recent struggles, why the Astros remain a legitimate playoff threat, and whether pitchers are actually throwing harder today—or if our perception of velocity has changed. As always, Smoltz shares thoughtful insight, strong opinions, and stories from his Hall of Fame career. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:49John Smoltz Joins 2:05 Has Velocity Reading Changed? 5:10 Concern About Yankees? 6:04 Astros a Pla...

Shohei Ohtani will NOT pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game... but there's a very good reason why. On this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, I break down why the Dodgers pushed Ohtani's schedule back, why it means he won't take the mound in Philadelphia, and why I actually think it was the right decision. We'll also cover: - The real reason behind the schedule change - Ohtani's latest week at the plate - His comments about returning home to his growing family - Dave Roberts becoming the fastest manager ever to reach 1,000 wins - And everything else...

Is Rafael Devers getting an unfair reputation? On today's episode, I explain why I think the conversation surrounding Devers has gone too far and why his teammates tell a much different story than the headlines. Then it's time for this week's MLB Power Rankings. The Phillies continue their surge, the Braves have stumbled after leading the NL East comfortably just weeks ago, the Dodgers remain on top, and several teams are making major moves as we approach the trade deadline. Also on today's show: My latest Top 10 MLB Power Rankings Phillies vs...

John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for another edition of Saturday with Smoltz on Flippin' Bats. This week, they dive into the biggest story in baseball: the on-field miscommunication between Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers rookie catcher Dalton Rushing. Smoltz explains whether he experienced similar situations during his Hall of Fame career, how trust between a pitcher and catcher is built, and why communication is so important at the major league level. The conversation also covers: The Braves' shrinking lead in the NL East Which team John hopes becomes an aggressive buyer at th...

Shohei Ohtani and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing couldn't seem to get on the same page early in Wednesday's start... and it led to one of the most frustrating innings of Shohei's season. Then everything changed. In this week's 'This Week in Shohei Ohtani News', we break down the miscommunication between Ohtani and Rushing, Shohei's postgame comments explaining exactly what happened, and how he responded by striking out the side and dominating the rest of the game. We also discuss: ⚾ Shohei averaging 100 MPH for the first time in his MLB career ⚾ The fastest pitch of his career (101.7 MPH) ⚾ Another dominant start...

Is Nick Kurtz becoming the next superstar in Major League Baseball? On this episode of Flippin' Bats, we break down the incredible rise of Nick Kurtz, who is putting together one of the best offensive seasons in baseball at just 23 years old. From leading the American League in RBIs to posting elite numbers across the board, Kurtz is making a serious case as one of the game's best hitters—and perhaps the best first baseman in baseball. We also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's unbelievable MVP-caliber season and why, if not for Shohei Ohtani, he'd be right at the top of th...

Could Shohei Ohtani's blister become a serious problem as he chases one of the most historic seasons in baseball history? This week, Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins the show to discuss the growing concern surrounding Shohei Ohtani's blister issue and how difficult it can be for pitchers to perform through finger injuries. After allowing just 5 earned runs through his first 10 starts before surrendering 7 in his last two, is the blister to blame or is it something bigger? We also discuss whether there should be any concern surrounding the Atlanta Braves after injuries to both...

Did Jacob Misiorowski just throw one of the greatest games in MLB history? On this episode, we break down a truly historic performance from the Brewers’ young ace and ask the question everyone is now talking about: is Jacob Misiorowski already one of the best pitchers in baseball? We dive into the dominance, the velocity, and the numbers behind a start that may have officially announced his arrival on the MLB stage. Plus, the Chicago White Sox continue their shocking rise after years of struggles, the latest MLB Power Rankings shake up the le...

Is this the greatest season we’ve ever seen in baseball history? In this week’s This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down another unbelievable stretch from Shohei Ohtani as he continues to dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter at the same time. Ohtani currently leads MLB in both OPS and ERA, a combination that simply shouldn’t exist. Through 10 starts on the mound, he’s posting one of the lowest ERAs in baseball history while also hitting over .300 with elite production at the plate. We dive into the numbers, the historic...

Has Roki Sasaki finally arrived?After an up-and-down start to his MLB career, Roki Sasaki is beginning to look like the dominant pitcher baseball fans were promised. We break down his recent surge, what's changed, and why his latest outing may be the clearest sign yet that he's figuring things out at the Major League level.Plus, Aaron Judge is on the injured list with a stress fracture, what play did it happen on? How long is he out? All that and more is answered! Shohei Ohtani continues to put up numbers that don't seem possible, Cristopher Sanchez's incredible...

Is Shohei Ohtani the greatest athlete of all time? This week, John Smoltz joins the show to weigh in on one of the biggest debates in sports. Smoltz not only faced some of the greatest athletes ever—he was also teammates with Deion Sanders. So when it comes to comparing Deion and Shohei Ohtani, his opinion carries more weight than almost anyone else's. We discuss Ohtani's incredible season as he lowers his ERA to 0.74 while raising his batting average above .300, continuing one of the most remarkable two-way stretches baseball has ever seen. Plus, we dive into whether the Yankees ca...

Braves First to 40 Wins + White Sox Are LEGIT! Tatis Finally Homers | Flippin’ Bats The Atlanta Braves became the first team in MLB to 40 wins and continue to look like the best team in baseball. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are officially for real, they’ve already matched their entire 2024 win total before June, Munetaka Murakami is smashing records with 20 HRs as a rookie, and the energy on the South Side is back. Plus: - Fernando Tatis Jr. finally ends his homer drought with a massive 451-foot bomb - The Mariners have taken control of the AL West - Christopher Sanc...