Blair & Barker

With the 2026 MLB trade deadline in the books, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker reflect on the Blue Jays' moves, grade Ross Atkins' performance, and react to the flurry of deals finalized after the 6 PM cutoff, including the Padres' buzzer-beater acquisition of Casey Mize. Sportsnet MLB insider Shi Davidi (7:19) weighs in on the biggest surprises for the Blue Jays on deadline day, who will take Jeff Hoffman's leverage innings, the clubhouse vibe, and how the centrefield-duties will be split without Daulton Varsho. Later, Jeff and Kevin chat about where the Jays stand for the rest of 2026 and beyond and hear from manager John Schneider ahead of the Jays' series-opener against Varsho and the Astros. Finally, Jeff and Kevin wrap up the trade deadline edition with MLB Network insider Jon Morosi (35:56), who reflects on how the Jays went from the World Series to this point, Kevin Gausman's Toronto legacy, what they're getting in José Soriano, and the day's winners and losers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

On the second hour of the trade deadline edition, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker touch on the future of the Blue Jays' starting rotation, Max Scherzer's second start since coming off the IL against the St. Louis Cardinals, Kevin Gausman's tenure as a Jay both on and off the field, the door for Spencer Miles to become a starter, and why the team aren't selling. The guys then shift their attention to the Baltimore Orioles trading away Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox and how this adds fuel to what has been a magical season for Boston. Afterwards, Astros TV analyst and World Series Champion Geoff Blum (28:40) gives the scouting report on Toronto's newest pitcher Spencer Arrighetti after the trade for Daulton Varsho, why Houston was interested in the left-handed outfielder, and how he fits in Daikin Park. To wrap up, the guys share their initial reaction to Jeff Hoffman getting traded to the Minnesota Twins.  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker kick off the first of their three-hour trade deadline special with a look-back on the Blue Jays' deals so far, including Kevin Gausman being sent to the Cubs and the addition of José Soriano. Then, they discuss the moves around the majors, the Dodgers predictably winning the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, the Red Sox and Orioles coming to terms on trade for Adley Rutschman, and they react live to the Jays trading Daulton Varsho to the Astros. Then, former pitcher and MLB Network Radio host Jensen Lewis (29:25) shares his thoughts on the Jays' unique deadline strategy, what Kevin Gausman brings to the Cubs, Luis Arráez's fit with the Phillies, which NL team has the best chance of de-crowning the Skubal-led Dodgers, and much more. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (2:11) joins the guys to chat about approaching the last series before the trade deadline as business as usual, his goal for Vladdy with the remaining games on the year, Dylan Cease's increased workload and success on the mound, how Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement acclimated themselves in different roles around the infield, Jesús Sánchez's return, and Kevin Gausman's comments around the chemistry in the clubhouse compared to the 2025 World Series team. Then, Blue Jays TV play-by-play voice Dan Shulman stops by (27:48) to discuss why the Jays' deadline plans could be fluid throughout the weekend, Vlad Jr.'s return to first base after his hamstring issue, and where Gausman ranks among the greatest Blue Jays pitchers. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker get set for the Blue Jays' final series ahead of the trade deadline, a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals. They discuss the team's goals down the stretch, predict which Jays will be moved on or ahead of deadline day, and catch up on the latest trade buzz around the majors. Then, Phillies reporter Lochlahn March (26:56) stops by amid reports that the Phillies have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Blue Jays. She discusses Don Mattingly and Bryce Harper's back-and-forth through the media, why the Phillies will go 'all-in' this season, their interest in Daulton Varsho and Jeff Hoffman, and what they would be willing to give up from their farm system. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Co-host of Cardinal Territory and World Series Champion, Lance Lynn (5:00) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about the St. Louis based-team's record, their projections before the season, Jordan Walker's growth, how the organization will approach the trade deadline and potentially build around Walker, navigating a trade deadline as a veteran player, and clubhouse dynamics in a losing season. Then, Sportsnet's MLB insider Shi Davidi stops by (29:02) to chat about the state of the Blue Jays heading into their final series before the trade deadline, whether he sees Jeff Hoffman on the move, if they'd consider moving their No. 2 prospect Arjun Nimmala, if Brandon Valenzuela will continue to be the team's backup catcher, and the clubhouse mood on the season. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker open the off-day edition with the latest trade buzz ahead of the deadline, including Tarik Skubal being linked to the LA Dodgers and the Phillies emerging as a trade partner with the Blue Jays. ESPN investigative reporter Tisha Thompson joins the show (22:27) to talk about and share some stories from her new podcast series, 'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,' which documents how Ohtani's relationship with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara unraveled amid the gambling scandal in 2024. Later, MLB.com Tigers reporter Jason Beck stops by (38:54) to share the latest on the Skubal sweepstakes, whether trading the superstar pitcher sparks a fire sale in Detroit, and the plan for Casey Mize. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Following the Blue Jays' 5-2 win over the Nationals to clinch the series, Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker welcome former MLB catcher and host of 'Four Territory' Erik Kratz (0:41) to the post-game edition! They discuss Shane Bieber's six-walk inning, why the Jays should be bold at the deadline, and what's behind the Phillies' recent skid. Later, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan (28:55) stops by to share why Kevin Gausman's trade value hasn't dropped after a run of rocky outings, whether the Jays could add at the deadline to address needs in 2027, and the case to sell high on Louis Varland. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Blue Jays radio analyst and former MLB pitcher Chris Leroux (0:18) joins Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker to chat about Max Scherzer's first start since coming off the IL against the Washington Nationals, how Shane Bieber has started to trust his pitches again, getting back the 'competitive edge' after an injury, Jeff Hoffman's slider, his trade value, why he would be content with trading Ernie Clement, and Spencer Miles' future on the rotation. Then, the guys hear from manager John Schneider ahead of their second game against the Nats and head to the Back Leg Line to hear listeners' calls! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker look back on the Blue Jays' series-opening win against the Washington Nationals and discuss Max Scherzer's return, Jeff Hoffman and Tyler Rogers' trade values, and whether a win streak could change the Jays' deadline plans. Then, former Washington Nationals GM and President Mike Rizzo joins the show (25:48) to discuss retooling a team after a World Series run as he did with the Nats in 2021, the trade deadline from an executive's point of view, the challenges of moving a player with trade protection, Max Scherzer's legacy, and what went into the Juan Soto trade negotiations. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.