1021 | Kyle Tucker to LAD, Bo Bichette to NYM, JT Realmuto Back to PHI, and Playing GM for SEA, KC and CIN

January 16, 2026·1 hr 35 min·5 clips

BetMGM offers up to $1,500 in bonus bets for new customers who use code JUSTBASEBALL on their first wager.

This episode of The Just Baseball Show analyzes potential major trades involving star players Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and J.T. Realmuto. Hosts Jack McMullen and Peter Appel engage in speculative roster construction for contending teams. They focus on how these hypothetical deals could reshape the league's competitive balance ahead of the trade deadline. The hosts propose a trade sending Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers. They suggest the Dodgers could package prospects like catcher Dalton Rushing and pitcher River Ryan in return. Another scenario involves Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette being traded to the New York Mets. The framework for this deal includes the Mets sending infield prospect Luisangel Acuña and a pitcher like Christian Scott to Toronto. A third discussion centers on the Philadelphia Phillies potentially trading catcher J.T. Realmuto. The hosts speculate the Seattle Mariners could be a fit, offering a package built around young catcher Harry Ford. McMullen argues Tucker is an ideal fit for the Dodgers due to his left-handed power and consistent production. Appel counters that the Astros would demand a massive haul for a player of Tucker's caliber, potentially creating a bidding war. The analysis of a Bichette trade considers the Blue Jays' need to retool their roster and the Mets' desire for a long-term star at shortstop. Regarding Realmuto, the hosts debate whether the Phillies would actually move their veteran catcher and how his remaining contract affects his value. They examine each team's specific needs and prospect capital to gauge the realism of these proposals. One interesting insight is the emphasis on the Dodgers' deep farm system making them uniquely positioned to acquire a star like Tucker. A surprising claim is the suggestion that the Blue Jays might be more open to trading Bichette than commonly believed, given their current team trajectory. The hosts find it memorable that the Mets, despite recent struggles, are framed as a logical destination for a major infield upgrade. The potential inclusion of a prospect like Harry Ford in a Realmuto deal is highlighted as a fascinating swap of present and future talent at the catcher position. The tone is conversational and speculative, blending fan-like enthusiasm with analytical roster evaluation. The style is fast-paced and opinion-driven, focusing on the mechanics of hypothetical trades. Listeners who enjoy deep-dive offseason speculation and "what-if" roster maneuvering will love this episode. Fans seeking concrete news or analysis of completed transactions might prefer to skip it.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Just Baseball Show