The Show: A NY Post baseball podcast with Joel Sherman & Jon Heyman · NYPost

Mets, Yankees X-Factors + Jed Hoyer On How Cubs Landed Alex Bregman | The Show Ep. 190

March 2, 2026·47 min·4 clips

Jed Hoyer reveals the Cubs narrowly beat the Red Sox to land Alex Bregman in free agency.

Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, veteran New York Post baseball columnists, host this episode focused on the New York teams' upcoming season and an interview with Cubs executive Jed Hoyer. They begin by selecting "X-factor" players whose performance could elevate the Mets and Yankees from good to championship contenders. For the Mets, Heyman identifies new first baseman Jorge Polanco as a key hitter, noting his $20 million salary and injury history, while Sherman picks Mark Vientos, recalling his clutch 2024 season. On the pitching side, Heyman selects Sean Manaea, who was terrible in 2025 after a great 2024, and Sherman chooses Kodai Senga, questioning if he can return to his ace form after a calf injury derailed his 2025 season. For the Yankees, both hosts select first baseman Ben Rice as the offensive X-factor, citing his impressive 2025 power numbers and plate discipline, with Sherman comparing his potential arc to Kyle Schwarber's. They also both choose pitcher Ryan Weathers, acquired from Miami, highlighting his 99.8 mph velocity in spring training and his high draft pedigree. Cubs President Jed Hoyer details the successful offseason pursuit of star free agent Alex Bregman, which he believed was a two-team race between the Cubs and Red Sox. Hoyer explains the trade for Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera, valuing his high-end stuff and three years of remaining team control to complement a contact-oriented pitching staff. He reveals the Cubs were involved in talks for other starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Dylan Cease but emphasizes the need for multiple offseason plans. A surprising insight is Hoyer's description of Bregman's leadership, which includes working with young players like Pete Crow-Armstrong on the minor league fields after his own day is done. Hoyer acknowledges the pressure on his mature Cubs team, which has won 92 games but lost in the second round, to finally break through in the NL Central. He offers a nuanced view of the super-team Dodgers, comparing the challenge to the late-1990s Yankees but noting that in baseball, any great team can be beaten in a short series. The hosts and Hoyer maintain a conversational, insider tone throughout, blending friendly debate with front-office insights. This episode is ideal for dedicated New York Mets and Yankees fans, as well as listeners interested in National League roster construction and executive strategy. Casual fans or those seeking breaking news may find the speculative spring training analysis less urgent.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Show: A NY Post baseball podcast with Joel Sherman & Jon Heyman