Sources Tell Jeff Passan

ESPN, Omaha Productions, Jeff Passan

Sources Tell Jeff Passan brings together the biggest names in baseball with the game's best reporter to tell the most important stories through the people that lived them. Just as accessible for the new fan as it is the one who has read Jeff Passan’s work for nearly a quarter-century, the show is a tour guide through the game’s vastness — the incredible individual accomplishments, the team successes, the inherent failures, the untold tales, the parallel joy and pain, and the love of the game all of it breeds. Baseball is a little weird, and this show is, too. If you want to understand the game — really understand it — this is the place.

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September 15 · 45 min
Everything to Know About the MLB Lockout
Jeff Passan asked all 30 MLB owners for an interview about baseball's looming labor war. He got 30 nos. So he answers the biggest questions himself — the ones ownership won't touch on the record. MLB is pushing for its first salary cap in over 30 years, and the MLBPA has called the league's proposal "the worst system for players in any of the major sports — and it's not close." With the CBA set to expire and a lockout looking more likely by the week, Jeff breaks down what a cap would actually fix, who benefits, and why a full season could disappear in 2027 the way one did in hockey in 2004-05. Along the way: a hard look at the Dodgers' payroll and luxury tax spending compared to the rest of the league, the legal nuclear options both sides are sitting on, the ghost of 1994, and how close baseball is to a shutdown nobody in charge wants to talk about. Five questions. Zero owners willing to answer them. One very real chance the game stops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 8 · 1 hr 10 min
Where Should MLB Expand? Six Cities Make Their Case
MLB expansion is on the horizon. So who gets a team? Jeff Passan is joined by representatives from six cities hoping to land an MLB team — Montreal, Nashville, Portland, Salt Lake City, Raleigh and Orlando — and gives each of them the chance to make their case. Why is their city ready for Major League Baseball? What would a new team look like? And which pitch is the most convincing? Six cities. A limited number of spots. Let the expansion pitches begin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 1 · 54 min
The Magic of September Baseball: When Anything Can Happen
September is one of the most special times on the baseball calendar. For players grinding away in the minor leagues, it’s a month when anything can happen — and the dream of reaching the big leagues can suddenly feel a whole lot closer. This week, I’m celebrating September baseball through three remarkable stories: John Paciorek, who went 3-for-3 in his only MLB game and finished with a perfect 1.000 batting average; Brian Jeroloman, who was called up by the Blue Jays in 2011 but never got into a major league game; and Matt Buschmann, who joins me to share his own unforgettable September baseball story. Three very different journeys — and a reminder of the hope and possibility that September brings to baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 25 · 1 hr
Inside Dodgers Owner Mark Walter’s Billion-Dollar Insurance Scandal
On this episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Jeff is joined by financial fraud expert and whistleblower Tom Gober for a deep dive into the complicated financial web surrounding Dodgers owner Mark Walter, Guggenheim, and the insurance companies connected to the purchase and operation of the Los Angeles Dodgers. How were insurance companies used to help finance the purchase of the Dodgers? Why do Mark Walter’s insurance companies own the Dodgers’ television contract? And how did a franchise that emerged from bankruptcy become a multibillion-dollar powerhouse? Gober breaks down how potential financial-crime cases are built, when affiliated investments begin raising regulatory concerns, the role of the NAIC, and how reinsurance factors into the Dodgers’ financial structure. Plus, the red flag settlement from 2012, where the profits ultimately go, the biggest potential concern for Walter’s lawyers, and who could ultimately be held responsible. TIMECODES: 0:00 Welcome to Sources Tell Jeff Passan 0:25 Dodgers Owner Mark Walter's Billion-Dollar Insurance Scandal 4:25 Tom Gober Joins Sources Tell Jeff Passan 5:35 How Mark Walter Used Insurance Companies To Buy The Dodgers 7:12 How Cases Are Built With Potential Financial Crimes 8:55 The Complicated Web Of Guggenheim's Holdings 11:03 When Affiliated Investments Become Problematic 12:45 Investment Threshold That Causes The NAIC To Start Asking Questions 16:36 How Does Something Like This Happen? 18:25 The Game-Changing Dodgers Television Contract 23:37 Why Do Mark Walter's Insurance Companies Own The Dodgers TV Contract? 26:30 How The Dodgers Went From Bankrupt To Billions 32:15 Wall Street's Stance On The Matter 36:30 What Is Reinsurance And How Does It Involve The Dodgers? 48:05 More Insight Into The Mark Walter-Dodgers Situation 50:05 Biggest Concern For Mark Walter’s Lawyer 52:25 Profits Go To The Dodgers And Their Owners 56:17 Who’s To Blame? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 18 · 1 hr 21 min
Newly Discovered Footage: Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr Debate the Art of Hitting
On this episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, newly discovered footage captures baseball legends Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr on a fishing trip, talking—and debating—the art of the baseball swing. Jeff is joined by Joey Votto, who idolized Williams and studied The Science of Hitting, along with the Executive Director of the Ted Williams Foundation and a friend and former security guard of Ted’s. Together, they watch this remarkable footage and break down Ted’s thoughts on hitting, his approach to the swing, and what it’s like to hear one of baseball’s greatest hitters talk about his craft in such a candid setting. A rare glimpse of baseball history that has to be seen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 11 · 52 min
Top 10 Storylines that AREN'T the Dodgers
There’s a lot more happening in baseball than the Dodgers. On this episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Jeff breaks down the biggest storylines to watch down the stretch of the MLB season — from Yordan Alvarez’s pursuit of the Triple Crown and Aaron Judge’s eventual return to Jacob Misiorowski’s Cy Young case, the red-hot Red Sox and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s place in the MVP race. Which storylines will define the rest of the season? And which players could change the playoff picture before October? (0:00) Welcome to Sources Tell Jeff Passan (1:48) Yordan Alvarez Triple Crown (5:30) Aaron Judge will be back (10:05) AL West Race (16:28) NL MVP Race (19:50) Cy Young Races (23:16) Red Sox Run (27:27) AL Central Race (30:51) NL Wild Card Race (38:30) Lockout (45:00) World Series Contenders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 4 · 1 hr 14 min
Trade Deadline Winners & Losers
Jeff Passan is joined by Buster Olney & Tim Kurkjian react to the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, grading all 30 teams’ moves at the deadline. It’s a baseball extravaganza crossover event with The Baseball Tonight Podcast and Sources Tell Jeff Passan. The guys discuss Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox, Freddy Peralta to the Tampa Bay Rays, Luis Arraez to the Philadelphia Phillies, Luis Garcia Jr. to the New York Yankees and more. Plus, Alden Gonzalez, Jorge Castillo, Jesse Rogers and Kiley McDaniel join to deliver their grades. Later, Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer stops by to talk about his team’s strategy at the deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 28 · 1 hr 4 min
The Trady Bunch: Trade Deadline Preview
Welcome to The Trady Bunch! Jeff Passan and Richard Staff randomly draw 25 of the biggest names connected to the MLB Trade Deadline and react to each one—predicting who's getting traded, who's staying put, and the best landing spots if a deal happens. Who gets moved? Who stays put? And which team is about to make the biggest splash? Let us know in the comments: Which trade do you think is most likely to happen? What is a trade you’re dying to see? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 21 · 1 hr 3 min
Does AI Know Ball?
What happens when you ask AI one of baseball's biggest questions? Jeff Passan and Richard Staff enlist the help of several AI models to tackle one of MLB's most hotly debated topics: Should there be a salary cap? Along the way, they compare how each model approaches the question, challenge them to back up their arguments with charts and graphics, and see just how well AI can handle a baseball debate. Whose argument is the most convincing? Watch and decide for yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 15 · 1 hr
All-Star Special with Paul Skenes, Ernie Clement, Roy Wood Jr. and More!
In this episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Jeff sits down with Paul Skenes, Ernie Clement, Travis Bazzana, Roy Wood Jr., Nick Martinez, Jac Caglianone and Ivan Herrera at the All-Star celebrations in Philadelphia. Jeff asks each of the All-Star players what they love, which ranges from American history, the Bills Mafia, selling big league chew, baseball scouts, MMA and much more. Timecodes: 0:00 Welcome to Sources Tell Jeff Passan 0:45 Ernie Clement 8:50 Paul Skenes 19:20 Travis Bazzana 24:53 Roy Wood Jr. 41:40 Nick Martinez 46:33 Jac Caglianone 51:16 Ivan Herrera Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 7 · 1 hr 11 min
Junior Caminero on His EPIC Bat Flip, MLB Salary Cap & Baseball's Hidden Reality
In this episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Jeff Passan sits down with Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero for an honest conversation about his remarkable path to the major leagues—and the challenges facing baseball today. Junior reflects on being traded from the Cleveland organization to the Rays. He also looks back on one of the most unforgettable moments of his career: crushing the game-winning home run in the LIDOM Championship and unleashing a bat flip that many believe is one of the greatest ever seen in baseball. The conversation then shifts to some of the sport's biggest and most important topics. Jeff and Junior discuss the proposed MLB salary cap, what it could mean for players and the future of the game, and the often-overlooked realities facing many Latin American prospects. Junior shares insight into how young players are frequently exploited financially and the pressures that can lead some teenagers—as young as 10 years old—to use performance-enhancing drugs in pursuit of a professional career. Timecodes: 0:00 Welcome to Sources Tell Jeff Passan 2:10 Rays Junior Caminero Joins Sources Tell Jeff Passan 3:21 Developing a fast swing and being signed by MLB at Age 17 6:06 Getting Internet Fame off one swing and growing up in DR 9:28 Baseball is Life and Importance of Education 14:03 Junior Caminero on MLB Scouting 17:31 Thoughts on being traded by Indians 20:10 What the Rays saw in him and playing in Australian Baseball League 33:02 Hitting the ball, “Perfect, Perfect.” 31:30 Making MLB Debut with Rays and playing for Albert Pujols 38:07 Breaking down Homerun that won the LIDOM Championship 44:50 Becoming an everyday player for the Rays 46:54 Free Agency and Salary Cap 52:30 Importance of having Latin player representatives during labor talks 59:31 Love for WBC as a Dominican Player 1:01:44 After baseball wants to become a DJ and golf enthusiast 1:02:52 How the game of baseball talks to you 1:05:32 Why the Rays are always competitive 1:07:57 Wrapping up Sources Tell Jeff Passan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 30 · 1 hr 37 min
Behind the Lens of Michael Zagaris with Special Guests Jose Canseco, Billy Beane, Dallas Braden
In this special episode, Jeff Passan is joined by legendary sports and rock 'n' roll photographer Michael Zagaris, along with special guests Jose Canseco, Billy Beane, and Dallas Braden. They share behind-the-scenes stories from some of the sport's most iconic moments, including Canseco's famous beefcake photo shoot for Madonna, how Zagaris helped inspire Brad Pitt's portrayal of Billy Beane in Moneyball, and Braden's unforgettable perfect game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 23 · 1 hr 6 min
The Sourcies: MLB Midseason Awards Show
In this special episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Jeff hands out his inaugural MLB Midseason Awards, The Sourcies. He’s handing out hardware for the accomplishments that actually matter. Joining him are MLB players Jo Adell, Logan Gilbert, Jake Mangum, and Corbin Carroll, who accepted their prestigious award with great pride. From hilarious clubhouse stories and unforgettable moments to the quirks, celebrations, mishaps, and innovations that defined the first half of the season, this episode celebrates the side of baseball that doesn’t show up in the box score. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 16 · 1 hr 17 min
1994: The Year Baseball Went Dark with Tom Glavine
The 1994 Major League Baseball strike remains one of the most consequential labor disputes in sports history—canceling the World Series, dividing fans, and reshaping the future of the game. More than three decades later, host Jeff Passan sits down with Hall of Fame pitcher and former player representative Tom Glavine to revisit one of baseball's most turbulent chapters. Glavine offers a firsthand account of the events that led to the strike, the tensions between players and owners, the difficult decisions made behind closed doors, and the lasting impact the work stoppage had on the sport. This conversation provides a rare insider perspective on a defining moment in baseball history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 9 · 1 hr 6 min
Baseball Superstitions: Turk Wendell & Dr. Stuart Vyse
Baseball has always been a game of routines, rituals, and maybe a little bit of magic. This week on Sources Tell Jeff Passan, Jeff explores the fascinating world of baseball superstitions. Former MLB pitcher Turk Wendell—one of the most famously superstitious players in baseball history—joins the show to discuss the routines that defined his career and why he never considered them superstitions at all. Then, psychologist and author Dr. Stuart Vyse breaks down the science behind superstition: why athletes cling to rituals, why we believe certain behaviors can influence outcomes, and what those habits reveal about the human mind. From the mound to the mind, this episode examines why superstition has remained such a powerful part of baseball culture for generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 2 · 1 hr 20 min
What You See is What You Get: Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez joins Sources Tell Jeff Passan for a wide-ranging conversation about baseball, broadcasting, and life after the game. First, Keith is joined by his longtime friend and former Mets teammate Ed Lynch to revisit the unforgettable 1980s Mets—sharing stories from the clubhouse, memories of the personalities that defined the era, and what made those teams so special. Then, Gary Cohen joins the show to discuss his decades-long broadcast partnership with Keith, why Keith's authenticity resonates with fans, and how the legendary broadcaster has become one of baseball's most beloved voices. Plus: the rise of Hadji, Keith's social-media-famous cat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 26 · 50 min
JCCC: The JUCO Juggernaut
Johnson County Community College isn’t just the best junior college baseball team in the country — they’re building one of the greatest seasons the NJCAA has ever seen. Jeff Passan sits down with JCCC Head Coach Eric Horner alongside players Colin Coonradt, Ryan Bradford, Liam Roche, and Victor Christal as the Cavaliers continue their run through the NJCAA World Series. JCCC entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed with an astonishing 63-3 record after putting together a program-record 41-game winning streak. At the center of the story is freshman phenom Ryan Bradford, who shattered the NJCAA single-season home run record with 42 homers. From record-breaking performances to championship expectations, this episode dives inside one of the most remarkable teams in the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19 · 1 hr 7 min
Pokémon: MLB's Nerdiest Secret
Jeff Passan is joined by Jacob Misiorowski for a deep dive into one of MLB’s biggest clubhouse obsessions: Pokémon cards. Trevor May and Jameson Taillon stop by to talk favorite pulls, legendary cards, visiting card shops they’ve found on the road, and how collecting has become a way for players across baseball to connect. Plus, Jeff opens packs with the guys and finds out just how competitive MLB players can get over Pokémon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12 · 38 min
The Art of the Ejection: Aaron Boone & Joe West
Aaron Boone and legendary umpire Joe West join Jeff Passan to break down one of baseball’s greatest traditions: the ejection. From Boone’s iconic “Savages in the Box” meltdown to Joe West tossing Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, and countless others, this episode dives into the relationship between managers and umpires, the psychology behind arguments, and whether there’s truly an art form to getting tossed. (0:00) The art of the ejection (2:09) Aaron Boone and Joe West join the show (2:22) Relationship between Managers and Umpires (3:36) What makes a good umpire? (4:45) Joe West’s first ejection victim Joe Torre (7:40) Umpire’s jobs during the game (9:45) Aaron and Joe’s ejection records (11:15) More on Joe Torre (12:25) Growing up in a big league clubhouse (14:28) Speeding up guys at the plate (15:30) Joe West insulting Big Papi (17:00) Boone ejected in 1st MLB game (20:33) Umpires fining players & equipment violations (22:50) Ejecting Bobby Cox from WS (24:10) Savages in the box ejection (26:25) Calling and arguing balls and strikes (29:35) Is there an art form to the ejection? (31:45) ABS affecting Boone’s ejection rate (33:03) Have you ever intentionally tried to get ejected (34:34) Everyone’s ejected, see you next time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 5 · 48 min
Baseball Dictionary
Jeff and Richard Staff dive into the language of baseball. They explore their favorite terms, with help from Hall of Famer George Brett, Pete Fairbanks, and Tim Kurkjian along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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