Why Teams Give Near-MLB Prospects Guaranteed Millions

Eno, DVR, and Britt discuss a pair of eight-year extensions for two yet-to-debut shortstops -- Seattle's Colt Emerson and Milwaukee's Cooper Pratt -- before looking back at Roki Sasaki's first start of 2026 and digging into why the lofty expectations around him are unlikely to fall anytime soon. Plus, Andrew Baggarly joins the show to for our (belated, blame DVR) Giants season preview.

Rundown

1:50 Colt Emerson Gets Eight-Year Extension from Mariners

9:33 Cooper Pratt Gets Eight-Year Extension from Brewers

19:19 Examining Roki Sasaki’s First Start of 2026

25:45 The Weight of Expectations on Roki

33:15 Justin Verlander’s Return to the Tigers

41:04 An Immaculate Inning From Michael Soroka

42:43 2026 Giants Preview with Andrew Baggarly

43:39 Overall Impressions of Tony Vitello Early in Year 1

46:03 Luis Arraez’s Long-Term Future at Second Base

50:13 The Buster Posey Era: Is This Team Better Now Than It Was A Year Ago?

55:32 Assessments of Landen Roupp, Tyler Mahle & Adrian Houser

59:21 The Bullpen Comes Into Focus

1:04:54 PECOTA’s 82-Win Projection: Too Hot, Too Cold, or Just Right?

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Follow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.social

Follow Baggs on Bluesky: @andrewbaggarly.bsky.social

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Britt Ghiroli & Andrew Baggarly

Editor: Jason Potere

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