Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci recap 'Cubs Convention 2026' celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Cubs World Series. Joe touches on the some of the conversations he had and how the team coming back together was such a special event. Tom notes the connection this team had with Cubs fans after ending the long drought in Chicago.

Turning to contracts and deals being done, Tom points out the real eye-popping numbers in the Dodgers deal with Kyle Tucker. Is there a shift to high value, shorter term deals? Andruw Jones and Carlos Betran are the newest Hall of Fame members.

Plus, Indiana wins the CFB Championship and Tom asks Joe about the aura of Head Coach Curt Cignetti.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci welcome Ken Lazarus to the podcast! Ken is the CEO of Infinite Sky AI and explains what his company can do for pitching and baseball. Tom notes the amount of data that's used for this process and what makes compiling a real answer so hard. Joe asks about the impact on scouting and the ability to predict future talent or even needs for a team at the trade deadline. This is an informative and entertaining look at the future of baseball!

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci reflect on their holidays and start with a note from the NFL and the Raiders. Joe talks about coaches/managers being let go after 1 season and how it reflects on those decision-makers. Tom asks about the growing staffs on teams and how that affects chemistry and performance. Don Mattingly is headed to the Phillies and Tom explains why he likes the move and Don!

Tom looks at players that are available and players you'd take the risk on. What moves are the Blue Jays making to keep their momentum?

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Host Tom Verducci welcomes the coming New Year by celebrating the 90th birthday of Sandy Koufax! Tom looks back and the accomplishments of Koufax and how his career started and how he ended as a Hall of Famer, 4x World Series Champion, and 3x Cy Young Award winner. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh wins the SI Breakout Player Award. Tom documents his career from getting cut in high school to making the Major Leagues. What happens next for Raleigh and how does he respond after his 60 home run season?

Pitchers are throwing faster than ever, but using less fastballs overall. Tom brings out the data from this season to look at where the use of the fastball is heading. Throwing 100mph used to be an anomaly, now every team has a pitcher that hits the mark. The number of 100mph pitches has quadrupled in just the 6 years! Tom wraps up 2025 with some MLB news on the A's and the future of Alex Bregman.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the recent trade of Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, exploring his potential impact and the dynamics of the Red Sox roster. It's a competitive landscape in the AL East,what are the strengths and weaknesses of the teams? Luke Weaver signs with the Mets and we touch on the evolving role of relief pitchers in today's game. Tom notes Adrian Houser switching to the Carnivore diet, could Joe stick to that menu?

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci are watching free agency moves and focus on the NL East. Tom notes the Phillies signing Adolis Garcia and how the team is looking for a turaround. What does this mean for the future of Nick Castellanos? Tom moves onto the Braves' depth strategy and the Mets' shift towards a more defensive approach. What is available in free agency for starting pitchers or other impact players? Tom and Joe also pay tribute to George Altman, reflecting on his diverse career and dedication to baseball.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci discuss the MLB Winter Meetings with Tom joining us from Orlando. Kyle Schwarber re-signs with the Phillies and Joe explains how both sides fit each other so well. How did the Schwarber deal help shape the future of Pete Alonso in Baltimore? Edwin Diaz heads to the Dodgers, but how do the Mets respond? Plus, Tom gives an update on the Rays new stadium while they quietly made an impactful deal.

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Hosts Joe Maddon and Tom Verducci explore players available in free agency and some of the early signings we've seen. Tom notes reliever Devin Williams leaving the Yankees to sign with the Mets. The MLB Hall of Fame's 2026 Contemporary Baseball Era ballot features 8 players. Which three would Joe choose for the Hall? Plus, Joe gives his thoughts on the Rays hiring Brandon Hyde.

The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeart Radio.

For more info on Joe's event in Tampa, Fl. please check out:

Joe Maddon's Thanksmas

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