Jayson Stark
@jaysonst.bsky.social
Baseball writer at The Athletic. Starkville pod. MLB Net. Winner of 2019 BBWAA Career Excellence Award. Launched hot dogs with the Phanatic. Living the dream
Pinned
It's one of my favorite columns of the year...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Jayson Stark
What players could get traded in spring training?
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
MLB insiders predict the players most likely to get traded in 2026 spring training
Will there be a good old-fashioned blockbuster deal this spring? Never say never! Our panel weighs in on the players who could get traded.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:26 PM
What players could get traded in spring training?
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
What players could get traded in spring training?
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
MLB insiders predict the players most likely to get traded in 2026 spring training
Will there be a good old-fashioned blockbuster deal this spring? Never say never! Our panel weighs in on the players who could get traded.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:26 PM
What players could get traded in spring training?
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
In the latest installment of my annual spring-preview survey, I asked that question - and got 28 names back!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Jayson Stark
It's one of my favorite columns of the year...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
February 14, 2026 at 2:07 PM
It's one of my favorite columns of the year...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
It's one of my favorite columns of the year...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
February 14, 2026 at 2:07 PM
It's one of my favorite columns of the year...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
So I'm making it free for all to read with this gift link!
Most improved/least improved teams
Best/worst free agents
Best trades
Spring story lines
And of course we play the popular game, "Name 6 Rockies!"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Jayson Stark
Just posted: One of my favorite columns of every year.
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
2026 spring training survey: MLB insiders on the players, teams and storylines to watch
We asked 36 executives, retired executives, managers, coaches and scouts to weigh in on the biggest storylines of this winter and spring.
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Just posted: One of my favorite columns of every year.
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Just posted: One of my favorite columns of every year.
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
2026 spring training survey: MLB insiders on the players, teams and storylines to watch
We asked 36 executives, retired executives, managers, coaches and scouts to weigh in on the biggest storylines of this winter and spring.
www.nytimes.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Just posted: One of my favorite columns of every year.
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
It's the annual spring-preview survey!
Most/least improved teams
Best/worst free-agent signings
Best trades
Best free-agent "bargains"
And we play America's favorite game: "Name 6 Rockies"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
ICYMI
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
February 11, 2026 at 1:56 PM
ICYMI
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Speaking of this guy...
After Verlander/Scherzer/Kershaw, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
If so...how exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I wrote about that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Verlander/Scherzer/Kershaw, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
If so...how exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I wrote about that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
February 10, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Speaking of this guy...
After Verlander/Scherzer/Kershaw, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
If so...how exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I wrote about that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Verlander/Scherzer/Kershaw, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
If so...how exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I wrote about that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Reposted by Jayson Stark
New column:
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
February 10, 2026 at 2:07 PM
New column:
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
New column:
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
February 10, 2026 at 2:07 PM
New column:
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
After Kershaw/Verlander/Scherzer, will there ever be another Hall of Fame starting pitcher?
Sure, you say.
Oh, really? How exactly will we figure out what one looks like?
I dug in on that question, with help from some HOF starters.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
I’ve already subscribed!
We need to support great writers and reporters like Mark
We need to support great writers and reporters like Mark
Stunning stat from Mark: There’s now only 1 professional media outlet covering the Nats day to day: MLB.com, the league-owned outlet.
Support Mark’s newsletter if you can.
Support Mark’s newsletter if you can.
Pitchers and catchers report for spring training tomorrow. And so do I.
Welcome to Nats Journal. Hope you'll join me on this new endeavor, and hope you'll help spread the word!
natsjournal.com/p/welcome-to...
Welcome to Nats Journal. Hope you'll join me on this new endeavor, and hope you'll help spread the word!
natsjournal.com/p/welcome-to...
February 10, 2026 at 3:36 AM
I’ve already subscribed!
We need to support great writers and reporters like Mark
We need to support great writers and reporters like Mark
Just posted:
No robot umps in the WBC this year
But pitch clocks will make their WBC debut
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
No robot umps in the WBC this year
But pitch clocks will make their WBC debut
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
World Baseball Classic will feature pitch clock but no ABS challenge system
The tournament will use the same pitch-timer rules in place in MLB but won't feature the Automated Ball-Strike System challenge system.
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Just posted:
No robot umps in the WBC this year
But pitch clocks will make their WBC debut
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
No robot umps in the WBC this year
But pitch clocks will make their WBC debut
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Since there's (shockingly) been a lot of pushback on this ...
Every one of those last 10 World Series has featured at least one team with a title drought of between 14 and 108 years.
And eight or them featured a team that had gone at least a quarter-century.
#facts
Every one of those last 10 World Series has featured at least one team with a title drought of between 14 and 108 years.
And eight or them featured a team that had gone at least a quarter-century.
#facts
Your annual MLB vs NFL parity report
Champs last 10 seasons:
MLB: 7 teams
NFL 6 teams
Teams in "finals" last 10 seasons:
MLB 13
NFL 9
Reminder: The NFL is the "any team can win" league
Champs last 10 seasons:
MLB: 7 teams
NFL 6 teams
Teams in "finals" last 10 seasons:
MLB 13
NFL 9
Reminder: The NFL is the "any team can win" league
February 9, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Since there's (shockingly) been a lot of pushback on this ...
Every one of those last 10 World Series has featured at least one team with a title drought of between 14 and 108 years.
And eight or them featured a team that had gone at least a quarter-century.
#facts
Every one of those last 10 World Series has featured at least one team with a title drought of between 14 and 108 years.
And eight or them featured a team that had gone at least a quarter-century.
#facts
Your annual MLB vs NFL parity report
Champs last 10 seasons:
MLB: 7 teams
NFL 6 teams
Teams in "finals" last 10 seasons:
MLB 13
NFL 9
Reminder: The NFL is the "any team can win" league
Champs last 10 seasons:
MLB: 7 teams
NFL 6 teams
Teams in "finals" last 10 seasons:
MLB 13
NFL 9
Reminder: The NFL is the "any team can win" league
February 9, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Your annual MLB vs NFL parity report
Champs last 10 seasons:
MLB: 7 teams
NFL 6 teams
Teams in "finals" last 10 seasons:
MLB 13
NFL 9
Reminder: The NFL is the "any team can win" league
Champs last 10 seasons:
MLB: 7 teams
NFL 6 teams
Teams in "finals" last 10 seasons:
MLB 13
NFL 9
Reminder: The NFL is the "any team can win" league
It's hard to imagine a world with no Buck in the booth.
A legend. A guy everyone in every ballpark was happy to see. And an analyst who always told us something we didn't know during every game.
Congrats on a remarkable baseball life, Buck. What a career.
A legend. A guy everyone in every ballpark was happy to see. And an analyst who always told us something we didn't know during every game.
Congrats on a remarkable baseball life, Buck. What a career.
“This is what I enjoy. Talking to the players on the field. My goal as a broadcaster is to bring something to the broadcast every night that nobody knew.”
On Buck Martinez announcing his retirement — a #BlueJays legend: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
On Buck Martinez announcing his retirement — a #BlueJays legend: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Blue Jays’ Buck Martinez, voice for generations of Canadian baseball fans, retires
Martinez wrote in a statement that "it's time to pass the torch."
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM
It's hard to imagine a world with no Buck in the booth.
A legend. A guy everyone in every ballpark was happy to see. And an analyst who always told us something we didn't know during every game.
Congrats on a remarkable baseball life, Buck. What a career.
A legend. A guy everyone in every ballpark was happy to see. And an analyst who always told us something we didn't know during every game.
Congrats on a remarkable baseball life, Buck. What a career.
Tigers payroll...
2021 Tigers (all of them): $80.87 million
2026 Tigers (just Skubal & Framber): $70.33 million
2021 Tigers (all of them): $80.87 million
2026 Tigers (just Skubal & Framber): $70.33 million
February 5, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Tigers payroll...
2021 Tigers (all of them): $80.87 million
2026 Tigers (just Skubal & Framber): $70.33 million
2021 Tigers (all of them): $80.87 million
2026 Tigers (just Skubal & Framber): $70.33 million
It shouldn't surprise anyone who knows him that Brad Lidge felt the need to call Orion Kerkering.
But Matt has amazing details here about their unforgettable conversation.
"That’s what I wanted him to know, really. ‘Hey, we’ve all got your backs.’ I felt like he should know that right away.”
But Matt has amazing details here about their unforgettable conversation.
"That’s what I wanted him to know, really. ‘Hey, we’ve all got your backs.’ I felt like he should know that right away.”
What happens after a season-ending error? Orion Kerkering did not run from it this offseason. "It's going to affect me for the rest of my life," he said. "No matter where I go."
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
A season-ending error changed Orion Kerkering. Now, he’s embracing the challenges ahead
He looks different now. He's in better shape, the result of a diligent winter. He sounds different. He is clear-eyed about what lies ahead.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:29 PM
It shouldn't surprise anyone who knows him that Brad Lidge felt the need to call Orion Kerkering.
But Matt has amazing details here about their unforgettable conversation.
"That’s what I wanted him to know, really. ‘Hey, we’ve all got your backs.’ I felt like he should know that right away.”
But Matt has amazing details here about their unforgettable conversation.
"That’s what I wanted him to know, really. ‘Hey, we’ve all got your backs.’ I felt like he should know that right away.”
Reposted by Jayson Stark
What happens after a season-ending error? Orion Kerkering did not run from it this offseason. "It's going to affect me for the rest of my life," he said. "No matter where I go."
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
A season-ending error changed Orion Kerkering. Now, he’s embracing the challenges ahead
He looks different now. He's in better shape, the result of a diligent winter. He sounds different. He is clear-eyed about what lies ahead.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:58 PM
What happens after a season-ending error? Orion Kerkering did not run from it this offseason. "It's going to affect me for the rest of my life," he said. "No matter where I go."
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
He knows the challenge that awaits him: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
The last Giant to win a batting title?
A guy named Buster Posey in 2012.
Has any former batting champ signed another batting champ as a free agent?
Fun research project for somebody (probably me)
A guy named Buster Posey in 2012.
Has any former batting champ signed another batting champ as a free agent?
Fun research project for somebody (probably me)
Luis Arraez took a one-year deal worth $12 million, which is less than the $14 million he made last season via arbitration.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Giants sign Luis Arraez to 1-year, $12 million deal: Sources
Arraez is the first player to win three consecutive batting titles for a different team in each season.
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:03 PM
The last Giant to win a batting title?
A guy named Buster Posey in 2012.
Has any former batting champ signed another batting champ as a free agent?
Fun research project for somebody (probably me)
A guy named Buster Posey in 2012.
Has any former batting champ signed another batting champ as a free agent?
Fun research project for somebody (probably me)
Reposted by Jayson Stark
New from me:
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
January 26, 2026 at 2:35 PM
New from me:
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
New from me:
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
January 26, 2026 at 2:35 PM
New from me:
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
I answered your Hall of Fame questions
Pettitte vs Bonds/Clemens
Hamels vs Felix
Rollins vs Abreu
Schilling, Whitaker & 3 more players we've whiffed on
The All One-Vote-for-the-HOF team
And lots more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
I asked Carlos Beltran today to reflect on his ties to the 2017 Astros.
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:16 PM
I asked Carlos Beltran today to reflect on his ties to the 2017 Astros.
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
I asked Carlos Beltran today to reflect on his ties to the 2017 Astros.
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Carlos Beltrán: Astros' cheating scandal 'doesn't define' me
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:55 AM
I asked Carlos Beltran today to reflect on his ties to the 2017 Astros.
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
He didn't separate himself from what happened that season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones are in the Hall of Fame house!
January 22, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones are in the Hall of Fame house!
ICYMI from yesterday.
I keep hearing people say Buster Posey can't be a Hall of Famer with only 1500 hits. In this piece, I explained why, if you're just focusing on that, you're looking at the wrong stuff!
I keep hearing people say Buster Posey can't be a Hall of Famer with only 1500 hits. In this piece, I explained why, if you're just focusing on that, you're looking at the wrong stuff!
If you thought this year's Hall of Fame election was a ground breaker, just wait until next year!
I wrote about what's coming in 2027
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
I wrote about what's coming in 2027
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The Baseball Hall of Fame in 2027: Land of the Giants
Next year could see Buster Posey elected, along with former Giants managers Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker. Here's what else we'll be watching.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:19 PM
ICYMI from yesterday.
I keep hearing people say Buster Posey can't be a Hall of Famer with only 1500 hits. In this piece, I explained why, if you're just focusing on that, you're looking at the wrong stuff!
I keep hearing people say Buster Posey can't be a Hall of Famer with only 1500 hits. In this piece, I explained why, if you're just focusing on that, you're looking at the wrong stuff!