Explore every episode of the podcast Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick: A San Francisco Giants Podcast (and Blog!) | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:01:13 | |
After six years and 1,600+ episodes with Locked On Giants, Ben Kaspick is starting something new: Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick. This short trailer explains what the show is (and isnāt), how often you can expect new episodes, and what kind of Giants talk youāll hear here (and read here): stat-savvy, soulful, and always ad-free. š¬ Subscribe for email updates and full posts: š benkaspick.com š Missed the full welcome post? Read it here: š Welcome (Back) ā and What Comes Next š¦ Follow me on Twitter/X for real-time updates: š @BenKaspick This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.benkaspick.com/subscribe | |||
| SF Giantsā Playoff Odds Crushed by Brutal Home Collapse: 15 Losses in 16 Games | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:44:02 | |
This debut episode is free for all. Future episodes may be paywalled, with full access for paid subscribers. Your support keeps the show independent and ad-free! The San Francisco Giants recently dropped 15 of 16 at homeātheir worst stretch since 1901āand the timing couldnāt be stranger. Just two months ago, the SF Giants were one win away from first place in the NL West. Since, after trading for Rafael Devers, the Giants have somehow been the worst team in baseball. In the debut episode of Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick, host Ben Kaspick breaks down whatās gone wrong: Deversā strikeout surge, Patrick Baileyās offensive struggles, the cursed run support for Justin Verlander, and how a 1ā15 home stretch sunk their playoff odds to 1.8%. He also digs into how an 8-8 recordāinstead of an unfathomable 1-15 recordāduring this recent stretch of home games would have left the Giants in sole possession of a playoff spot. Plus: how Wilmer Flores and Heliot Ramos have fallen flat, and which young batsāCasey Schmitt, Christian Kossāmight offer a glimmer of hope for the future. This is an independent, ad-free show. No segments, no scripts, no hot-take factory. Just clear, stat-based San Francisco Giants talk from Ben Kaspick, whoās been covering this team since 2015. Follow and subscribe on all podcast platforms: Substack: benkaspick.com Apple: apple.co/4n8xt9F Spotify: bit.ly/Spotify-BK YouTube: bit.ly/YouTube-BK Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter and Bluesky, where heāll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans. Twitter/X: x.com/BenKaspick Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/benkaspick.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.benkaspick.com/subscribe | |||
| SF Giantsā Hottest Stretch Yet: Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and a Benches-Clearing Brawl in Denver | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:39:37 | |
The San Francisco Giants have flipped the script, shaking off doom and gloom to become one of the hottest teams in baseball. Todayās podcast is fully free, but future episodes (and current written content) will be paywalled. For $5 a month (or $50 a year) youāll get full access to all content and support clear, independent, ad-free Giants coverage. Former Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick breaks down Rafael Deversā explosive tear (his 30th homer, the SF Giantsā hardest-hit blast of the Statcast era, and his fiery clash with Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland), Willy Adamesā push toward an extremely rare 30-HR season in orange and black, and the teamās benches-clearing brawl in Colorado. With just 23 games remaining, the Giants are only 4.5 games back of a playoff spot and riding MLBās longest consecutive-game home run streak of the season. Could this possibly be the start of something special in San Francisco? Timeās running out, but the Giants are still alive and playing their best baseball of the season. Subscribe for clear, ad-free Giants coverage This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.benkaspick.com/subscribe | |||
| Giants Miss Playoffs Again: Breaking Down San Franciscoās 2025 Collapse | 27 Sep 2025 | 00:39:18 | |
The San Francisco Giants have officially missed the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons, despite headline moves like acquiring Rafael Devers and signing Willy Adames. How did a roster with Devers, Adames, Matt Chapman, Logan Webb, and Robbie Ray still collapse down the stretch? And what does it say about the SF Giantsā future under Buster Poseyās leadership? In this episode of Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick, Ben dives into: The brutal 1ā15 home stretch that sunk the Giantsā season. Why wasting the prime of Logan Webb is so frustrating, even after three straight 200-inning campaigns. Breakout signs from Bryce Eldridge and what his arrival means for 2026 and beyond. Bob Melvinās uncertain future as manager and what Zach Manassianās recent comments reveal. The Giantsā payroll outlook, upcoming free agents (Justin Verlander, Wilmer Flores, Tom Murphy), and potential offseason targets. Itās another season of disappointment in San Francisco, but there are real reasons for hope if Posey and the front office can deliver more bold moves this winter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.benkaspick.com/subscribe | |||
| Giants Close In on Tony Vitello: A Bold, Unprecedented Move by Buster Posey | 18 Oct 2025 | 00:13:48 | |
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.benkaspick.com The San Francisco Giants are on the verge of making baseball history. According to multiple top reportersāJeff Passan, Ken Rosenthal, Andrew Baggarly, and othersāthe Giants are closing in on hiring Tennessee Vols head coach Tony Vitello as their next manager. Stay in the Giants loop š§” If the deal goes through, Vitello would become the first manager in MLB⦠| |||
| Whatās Next for the SF Giants After Tony Vitello? Staff Openings, Rotation Holes, Roster Logjam, Tatsuya Imai Watch | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:25:24 | |
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.benkaspick.com Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick brings data, insight, and personality together in a smart, independent show breaking down everything happening (and not happening) around the San Francisco Giants. Host Ben Kaspick, who covered the Giants professionally for more than six years at Locked On Giants, returns with deep analysis, sharp perspective, and a decade of podcasting experience. In this episode, Ben recaps a busy and bizarre offseason stretch: Tony Vitelloās unprecedented jump from Tennessee to the Giants dugout, the delayed completion of the coaching staff, rumored hires like Jayce Tingler, Hunter Mense, Justin Meccage, and Frank Anderson, and the clubās push to modernize player development. He breaks down the Giantsā biggest needs for 2026, the early impact of Dylan Ceaseās $210M deal on the pitching market, and why San Francisco must get aggressive in free agency and trades if they want to avoid mediocre season. Ben also looks at roster crunches, out-of-options dilemmas, potential trades involving Marco Luciano or Luis Matos, and what league executives are saying about Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, who multiple MLB insiders predict could land in San Francisco. If youāre a Giants fan who wants smart analysis, front-office context, real roster insight, and zero fluff, youāre in the right place. | |||
| Giants Add Pitching, Chase Brendan Donovanāand Why Ketel Marte Doesnāt Add Up | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:22:40 | |
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.benkaspick.com Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick In this episode, Ben breaks down a flurry of San Francisco Giants news as the offseason begins to take real shape. From new pitching additions to emerging trade rumorsāplus a major Hall of Fame momentāthereās a lot to unpack. š¹ Giants Signings: Hauser, Foley, and Hentges The Giants add three arms to a pitching staff with plenty of question marks: Adrian Houser reportedly agrees to a two-year, $22 million deal, giving the rotation a veteran, ground-ball-heavy arm who raises the floor but doesnāt necessarily move the ceiling. Jason Foley signs a one-year deal after being non-tendered by Detroit. Foley brings elite ground-ball rates and past closing experience, though heās expected to miss roughly half of the season due to injury. Sam Hentges, a left-hander with strikeout ability and velocity, join SF on a one-year deal and is expected to be ready by Opening Day. Ben digs into what these moves say about the Giantsā pitching philosophy, bullpen construction, and remaining needs, especially after recent departures and injuries. š¹ Rotation Outlook & What Comes Next With Logan Webb at the top and uncertainty behind him, the Giants appear far from done: Robbie Rayās late-season struggles The roles of young arms like Landon Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, and others Why adding āaverageā pitching still matters The front officeās stated goal of adding two starters, and who could still be in play š¹ Giants Named āFrontrunnersā for Brendan Donovan Reports link the Giants to Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan, a versatile, left-handed bat with elite contact skills. Ben explains: Why Donovan fits the Giantsā offensive profile His defensive versatility and platoon splits Contract status, arbitration outlook, and likely trade cost How he could slot in as an everyday second baseman ā or a super-utility option š¹ Why a Ketel Marte Trade Feels Unlikely The Giants are also rumored to have checked in on Ketel Marte, but Ben lays out why this scenario is far less realistic: Massive contract and team-control considerations Division-rival trade dynamics The prospect capital it would likely require š¹ Jeff Kent Elected to the Hall of Fame A huge moment for the franchise: Jeff Kent is elected to the MLB Hall of Fame via committee vote Heāll almost certainly enter wearing a Giants cap What this means historically for the organization, and why it matters š¹ More Giants Notes & Whatās Ahead Additional topics teased or discussed: Giants jumping to No. 4 overall in the MLB Draft Lottery Coaching staff additions, including Ron Washington and Jesse Chavez Marco Luciano being claimed off waivers ZiPS projections Rule 5 Draft activity Ongoing interest in Cody Bellinger Why thereās still a lot more coming this offseason š About This Podcast This is an independent, ad-free podcast supported by listeners. Some episodes and content are paywalled Full episodes available on Substack $5/month or $50/year for complete access and to support the show š Subscribe at BenKaspick.com or on Substack: Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick | |||
| Tyler Mahle and the Giantsā Reluctance to Go Big | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:16:07 | |
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.benkaspick.com The San Francisco Giants have officially signed Tyler Mahle to a one-year, $10 million deal, and that move raises more questions than answers. In this episode of Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick, Ben breaks down why Mahleās surface-level 2.18 ERA from last season doesnāt tell the full story, what the underlying numbers actually say, and why injury risk looms large for a rotation already packed with uncertainty. He also examines the SF Giantsā broader offseason approach, including their stated reluctance to commit long-term money to pitchers, how internal depth factors into the plan, and what that means for names like Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and the rest of the staff. Plus: ⢠Why the Giants may still be active via trade ⢠How payroll constraints, deferred money, and managerial costs are shaping decisions ⢠Where the roster looks stronger than it gets credit for, and where it doesnāt ⢠What realistic next moves could still make sense before Spring Training If youāre wondering what the Giants are actually doing this offseason, and whether this roster is good enough as currently constructed, this episode lays it all out. š Full episodes are available exclusively to paid subscribers on Substack. | |||
| Harrison Bader to the Giants: Defensive Fix or Another āMehā Move? What Still Needs to Happen | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:17:39 | |
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.benkaspick.com The San Francisco Giants are reportedly in agreement with Harrison Bader on a two-year, $20.5 million deal, and while the move clearly addresses a major need, it also continues the theme of a very āmehā offseason. In this episode of Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick, Ben breaks down who Harrison Bader actually is, why his 2025 offensive surge is unlikely to be sustainable, and why the SF Giants are really paying for elite center-field defense, leadership, and stabilityānot a breakout bat. Ben dives into: Why Baderās contract makes sense when you look past last yearās surface stats Statcast and Outs Above Average data that show just how bad the Giantsā outfield defense was, and how much Bader helps Why Jung Hoo Lee may be better suited for a corner spot, and how Bader changes the entire outfield dynamic The ripple effects for Heliot Ramos, Luis Matos, and Jerar Encarnacion Why the Giants still look unfinished without a true second baseman Concerns about the rotation and bullpen behind Logan Webb What an opportunistic moveāwhether a trade or a late pitching additionācould mean for the Giantsā playoff hopes The Giants have added solid players, but the big question remains: have they done enough? With pitchers and catchers reporting soon, the window to push in a little further is closing. š The first half of the episode is free. The full episode is available exclusively on Substack. Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspickāindependent, ad-free, rational San Francisco Giants analysis. | |||
| Are the Giants Really āAggressively Pursuingā a Second Baseman? Abrams, Donovan, Hoerner Breakdown | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:16:34 | |
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.benkaspick.com Ten days ago, ESPNās Jeff Passan reported that the San Francisco Giants were āaggressively pursuingā a second baseman, naming Nico Hoerner and Brendan Donovan as trade targets. Ten days later, nothing has happenedāand spring training is right around the corner. So whatās actually going on? In this episode of Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspick, Ben digs into the report, explains why Passanās word matters, and breaks down the three most realistic second base options for the Giants: Hoerner (Cubs), Donovan (Cardinals), and C.J. Abrams (Nationals). He looks at: āWhy the Giantsā interest in second base makes perfect sense āHow Hoernerās elite defense, speed, and Bay Area ties factor into the conversation āWhy Donovanās on-base skills, versatility, and likely acquisition cost could make him the best fit āHow Abramsā youth, power/speed combo, and team control change the calculus āContract status, years of control, defensive metrics, platoon splits, and realistic trade availability āWhat recent MLB trades (including MacKenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta) say about where the market is headed Ben also explains why the lack of immediate action doesnāt mean the Giants are done, why timing shouldn't matter too much, and which move he ultimately expects the front office to make. As always, this is independent, ad-free Giants analysis, grounded in data and roster contextānot agent-driven speculation. š The first portion of the episode is free. The full episode is available to subscribers on Substack. Giants Baseball with Ben Kaspickārational, detailed San Francisco Giants coverage, every step of the way. | |||