The Inside Pitch w/Josh Towers: Ep 8

Former MLB Pitcher Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg discuss the latest around Major League Baseball. Juan Soto's struggles, the Dodgers slump and futures bets to make right now!

In this episode, Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers dissect a range of MLB storylines, with a heavy focus on Juan Soto’s troubled transition to the Mets. Soto’s recent on-field behavior—particularly his lack of hustle on a hit off the Green Monster and only securing one hit across three games against the Yankees—sparked criticism. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced plans to speak with Soto about his effort. Towers emphasized how professional athletes are expected to hustle regardless of performance, especially when part of a new organization. He critiqued Soto’s declining stats (.246 average in 2025, subpar defense) and called out the media narrative that built him up unrealistically since his 2020 breakout. He believes the $765 million valuation raised unsustainable expectations.

Michael Kay, based on conversations with Mets and Yankees insiders, claimed Soto appears “glum” and without joy. Soto reportedly preferred to remain a Yankee, but his family urged him to accept the Mets' offer. Towers, who played for both franchises, praised the Yankees for their professionalism and structure, saying it fosters respect and accountability. In contrast, he noted that the Mets, while improving, still lack the Yankees’ foundational stability.

Scott and Josh then evaluated the NL East race. Seidenberg endorsed betting on the Phillies to win the division at +130, noting their strong veteran core (Harper, Schwarber, Wheeler) and manager Dave Dombrowski’s history of bold moves. Josh echoed this but pointed out the Phillies’ need for young talent infusion, something they’ve lacked in recent years. They also discussed the Braves’ resurgence, who started 0-8 but have since gone 24-15, with key players like Max Fried returning.

Shifting to the Dodgers, both hosts criticized Dave Roberts’ pitching management. The team’s constant injuries and overuse of bullpen arms have led to four consecutive home losses. Towers questioned the effectiveness of the organization’s throwing programs and training strategies. Despite Yamamoto’s reliability, the rest of the rotation, including Snell, Glasnow, and Kershaw, remains inconsistent or injured.

Fried’s Cy Young candidacy was explored in depth. With a 1.29 ERA and consistent dominance, Josh called him the clear front-runner. Other contenders like Robbie Ray, Hunter Brown, and Chris Bubik were noted, though Fried’s consistency set him apart. On the offensive side, Pete Crow Armstrong's recent surge sparked MVP speculation, but Josh dismissed it due to his relatively weak OBP and limited consistency.

Attention turned to the Texas Rangers, whose rotation (deGrom, Eovaldi, Mowley) and improving offense make them serious contenders. The coaching shift toward personalized, non-analytic-heavy hitting plans has improved their situational batting. They also discussed trade rumors including Bo Bichette, Kenley Jansen, and Sandy Alcantara potentially moving before the deadline.

The Orioles and Rockies came under fire for poor development. The Rockies’ minus-150 run differential led Scott to predict they might break the all-time worst record. Josh argued that both teams lack direction and accountability, especially with player growth and clubhouse culture.

Lastly, home field advantage in 2025 has reached historic levels, with home teams winning 56.5% of games, the best rate since 2005. Betting trends show high returns for home favorites, and Seidenberg emphasized this is a year to follow such patterns. The hosts closed with MVP and Cy Young betting odds, a promo for Pregame.com, and a final note on the season’s unpredictability and remaining opportunities.

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