Why the Dodgers $700M Gamble Could BACKFIRE in 2025?

Join us on this jam-packed episode of The Deferrals as we dive into the latest MLB drama, starting with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rollercoaster start to the 2025 season! Hosts Matt Higgins and Matt Johnson welcome Newsweek’s national baseball writer J.P. Hoornstra to break down the Dodgers’ early 8-0 surge, their recent slump against the Phillies and Nationals, and the struggles of big offseason acquisitions Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell. Are the Dodgers still World Series favorites despite injuries to stars like Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw? Plus, we get the scoop on Shohei Ohtani’s mysterious pitching return and the controversial rise of Torpedo Bats in baseball.

But that’s just the beginning! We also unpack Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s massive 14-year, $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays—securing their franchise face for life—and debate whether this deal signals a spending shift in Toronto. Then, we turn to the NL West, where the San Diego Padres (9-2) and San Francisco Giants (8-2) are shockingly outpacing the Dodgers. Can the Giants’ hot start, led by Wilmer Flores’ power surge, hold up?

Finally, we wrap with our Stock Up, Stock Down segment, spotlighting Hunter Greene’s dominance, Vlad’s payday, and the Atlanta Braves’ alarming 1-8 stumble. Don’t miss our power rankings tease—head to SportsNot.com to see who’s #1 after the Dodgers’ latest slip!

⏰ Timecodes:
00:00 – Intro: Dodgers Drama Kicks Off the Show
02:00 – J.P. Hornstra Interview: Dodgers Slump, Sasaki Struggles, & Ohtani Update
20:00 – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500M Blue Jays Extension
28:00 – NL West Surprises: Padres & Giants Steal the Spotlight
40:00 – Stock Up, Stock Down: Hunter Greene, Vlad, Braves, & More
50:00 – Outro: Power Rankings Tease & Listener Shoutouts

🔥 Follow us on Sportsnaut.com for MLB power rankings and more!

👍 Like, subscribe, and comment below—Matt Higgins will personally reply with a compliment to brighten your day!

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