Fastball

Payoff Pitch Podcast: MLB Opening Week Winners And Losers, Extensions, Torpedo Bats

After the first week of the 2025 MLB season, "On SI" baseball writers Tom Brew, Brady Farkas, Jack Ankony and Brandon Brown met for another episode of the Payoff Pitch Podcast to discuss the Dodgers' 8-0 start, the Braves' 0-7 record, Garrett Crochet's extension, Kyle Tucker's future, torpedo bats and more news around the league.
Jack Ankony, Brady Farkas, Tom Brew|
Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) throws against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) throws against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles DodgersAtlanta BravesToronto Blue JaysTampa Bay RaysNew York YankeesBoston Red SoxChicago White SoxMinnesota TwinsOakland AthleticsSeattle MarinersPhiladelphia PhilliesChicago CubsSan Diego Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Bravers were expected to be two of the top candidates to represent the National League in the World Series, but they've gotten off to opposite starts in 2025.

The Dodgers have lived up to the hype at 8-0, and they look like a well-oiled machine with three MVP winners in the lineup and a deep pitching staff. It's still early, but the Braves have to start hitting before an 0-7 start gets much worse.

On a new episode of the Payoff Pitch Podcast, Tom Brew, Brady Farkas, Jack Ankony and Brandon Brown discussed the Dodgers' chances of setting the MLB wins record, how concerned they are about the Braves and other takeaways from the first week of the MLB season. They also broke down Garrett Crochet's extension with the Red Sox, whether the Cubs should lock up Kyle Tucker with a long-term extension, the Athletics and Rays playing in minor league stadiums, surprising White Sox pitching stats, torpedo bats and more.

Watch the full episode below.

Related stories on MLB

  • JUDGE MATCHES RUTH: Aaron Judge crushed another home run in the Yankees' win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday, reaching five home runs and 15 RBI through six games. CLICK HERE
  • OTTAVINO DFA'D: Adam Ottavino didn't allow a hit or run in either of his appearances with the New York Yankees this week, but he lost his spot on the 40-man roster when Devin Williams was activated from the paternity list. CLICK HERE
  • SENZATELA SOMEHOW SPOTLESS: While Antonio Senzatela gave up 10 hits against the Phillies on Thursday, all the Rockies veteran allowed was one unearned run. CLICK HERE
  • ALTUVE FALLS FLAT: Jose Altuve went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts against the Twins on Thursday, becoming the first Astros player to record a platinum sombrero since 2018. CLICK HERE

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Published
Jack Ankony
JACK ANKONY

Jack Ankony covers baseball for “Fastball on SI.” He has been with the Sports Illustrated network since 2022. He graduated from Indiana University's Media School with a degree in journalism in 2022. Follow Jack on Twitter @ankony_jack

Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

Tom Brew
TOM BREW

Tom Brew is a long-time award-winning writer and editor for some of the best newspapers in America, including the Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and South Florida Sun Sentinel. He has been a publisher with Sports Illustrated/FanNation for five years. He also has written four books.

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