Clayton Kershaw has cemented his legacy as one of baseball's greatest, reaching the impressive milestone of 3,000 career strikeouts. On July 3, 2025, Kershaw achieved this feat against the backdrop of a home crowd, showcasing his talent and determination. The event has sparked discussions among analysts about who might follow in his footsteps, with names like Gerrit Cole and Chris Sale coming up as potential successors.

The episode also touches on the ongoing struggles of the New York Yankees, who find themselves battling with the Toronto Blue Jays for the top spot in the AL East. Additionally, the announcement of the All-Star Game starters has fans buzzing, and the hosts tackle various questions from listeners, reflecting on the current state of the league.

The New York Yankees' roster decisions are coming under scrutiny as the struggles of Jazz Chisholm Jr. raise questions about personnel choices. Gleyber Torres, once blamed for the team's woes, is thriving in Detroit, earning an All-Star nod while Chisholm, asked to play out of position, is struggling at third base. The front office's insistence on maintaining unbalanced infield configurations puts pressure on DJ LeMahieu, who reportedly is not refusing to play elsewhere but rather is caught in the complexities of the current setup. The Yankees' front office, led by Brian Cashman, must reconsider its approach and take responsibility for these ongoing issues, as blaming players for their discomfort does not address the core of the problem.

The Toronto Blue Jays have a significant opportunity to sweep the New York Yankees, marking their first four-game sweep since 2021, which would place them in sole possession of first place in the American League East. The Blue Jays, currently tied with the Yankees at 48-38, will rely on Chris Bassitt, who aims to recover from a rough outing against the Red Sox where he allowed nine runs in two innings. Meanwhile, Clarke Schmidt steps up for the Yankees, who are looking to halt a slump that has seen them drop 13 of their last 19 games.

The stakes are high as the Blue Jays' bullpen has seen heavy use, and the Yankees' relievers have struggled, leading to 12 earned runs in just nine innings in the series. With both starting pitchers coming off poor performances, the matchup looms critical for each team's momentum heading into the latter part of the season.

The New York Yankees are in urgent need of a third baseman following Oswaldo Cabrera's injury, prompting speculation around potential trades. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, analysts believe the Yankees will pursue a player who can significantly impact their lineup, potentially allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to second base.

One prominent target identified is Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Currently enjoying a solid season with 26 home runs and 69 RBIs, Suárez could provide the Yankees with the middle-of-the-order bat they desperately need. Analysts suggest a potential trade involving right-handed pitcher Carlos Lagrange, ranked as the Yankees' fifth prospect, could be on the table.

Cal Raleigh's breakout season has placed him as a top contender in the AL MVP race, currently sitting just behind Aaron Judge in latest polls. The Seattle Mariners catcher is enjoying a stellar performance, boasting a .272 batting average with 33 home runs before the All-Star break, which marks a record for catchers at this point in the season. Raleigh's contributions have been pivotal in keeping the Mariners in the playoff hunt, currently positioned second in the AL West.

This strong showing comes after the Mariners' disappointing prior season, where expectations were low. Raleigh's six-year, $105 million contract is looking like a bargain for a player who not only delivers offensively but also provides elite defense behind the plate. As the season progresses, there's growing optimism that Raleigh can continue this momentum and perhaps even secure the MVP title, reinforcing his status as a dark horse candidate.