Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

John Smoltz Has An Idea to FIX the MLB Playoffs + Should Pitchers Be Able to Win MVP?

September 19, 2026·20 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

John Smoltz joins the show to explain the change he’d make to the MLB playoff format and why he thinks it could make October even better. We also debate whether pitchers should be able to win MVP, how much postseason experience really matters down the stretch, and what the Brewers and Rays clinching playoff spots says about the big-market vs. small-market debate in baseball. Plus, Smoltz breaks down what separates teams when the pressure ramps up and the postseason gets closer. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:28 Smoltz joins 3:24 How Does Experience Help? 5:38 Should Pitchers Win MVP? 8:53 Rays/Brewers First Teams in Playoffs 12:36 How to Change Playoff Format 17:47 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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