MiLB podcast: Salem RidgeYaks rebrand, Cubs' Brayden Spears

Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other podcast-listening apps. This episode can also be found on Minor League Baseball's official YouTube page. Send questions or feedback to podcast@milb.com, and follow hosts Sam Dykstra (@samdykstramilb.bsky.social) and Tyler Maun (@tylermaun.com) on Bluesky and Benjamin Hill (@bensbiz) on X and Bluesky (@bensbiz.bsky.social).

Intro/Ben's Biz Banter (0:00)

Ben and Tyler lament Sam's absence but ultimately decide the podcast is better without him. They then discuss the Salem RidgeYaks, the new identity of Boston's Single-A affiliate. They also make note of the Modesto Glow Riders, who will make their debut in 2026.

Brayden Spears interview (18:58)

Ben shares an interview from his visit to Myrtle Beach, when he spoke to Pelicans relief pitcher Brayden Spears. The 24-year-old pitched for three colleges and spent three years with the Pioneer League's Boise Hawks before breaking into affiliated ball. Oh, and he also owns a share of a bucking bull.

On-field chatter (29:35)

Tyler, showing perseverance in the face of Sam's absence, soldiers on with an update on the Arizona Fall League as the prospect-laden circuit chugs towards its Championship Game.

Wrapping up (34:54)

What do the Hickory Crawdads, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Lake County Captains and the Bowling Green Hot Rods all have in common? The answer may shock you, but more likely it will mildly interest you.