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 Sam open this week's show by looking at the new Carolina Reapers alternate identity coming to the Winston-Salem Dash in 2026 and review the storied career of longtime Triple-A Omaha manager Mike Jirschele upon the news of his retirement.
Chip Maxson interview (23:07)
Sacramento President/COO Chip Maxson was named the MiLB Executive of the Year for 2025 after a season in which the River Cats shared Sutter Health Park with the Athletics. He chatted with Ben about the award and year at large.
Arizona Fall League recap (39:23)
Sam mentions some of the early standouts through the first two weeks of Arizona Fall League play, including Pirates No. 15 prospect Esmerlyn Valdez.
Wrapping up (52:23)