Opening Day 2026: Cubs Throw Cash at PCA; Pitching Ninja on the Best Pitches in Baseball

In this opening day episode of Baseball Tonight, host Buster Olney and guest Paul Hembikidis dive into the 2026 MLB season with a mix of player analysis, team projections, and deep dives into the evolution of pitching. The conversation kicks off with the Chicago Cubs' massive six-year, $115 million extension for center fielder Pete Crow Armstrong, with Olney and Hembikidis weighing in on the risk-reward of a player whose elite defense (noted for 19 five-star StatCast plays) may outweigh his inconsistent hitting. They then spotlight Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a potential MVP, drawing comparisons to Eddie Murray and highlighting his elite strikeout avoidance and power. The episode also celebrates the emergence of Detroit Tigers' Kevin McGonigal, whose minor league stats (160+ WRC+ and more walks than strikeouts) make him a rare talent, and praises the Tigers’ bold move to open the season with him. The second half features Rob Friedman, the 'Pitching Ninja,' discussing his new book *Unhittable*, which explores how technology, biomechanics, and data have revolutionized pitching. Friedman highlights pitchers like Mason Miller (best fastball), Nolan McClain (best breaking ball), and Logan Gilbert (best splitter), while emphasizing how modern pitchers now seek data-driven optimization. He reflects on the cultural shift in baseball—from old-school grit to analytics-driven mastery—and pays tribute to pioneers like Tom House and the impact of players like Paul Skeens and Shohei Otani. The episode closes with Bleacher Tweets, team win projections, and a heartfelt nod to Sarah Langs and her ALS advocacy through the 'Baseball is the Best' t-shirt campaign, raising $200,000.