Ep. 18 : Free Agency Bonanza

Ep. 18 : Free Agency Bonanza

Author: Mike Couillard November 9, 2023 Duration: 1:53:21
In our eighteenth episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing the Cubs hiring Craig Counsell while previewing the early offseason before briefly covering the release of Topps Archives. Then we analyze the MLB Trade Rumors' Top 10 free agents to evaluate the predicted landing spots while offering our best guesses and possible fantasy implications (29:22).

You can find us on twitter (X) at @cardscategories, @mcouill7, and @jbrewer17. Email the pod at cardscategories@gmail.com.

Links to things discussed in the pod:
Cards Discussion:
Upcoming baseball card releases:
  • 11/8: Topps Archives
  • 11/15: Topps Chrome Update
  • 11/22: Topps Museum
  • 12/6: Panini National Treasures
  • 12/6: Topps Inception
  • 12/16: Topps Japan Edition
  • 5/8/24: Bowman
Categories Discussion:
  • MLB Trade Rumors 2023-34 Top 50 Free Agents
  • 2024 NFBC draft data (change filter to start on 10/1/23)
  • Players analyzed and our signing team predictions:
    • Shohei Ohtani (Jeremy: LAD, Mike: NYY)
    • Cody Bellinger (Jeremy: NYY, Mike: ARI)
    • Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Jeremy: SFG, Mike: CHC)
    • Blake Snell (Jeremy: NYM, Mike: SFG)
    • Aaron Nola (Jeremy: STL, Mike: STL)
    • Jordan Montgomery (Jeremy: CHC, Mike: STL)
    • Matt Chapman (Jeremy: SFG, Mike: TOR)
    • Josh Hader (Jeremy: BOS, Mike: TEX)
    • Sonny Gray (Jeremy: STL, Mike: BOS)
    • Shota Imanaga (Jeremy: LAD, Mike: NYM)

Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer have a shared obsession that branches in two fascinating directions: the strategic depths of fantasy baseball and the nostalgic, tangible world of MLB card collecting. Their Cards & Categories podcast sits right at that unique intersection, creating a space where lineup decisions and auction values are debated with the same passion as rookie card prospecting and vintage set completion. It’s a conversation built for those who find equal joy in analyzing a player’s on-base percentage and the crisp corner of a mint-condition insert. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair at a local card shop or diving into a lively fantasy league chat, blending statistical deep dives with personal stories from the hobby. You’ll hear them break down weekly player performances for fantasy relevance while also discussing the cultural and financial currents within the sports card market. This isn’t just another baseball podcast; it’s a dedicated look at how our fandom manifests, both in digital leagues and in physical collections, all through the informed and often humorous perspective of two genuine enthusiasts. Tune in for a regular dose of actionable advice, collecting trends, and the simple pleasure of talking about the game from these two distinct, yet beautifully connected, angles.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 134

Cards & Categories
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 94 : 2025 Topps Series 2 Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:38
In our 94th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing how to navigate the latest devastating wave of injuries in fantasy leagues along with some recent promotions. Then we review the latest baseball ca…
Ep. 93 : Breakout Bats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:27
In our 93rd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by discussing Ronald Acuna Jr.'s return along with the news of latest injuries and roster machinations. Then we review eight young hitters that have performed at…
Ep. 92 : Time To Drop These Bats? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:33
In our 92nd episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by determining how doomed the Baltimore Orioles are before discussing the latest round of MLB injury and call-up news. Then we review seven hitters that required…
Ep. 91 : April Players Of The Month PC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:21
In our 91st episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by sending off Bud Black along with chatting about the latest callup and injury news. Then we review the MLB April Players of the Month and pick cards to place i…
Ep. 90 : 2025 Bowman Release Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:47
In our 90th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by chatting about the latest MLB moves and injuries to consider in fantasy leagues. Then we overview the latest and greatest baseball card release from 2025 Bowm…
Ep. 89 : What We Got Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:11
In our 89th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by chatting about a contender for the greatest catch ever along with discussion on the latest MLB moves and injuries, plus a new Bowman card buyback program. The…
Ep. 88 : 2025 Topps Heritage Overview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:43
In our 88th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by talking about the myriad of prospect callups that occurred this past week along with other news and notes on injuries and roster moves affecting fantasy leagu…
Ep. 87 : Stashable Minor Leaguers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:20
In our 87th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by talking about the return of the man with power thighs and a glorious mustache along with the latest transactions and injuries. Then we overview which current…
Ep. 86 : Assessing Hitter Hot/Cold Starts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:44
In our 86th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by talking about major extensions, crushing injuries, and a retirement from the latest MLB news. Then we overview how to evaluate hitters early in the season to…
Ep. 85 : Opening Day, Release Of Topps Heritage High Number [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:22
In our 85th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer open by sharing their excitement for Opening Day before diving into transactions that are impacting our fantasy teams, including the promotions of Cam Smith and Krist…