Tony Gwynn Jr. 'Braves playing best baseball' in MLB

In this episode of Dukes & Bell, host Steve Dukes and guest Tony Gwynn Jr., Odyssey MLB Insider, dive into the Braves' dominant start to the 2026 season, declaring them the best team in baseball. Gwynn praises the Braves' depth, leadership, and consistency, particularly highlighting Matt Olsen’s quiet excellence in filling Freddie Freeman’s shoes. The conversation shifts to the Dodgers’ challenge in facing such a high-powered Braves squad, with Gwynn noting that while Shohei Otani remains Cy Young-caliber on the mound, his offensive production may be suffering from a singular focus on pitching. The discussion also touches on the Tigers’ setback with pitcher Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery, the potential for young pitchers to step up, and the broader topic of MLB realignment due to expanding into new markets like Las Vegas and the East Coast. Gwynn reflects on the passing of legendary broadcaster John Sterling, honoring his authenticity and lasting impact on the game. Finally, the team debates the Braves’ potential World Series aspirations and identifies bullpen depth and a potential left-field upgrade as key areas for improvement before the trade deadline.