The MLB Trade Deadline delivered — and now the bigger questions begin.

On this episode of the EC3 Podcast, Eric Chavez, Chris and Adam break down the biggest moves from the deadline, including Tarik Skubal landing with the Dodgers, whether Los Angeles is actually vulnerable, and what it’s like for a superstar to suddenly step into a clubhouse loaded with future Hall of Famers.

Eric shares his perspective from his own move from Oakland to New York and explains why joining a star-studded roster can actually remove pressure rather than add to it.

Then the conversation turns to Shohei Ohtani. How long can he realistically continue as a two-way player? Eric takes us inside his experience traveling to Japan with the Angels to scout and meet Ohtani — including the incredible scene surrounding one of baseball’s most sought-after players — and explains why protecting Ohtani the hitter may eventually become more important than keeping Ohtani in the starting rotation.

The guys also dive into:

The Dodgers' recent struggles — real concern or just an August slump?

Why Eric still expects Los Angeles to dominate the NL West

Whether the Dodgers will actually win another World Series

The pressure Tarik Skubal faces after leaving Detroit for Los Angeles

Adley Rutschman’s move from Baltimore to Boston

Why small-market teams sometimes have to trade stars before they reach free agency

The looming MLB CBA and potential lockout

Why baseball’s real labor problem may be owner vs. owner, not owner vs. player

Revenue sharing, television contracts, payroll floors and massive long-term contracts

Why superteams may actually be good for baseball

How teams are turning ballpark districts, hotels, restaurants and real estate into new revenue streams

What the Diamondbacks' long-term stadium future could look like

Eric’s memories of MLB bench-clearing brawls

The strongest players Eric ever saw in a baseball fight

What players and coaches actually hear from fans sitting behind the dugout

The insanity of New York and Philadelphia fan bases

And whether Eric was nervous about another team challenging Oakland’s legendary 20-game winning streak

Is baseball really broken — or are we trying to fix a sport that is more popular and profitable than ever?

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