Chris is back with another episode of BIGPLAY Detroit, breaking down the biggest stories from around Detroit sports and beyond.
He opens the show with the Detroit Tigers, who are surging and sitting just barely outside of a postseason spot despite selling at the MLB trade deadline. After moving major pieces and seemingly shifting their focus toward the future, the Tigers have refused to go away. Chris breaks down their recent run and whether Detroit can somehow fight its way back into the playoff picture.
Next, the conversation shifts to the Detroit Lions, who just locked up star running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a contract extension. Chris discusses what the deal means for one of the NFL's most explosive offensive weapons and why keeping Gibbs in Detroit could be a huge part of the Lions' future.
Chris then turns his attention to Tarik Skubal, who may not be completely finished with Detroit after all. Despite being traded at the deadline, Skubal appears to have left the door open for a potential return to the Tigers down the road. Could Detroit eventually bring its former ace back, or has Skubal already thrown his final pitch in a Tigers uniform?
Around Major League Baseball, Chris makes the case for Rob Manfred and why the commissioner has ultimately been a positive influence on the sport. From changes to the game itself to MLB's direction under his leadership, Chris explains why Manfred may deserve more credit than he gets.
Finally, Chris looks ahead to the college football season. He breaks down Pat Fitzgerald's chances of leading Michigan State to the College Football Playoff and explains why Michigan could be one of the best win-total bets on the board, with the Wolverines sitting at over 8.5 wins.
The Tigers' surprising playoff push, Jahmyr Gibbs' extension, a potential Tarik Skubal reunion, Rob Manfred's impact on baseball, Michigan State's CFP chances, Michigan's win total, and plenty of strong opinions—all on this week's episode of BIGPLAY Detroit.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands (https://redcircle.com/brands)
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy (https://redcircle.com/privacy)
4 Aug 2026
The BIGPLAY Detroit Show 08/04/26
Chris and Austin are back with another episode of BIGPLAY Detroit, breaking down the biggest stories from around Detroit sports and beyond.
They open the show by discussing the Detroit Tigers' decision to trade Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize for a haul of prospects at the MLB trade deadline. With Detroit sitting just 2.5 games out of a postseason spot, was this the right long-term move or a white flag on the 2026 season? Chris and Austin break down the blockbuster deal, what the Tigers received in return, and what it means for the franchise moving forward.
Next, the conversation shifts to the Detroit Lions, who signed veteran linebacker Devin White after Jimmy Rolder's injury. Chris and Austin discuss whether White still has enough left in the tank to make an impact and how the move affects Detroit's defense heading into the season.
Austin then makes the case that Dan Campbell has become the face of Detroit sports. From changing the culture of the Lions to embodying the city's identity, Austin explains why no figure has had a greater impact on Detroit's sports landscape.
Over in Ann Arbor, Chris weighs in on Michigan football and explains why fans shouldn't be concerned about Kyle Whittingham's lack of history in The Game. Chris believes elite coaching is elite coaching, and that Whittingham's decades of experience will have the Wolverines fully prepared for college football's biggest rivalry.
Finally, Chris wraps things up by looking at one of baseball's most intriguing futures markets: Pete Crow-Armstrong's NL MVP odds. Is the Cubs' young star emerging as the league's most valuable player, or is there still value left on the board?
The Tigers' blockbuster trade, the Lions' latest addition, Dan Campbell's legacy, Michigan football, Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP case, and plenty of strong opinions—all on this week's episode of BIGPLAY Detroit.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands (https://redcircle.com/brands)
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy (https://redcircle.com/privacy)
28 Jul 2026
The BIGPLAY Detroit Show 07/28/26
Chris is back with another episode of BIGPLAY Detroit, breaking down the biggest stories from around Detroit sports and beyond.
Chris opens the show by discussing the Detroit Tigers' difficult decision as the trade deadline approaches. With Tarik Skubal continuing to establish himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball, should Detroit commit to a long-term extension, trade him for a massive haul, or take another approach? Chris examines the franchise's options and what the decision could mean for the Tigers' future.
Next, the conversation shifts to the NBA as LeBron James officially signs with the Philadelphia 76ers. Chris breaks down how the move changes the balance of power in the Eastern Conference and what it means for the Detroit Pistons as they continue their climb toward contention.
Over in Ann Arbor, Chris reacts to Warde Manuel stepping down as Michigan's athletic director. With one of the biggest jobs in college athletics now open, what direction should the Wolverines go next, and how could a new athletic director shape the future of Michigan sports?
Chris also pushes back against the growing skepticism surrounding freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. While some fans are already questioning whether he'll live up to the hype, Chris explains why it's far too early to write off one of the nation's most talented young quarterbacks.
Later in the show, Chris makes the case that Comerica Park doesn't receive nearly the recognition it deserves. From its atmosphere and downtown location to the fan experience and unique dimensions, Chris explains why the home of the Tigers belongs among baseball's most underrated ballparks.
Finally, Chris wraps things up with one of his favorite futures bets on the board: the Houston Astros to win the AL West at +460 odds. Are oddsmakers undervaluing one of baseball's most consistent organizations, or is this simply too good of a number to pass up?
The Tigers' future, LeBron's impact on the Eastern Conference, Michigan athletics, Bryce Underwood, Comerica Park, MLB betting value, and plenty of strong opinions—all on this week's episode of BIGPLAY Detroit.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands (https://redcircle.com/brands)
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy (https://redcircle.com/privacy)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact BIGPLAY Detroit
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
