Stay ConnectedEno Sarris and Derek VanRiper, along with Britt Ghiroli, Trevor May, and Jed Lowrie discuss advanced stats, strategy, prospects and more. From the first move of the Hot Stove season to the final pitch of the World Series, join us for year-round baseball talk.
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Bad news has arrived in the Bronx. Today, Eno and DVR break down what Aaron Judge’s fractured rib means for the Yankees and how the team will fare while he’s gone. Then, they discuss the return of Corey Seager and react to the shock of hearing Noelvi Marte has a new position. Later, the guys dive into the waiver wire, including the latest options in the ever-changing closer market.
Rundown:
0:42 Aaron Judge Out At Least 4-6 Weeks
10:44 Brayan Bello Optioned to Triple-A
17:59 Corey Seager is Back!
21:43 Noelvi Marte Recalled
24:42 Ezequiel Tovar: DVR Admits 2026 Defeat
31:05 Edwin Arroyo Getting a Look at Second Base
34:00 Royce Lewis is Crushing Triple-A Pitching
37:53 Intriguing Corner Options: Curtis Mead and Spencer Horwitz
42:24 Lars Nootbaar is Back
47:12 Jorge Mateo’s Heater
49:10 Karson Milbrandt: Worth a Stash for the Marlins?
54:15 Closer Corner: Brewers, Royals & A Few of the Usual Suspects
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Commissioner Rob Manfred says MLB's luxury tax is a failure, Aaron Judge's injury situation is getting more serious, and George Kirby's strikeouts are missing. Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss those topics, and dig into a few risers and fallers in K-BB% between March/April and May, before taking a look at a surprising surge in homers and runs across all minor-league levels below Triple-A.
Rundown:
0:38 Commissioner Manfred Calls Luxury-Tax System a Failure
3:42 A Shocker: Franchise Valuations Are Key for Owners
10:29 ‘Fairness’ Is the Message: Is That *Really* The Goal?
12:36 Aaron Judge’s Rib Injury
18:31 George Kirby’s K’s: Where Did They Go, Can We Find Them?
31:19 K-BB% Risers & Fallers: Biggest Movers Between April and May
52:15 The Ball Beat: How Do Teams Model Differences?
1:00:33 Offense Up in Minor Leagues
Evan Drellich: 'Commissioner Rob Manfred, who once touted MLB’s parity, says luxury-tax system has failed'
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7331800
Eno Sarris & Britt Ghiroli: 'Some MLB organizations are more injury-prone than others. Is that bad luck or a system issue?'
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7330754
J.J. Cooper: 'Home Runs Are Exploding Across The Minor Leagues—And No One Knows Why'
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Trevor May
Editor: Jason Potere
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It’s June 3, which means it’s time for everyone’s favorite game: Four vs. The Field! Today, Eno, Jed, and DVR debate whether the combination of baseball’s four World Series favorites will ultimately take home the trophy, or if the rest of the league is the smarter bet. Then, they discuss whether the Tigers can get revenge for last year’s late-season swoon by tracking down the Guardians in the AL Central. Later, the guys examine the best and worst users of ABS and discuss how teams are adapting to baseball’s challenge system.
Rundown:
0:36 Four vs. The Field: Can You Pick the World Series Winner with Four Teams?
10:25 Banking on Buyers: Trade Deadline Opportunities to Make Strides
14:59 Projected fWAR: A Better Option Than Choosing World Series Probables?
19:04 Chasing Cleveland: Will the Tigers Turn the Tables on the Guardians?
25:38 What’s the Number? Playoff Odds Necessary for Tigers to Buy at Deadline
34:08 ABS Challenges: Who Is Doing Well, Who Is Struggling So Far?
44:42 Strategic Approaches: Is Marlins’ Catcher-Led Volume Approach Ideal?
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Jed Lowrie
Editor: Jason Potere
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It’s time to talk prospects, as some of baseball’s brightest young stars inch closer to the big leagues while others gear up for a run to the College World Series. Today, Eno and DVR are joined by The Athletic Senior Baseball Writer Keith Law to break down his latest prospect rankings, discuss the pitching development trends shaping organizations across MLB, and look ahead to the player who could top his prospect list in 2027.
Rundown:
1:13 Franklin Arias: Getting To Power Regularly at Double-A
5:18 Projecting Future Power: What Does Keith Look For?
8:51 Ethan Salas: Back on Track in the Padres’ System
10:48 Felnin Celesten: Another Physical Projection Question
15:45 A Future No. 1? Josuar Gonzalez Dominating ACL
19:25 Shorter Outings in Pitching Development
22:43 Concerns About Limitations in Spinning the Ball?
24:48 Seattle Boasts Keith’s Top Two Pitching Prospects
30:17 Do Current Struggles Impact Future Assessments?
38:44 Edwin Arroyo Gets the Call
40:45 Ralphy Velazquez: Real Power Coming Through Cleveland System
46:09 Which Teams Skew Heavily Toward Hitters or Pitchers?
50:18 Players & Teams to Watch: It’s Super Regional Time in CWS
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Follow Keith on Bluesky: @keithlaw.bsky.social
e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Keith Law
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Things are looking up for two aces: Cristopher Sánchez and Jacob Misiorowski. After dominant performances throughout May, both have emerged as early frontrunners in the NL Cy Young race. Today, Eno and DVR break down what's fueling their success, while also examining which hitters made the biggest leaps at the plate from April to May. Later, the guys dig into the disappointing seasons of Bo Bichette and Austin Riley, and examine whether either star can turn things around before the year is over.
Rundown:
0:40 Eno’s Trip to Firestone Walker Invitational
4:31 The Miz & Cristopher Sánchez Go Off in May
6:37 Jake Bauers’ Approach Against Imai’s Slider
11:00 Imai Pitched Well Again
12:30 Yankees Send 18 to Plate During 13-Run Third Inning
18:21 Elly De La Cruz to the IL
20:11 Garrett Crochet Setback
27:00 Rafael Devers Turns It Around in May
32:25 Carson Benge is Clicking
37:02 Context is Key: Down Months Are Normal
40:30 The Long Game: Does Combo Bad Finish, Slow Start Worry Us?
46:29 Ildemaro Vargas, Jose Fernandez & Liam Hicks Cool Off
49:30 Bo Bichette’s Struggles
53:08 Austin Riley’s Quiet Start
57:38 One-Year wRC+ Leaderboard: The Most Surprising Bat in the Top-Five?
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An Astros pitcher accomplished something this week that hadn’t been done since 1892. Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville break down the historic feat, explain where Bumpus Jones fits into the story, and discuss what made it so remarkable with Sunday Night Baseball voice Jason Benetti. The guys also talk about Benetti’s chaotic travel schedule, how the ABS challenge system is changing the way he calls games, and the baseball cliché he can’t stand.
Rundown:
1:26 Joey Votto’s Visit to Starkville
4:40 The Miz Brings the Heat
8:13 Jason Benetti Joins the Show
9:19 Benetti’s Chaotic Travel Schedule
15:25 NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball Coverage
31:39 The ABS Challenge System
36:19 The Up-and-Down Detroit Tigers
38:31 Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch
41:40 Favorite (and Least Favorite) Cliché
44:46 Strange But True with Jason Benetti
Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social
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E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com
Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371
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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville
With: Jason Benetti
Producer: Jason Potere
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Major League Baseball and the MLBPA have officially opened negotiations on a new labor deal, and while both sides are talking, they’re nowhere close to seeing eye to eye. Today, Eno and DVR break down the league’s initial proposals, the union’s response, and why these talks could stretch deep into the offseason. Later, Ottoneu founder and Senior Hot Dog correspondent Niv Shah joins the show to discuss the latest Ottoneu leaderboard — and explain why he refused to eat the hot dog fries.
Rundown:
0:44 And It Begins: MLBPA & Owners Present First Offers
10:42 Inevitable Lockout: Does That Mean Lost Games?
16:30 Sell-High Starting Pitchers: We’re All Looking at the Same Numbers!
26:45 Dustin May’s Turnaround: Buying In with Increased Cutter Usage?
28:10 Jared Jones is Back! Returning Friday Night vs. Minnesota
33:08 Hitters to Consider: Another Thin Week for Bats?
42:36 Niv Shah Joins the Show
42:52 Hot Dog Fries: Why Did Niv Pass?
44:45 What in the World Is This?
49:25 Taste of the Majors: The New York Mets Dog is a Hit!
51:08 Ottoneu Points Leaderboard: Learning From This Year’s Pleasant Surprises
1:01:38 Timing is Everything: Keeper League Windows are Open!
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Niv Shah
Editor: Jason Potere
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After breaking out last season, Nolan McLean has come back down to Earth a bit in 2026. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss whether the Mets right-hander still has future ace potential. Plus, the guys dig into Andrew Painter’s progress, Bubba Chandler’s arrival, and what JR Ritchie’s return to Triple-A means for his long-term outlook. Later, they tackle perhaps the biggest question on today’s show: What the heck is going on with Paul Skenes?
Rundown:
1:15 Checking In on Nolan McLean
11:52 Pitches That Move *Too Much*?!
19:32 Andrew Painter’s Progress
26:40 Corbin Burnes’ Fastball Tweaks Might Help
32:23 Bubba Chandler’s Arrival
38:45 JR Ritchie’s Outlook After Return to Minors
46:58 Quick Pitches: Andrew Alvarez, Trevor McDonald & Coleman Crow
53:43 Paul Skenes’ Changes: Is Everything OK?
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social
e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Trevor May
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, things got a little weird — thanks to Bryce Harper giving the world a glimpse into his unconventional toothbrushing routine. Eno, Jed, and DVR break down Harper’s viral moment, the end of Nick Kurtz’s on-base streak, and discuss Trea Turner, Jarren Duran, Steven Kwan, and the players who’ve brought them the most joy this season. Later, the guys revisit their plus-minus draft to see which big-name hitters have fallen short of expectations at the plate.
Rundown:
0:31 The Streak is Over! Nick Kurtz On-Base Streak Ends at 48 Games
3:02 No, We Don’t Get It: Bryce Harper’s Toothpaste Usage is Odd
4:39 Trea Turner’s Slow Start: Better Days on Tap as He Adjusts?
21:12 Jarren Duran’s Changes: Is He Too Aggressive with Pull-Happy Approach?
37:31 Steven Kwan's Struggles: Are We Sure He’s Healthy?
46:08 Appreciating Silly: A Few Great (Random) Moments in 2026
58:15 Plus-Minus Draft Review: A Few Underperforming Stars!
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Jed Lowrie
Editor: Jason Potere
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s all about teamwork on Rates & Barrels as Eno, Britt, and DVR break down a combined no-hitter in Houston after Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and Alimbert Santa teamed up to blank the Rangers. Then, the crew heads to Seattle where the Mariners are embracing the collaborative spirit too after Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller pitched in tandem Monday night. Later, they discuss Gerrit Cole’s return and the continued struggles of the Tigers, who have dropped 16 of their last 19 games.
Rundown:
0:36 Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert & Alimbert Santa Combined No-Hitter
9:34 Are the Rangers OK?
10:30 Luis Castillo & Bryce Miller: An Effective Tandem Start Monday
19:03 Gage Jump Promoted: Expectations in Difficult Home Park?
26:20 Another Halos Lag: Rookie Position Player fWAR Since 2022
35:37 Gerrit Cole Returns: How Did the Pitch Mix Look?
43:35 Loser Leaves Town: Orioles vs. Tigers Weekend Series
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social
Follow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.social
e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Britt Ghiroli
Editor: Jason Potere
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