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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The Seattle Mariners sent Colt Emerson back to Triple-A — so what went wrong for one of baseball’s most talented young prospects? DVR and Eno Sarris break down Emerson’s struggles, his alarming strikeout rate, what Seattle should expect from him going forward and why a reset in the minors could ultimately be the right move for his development.
Plus, Jacob deGrom left his latest start with right triceps fatigue, adding another major injury concern for a Rangers rotation already dealing with the loss of Nathan Eovaldi. DVR and Eno look at potential replacements and break down several pitchers nearing returns, including Edward Cabrera and Carlos Rodón. DeGrom said afterward that he was optimistic the issue wasn't serious, though further evaluation was expected.
The guys also discuss another blown save from Edwin Díaz and whether the Dodgers should temporarily make a change in the ninth inning. Could Tanner Scott become the reliever to roster if Los Angeles gives Díaz a break from closing?
Then Niv Shah joins the show to help navigate fantasy trade deadlines. Is Corbin Carroll worth paying up for? Is Gunnar Henderson becoming a potential 2027 draft-day bargain? And how should fantasy managers value stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto as keeper and dynasty decisions loom?
First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Contributor: Niv Shah
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels
03:00 Taj Bradley & Field of Dreams Takeaways
05:15 Is Baseball Better Without the Strike Zone Box?
11:01 Brewers Hit Hard by Injuries
15:08 Cooper Pratt’s Fantasy Outlook
18:28 What Went Wrong With Colt Emerson?
24:33 Mariners’ Struggles & Cal Raleigh’s Down Year
27:48 Jacob deGrom Injury & Pitchers Returning Soon
30:45 Is Jared Jones Still a Must-Roster Pitcher?
34:24 Fantasy Waiver Wire: Hunter Dobbins
36:09 Jackson Kent’s Fantasy Potential
40:20 Should Dodgers Make a Change at Closer?
43:07 Fantasy Saves & Bullpen Targets
45:23 Young Shortstops & Fantasy Waiver Targets
45:43 Is Zac Veen Finally Breaking Out?
52:35 Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Strategy
53:58 Ohtani, Judge & Soto’s Massive Keeper Prices
59:25 Buy Low on Corbin Carroll?
1:00:36 What Happened to Gunnar Henderson?
1:04:49 Fantasy Value of Gunnar Henderson in 2027
1:05:20 The Chicago Hot Dog Review
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Buster Posey is a San Francisco Giants legend — but could running the team put that legacy at risk? Britt Ghiroli joins DVR and Eno Sarris to discuss her exclusive reporting on Posey’s transition from franchise icon to president of baseball operations, the decisions that have defined his tenure so far, and what comes next for the struggling Giants.
They also break down the major roster decisions of the Posey era, including the Rafael Devers trade, Willy Adames contract and Matt Chapman, while looking at whether San Francisco can remain competitive as its next wave of young talent develops. With much of the Giants’ best prospect talent still years away from the majors, how should Posey approach the offseason and build a bridge to the organization’s future?
DVR, Eno and Britt also examine growing concerns surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia's offense remains near the bottom of MLB in wRC+, the bullpen has struggled to protect leads, and the Phillies find themselves in a tightening National League playoff race with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Plus, Hunter Greene needs a second Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining the Cincinnati Reds ace for most or all of 2027. What does Greene's latest injury mean for Cincinnati's future, and is pressure mounting on the Reds' front office after six seasons under Nick Krall?
🎧 Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper, Eno Sarris and Britt Ghiroli.
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Britt's article on Buster Posey
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7499186/2026/08/13/san-francisco-giants-buster-posey-legacy/
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Contributor: Britt Ghiroli
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels
04:18 Field of Dreams Game Returns
07:38 Is It Time to Worry About the Phillies?
12:46 Phillies on the Outside of NL Playoff Picture
15:04 Inside Buster Posey’s Giants Gamble
18:19 Evaluating the Rafael Devers Trade
21:59 What Happened to the Giants’ Pitching?
26:06 Are the Giants Falling Behind Other Front Offices?
29:15 What Could Posey Have Done Differently?
32:52 The Tony Vitello Gamble
38:42 Does Posey Have the Right People Around Him?
42:54 How Can Posey Fix the Giants?
47:44 What Happened to Willy Adames?
55:29 How Long Will the Giants’ Rebuild Take?
57:16 Hunter Greene Needs Another Tommy John Surgery
1:01:13 How Long Should MLB Front Offices Get?
1:06:56 Is It Time for Changes in Cincinnati?
1:10:36 What’s Next for the A’s Front Office?
1:14:45 Thanks for Watching
#phillies #sanfranciscogiants #mlbwildcard #cincinnatireds
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The Cleveland Guardians once looked like they were cruising toward an AL Central title. Now, after losing 13 of 17, Cleveland has fallen back into one of baseball’s most unpredictable division races. DVR and Eno Sarris are joined by Zack Meisel to break down what has gone wrong for the Guardians and whether they can turn their season around.
The guys take a deep dive into the AL Central playoff race, where the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Guardians remain tightly packed. Are the Tigers actually the best team in the division even after moving Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline? And could young players like Max Clark help swing the race down the stretch?
Then, the Rates & Barrels mailbag opens with a fascinating question: Are Dodgers prospects consistently overrated? DVR and Eno look back at Los Angeles’ highly ranked prospects to separate prospect hype from the reality of player development.
Plus, they examine River Ryan’s long-term outlook and injury history, whether Jake McCarthy's breakout is sustainable, the Brewers' unusual save situations involving Chad Patrick, and what to make of Jake Bauers' strong season.
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Contributor: Zack Meisel
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
#tigers #guardians #whitesox #dodgers #mlbwildcard
00:00 - Today on Rates & Barrels
01:24 - Breaking Down the Wild AL Central Race
03:20 - Who Is Actually the Best Team in the AL Central?
11:14 - Which AL Central Lineup Is Best?
15:40 - Why the Tigers Still Look Like the Team to Beat
16:46 - Max Clark’s Impressive MLB Start
20:00 - Young White Sox & the AL Central’s X-Factors
24:30 - What’s Gone Wrong With the Cleveland Guardians?
29:01 - Steven Kwan’s Turnaround
31:07 - Why Cleveland’s Offense Struggles in Big Moments
34:42 - The Guardians’ Young Hitters
37:26 - Cleveland’s Pitching & Bullpen Workload
39:31- Did the Guardians Do Enough at the Trade Deadline?
43:02 - Mailbag: Are Dodgers Prospects Overrated?
45:12 - What Happened to the Dodgers’ Top Prospects?
49:36 - How Often Do Top Prospects Actually Hit?
51:18 - River Ryan’s Talent vs. Injury Risk
57:48 - Is Jake McCarthy’s Breakout Sustainable?
1:01:53 - What’s Going On With the Brewers’ Saves?
1:03:16 - Is Jake Bauers’ Breakout for Real?
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How do pitchers handle doubt, failure and the pressure of knowing one bad pitch can change an outing? Trevor May joins DVR and Eno for a conversation about the mental side of pitching in the major leagues. Trevor explains the battle to convince yourself that you belong, how pitchers build confidence and an on-field persona, and why the mental side of the game can be every bit as important as mechanics or stuff.
Plus, DVR, Eno and Trevor discuss the latest pitching news and performances around MLB, along with one of baseball's strangest rules sequences after the Red Sox scored against the Blue Jays on a rare timing play. They explain why the run counted, what Toronto could have done differently, and how an incorrect scoreboard helped create the confusion.
Finally, Trevor takes the show inside his post-MLB experience with Banana Ball, including what it's like competing in a completely different baseball environment and the adjustments that come with stepping back onto the mound.
Rates & Barrels brings together advanced baseball analysis, pitching development, fantasy baseball strategy and the perspective of someone who has experienced the mental and physical challenges of pitching in the major leagues.
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Contributor: Trevor May
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
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The Red Sox aren't cheating—they're simply playing better baseball.
DVR and Eno break down why Boston's offense has transformed over the last three months, examining the coaching changes, a dramatically more aggressive approach in the strike zone and why the numbers suggest this turnaround is completely sustainable—not the result of anything nefarious. They also react to the growing online conspiracy theories surrounding Boston's recent surge and explain why the underlying metrics tell a much different story.
Elsewhere around baseball, the Dodgers continue to pile up pitching while questions remain about their aging offense after another series against Arizona. The guys discuss Eduardo Rodriguez's resurgence, Brandon Pfaadt's adjustments, Ryan Waldschmidt's development, and whether Los Angeles should have any real concerns heading toward October.
The Tigers welcomed Jackson Jobe back to the rotation, and his electric season debut has fantasy managers—and Detroit fans—dreaming big. DVR and Eno explain why Jobe's Stuff+ and Location+ numbers make him one of the most exciting pitching pickups of the season and whether he's ready to become a major weapon down the stretch.
The show also covers Garrett Cole's encouraging return to form, Peyton Tolle's incredible rise and what the latest offensive trends around baseball tell us about which teams are built for October.
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
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The Phillies made one of the biggest splashes at the trade deadline by landing a three-time batting champion, and Dave Dombrowski joins Jayson and Doug to break down how it all came together. The guys also look back at a whirlwind deadline that saw a former No. 1 overall pick dealt within the division, while Doug shares what it was like to be traded himself at the 2003 deadline. Plus, another edition of Strange But True heads to the Motor City for a one-of-a-kind line score you won't believe.
Rundown:
2:34 Adley Rutschman Traded to Boston
5:00 Doug Deadline Deal
12:47 Dave Dombrowski Visits Starkville
13:50 Luis Arraez Trade Impact
18:24 Trade Deadline Reaction
43:36 Defeating a Juggernaut
46:39 Dave’s Future in Baseball
47:54 Strange But True
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Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville
With: Dave Dombrowski
Producer: Jason Potere
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The MLB Trade Deadline is over, but the biggest debate is just beginning. Jayson Stark joins DVR and Eno to break down whether modern front offices have become too focused on future value—and whether the Detroit Tigers made the biggest mistake of the deadline by trading Tarik Skubal while sitting in the middle of a playoff race.
The conversation dives into the philosophy behind today's trade market, why more teams are willing to sacrifice tomorrow for today, and whether aggressive executives like A.J. Preller and Dave Dombrowski are becoming the exception rather than the rule. The trio also discusses why rental prices climbed this season, how the Red Sox approached the deadline differently, and what other contenders can learn from Boston's aggressive strategy.
Later in the episode, the focus shifts to fantasy baseball as DVR and Eno identify the biggest winners and losers following the deadline, highlighting new opportunities, lineup changes and playing-time battles that could shape fantasy leagues over the final two months of the season.
Whether you're following the playoff race, preparing for fantasy baseball's stretch run, or looking for deeper insight into how today's front offices think, this episode of Rates & Barrels has you covered.
#Dodgers #tigers #mlbwildcard #mlbtradedeadline
First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
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Are the Los Angeles Dodgers really the team with the best playoff rotation in baseball? DVR and Eno rank every MLB contender's projected postseason rotation, debating where the Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees, Mariners, Pirates and every other playoff hopeful belong heading into October. Then they compare their rankings against the numbers to see where the biggest surprises emerge.
Before diving into the tier list, DVR and Eno examine whether Paul Skenes is actually struggling or simply suffering from bad luck. They break down the Pirates ace's recent stretch, discuss why his strikeout rate still points toward elite production, and explain why now may be the perfect time to buy low in fantasy baseball.
The guys also discuss Chris Sale's incredible resurgence as the Braves ace continues throwing harder than ever at age 37. Is Sale building a Hall of Fame résumé, and how sustainable is this version of one of baseball's most dominant pitchers?
Finally, they look at Cleveland prospect Angel Genao's impressive four-hit MLB debut, what it means for the Guardians moving forward, and one of the most entertaining pitching celebrations baseball has seen all season from Mets reliever Jeffrey Yan.
If you're looking for MLB playoff analysis, fantasy baseball advice, advanced pitching breakdowns, prospect analysis and postseason projections, Rates & Barrels has you covered.
00:00 - Introduction and Week Overview
03:39 - Analazing Paul Skeens' Performance
05:28 - Chris Sale's Resurgence
09:36 - Evaluating Playoff Rotations
11:27 - Team Tier Rankings Discussion
35:56 - Evaluating Pitching Rotations
40:34 - Analyzing Team Performance and Projections
54:34 - Prospect Promotions and Player Debuts
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Contributor: Jed Lowrie
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
#dodgers #brewers #phillies #yankees
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The MLB Trade Deadline fallout continues as Tarik Skubal makes his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie break down Skubal's first start in Dodger blue, what it means for Los Angeles' loaded rotation, and whether the Chicago Cubs' recent success against the Dodgers should change expectations in the National League.
The Boston Red Sox continue to surge despite injuries, and the latest updates on Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony provide hope for one of baseball's hottest teams.
Plus, the Philadelphia Phillies unveil their new defensive alignment after acquiring Luis Arraez, moving Bryce Harper back to right field while reshuffling the infield for the stretch run.
DVR, Eno and Jed also take a deep dive into several contenders who's hitters are underperforming expectations. Are the Brewers becoming too dependent on unexpected offensive contributors heading toward October? Is the Dodgers' lineup showing major flaws ahead of the postseason? Will the Mariners' offensive struggles rediscover their power before October arrives.
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First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
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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
Contributor: Jed Lowrie
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
00:00 - Intro
04:00 -Tarik Skubal Debuts for the Dodgers
10:55 - Red Sox Continue Rolling Despite Injuries
14:25 - Phillies Unveil Their New Defensive Alignment
20:50 - What's Wrong with Christian Yelich?
28:15 - William Contreras & Milwaukee's Offensive Questions
34:30 - Dodgers Hitters Showing Signs of Regression?
44:50 - Should Mariners Fans Be Worried?
49:15 - Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez & Josh Naylor Breakdown
#dodgers #brewers #mariners #phillies
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The MLB Trade Deadline may be over, but the fallout is only beginning. DVR and Eno break down the biggest stories still shaping baseball, including the shocking trade that sent Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox and what it means for both franchises moving forward.
The New York Yankees made one of the most surprising roster moves of the season by promoting top prospect George Lombard Jr. while optioning Anthony Volpe and Jasson Domínguez. DVR and Eno discuss what the moves say about New York's future, how Elliott Ramos fits into the roster, and whether the Yankees are positioning themselves for another deep postseason run.
The guys also examine the biggest winners and losers from the trade deadline, including a closer look at Emmet Sheehan's demotion, the Dodgers' loaded rotation after acquiring Tarik Skubal, Washington's infield auditions and Atlanta's playoff outlook.
If you're looking for the latest MLB trade deadline analysis, fantasy baseball advice, prospect breakdowns and playoff outlooks, Rates & Barrels has you covered.
#newyorkyankees #redsox #mlbtradedeadline #braves #dodgers
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First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
00:00 - Intro
01:30 - Trade Deadline Fallout
01:55 - Biggest Surprise Move: Adley Rutschman to Red Sox
09:55 - Playoff Odds role in Trade Deadline
20:00 -Yankees Roster Moves
24:35 -Yankees Injuries
26:00 - George Lombard Jr Call-up
31:45 - Prospect impact from Trade Deadline
38-20 - Emmet Sheehan gets optioned
41:35 - Dodgers Pitching Rotation
43:45 - Braves roster Moves
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