Podcast
Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball
Hosted by The Athletic · EN
In baseball, numbers are everywhere. But they’re not just numbers. For Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris, they’re the keys to solving the most fun problem in sports.
Every weekday, join DVR and Eno as they unpack baseball in ways you’ve never heard before, endeavoring to figure out all they can about a sport that’s constantly changing. Alongside contributors Britt Ghiroli, Trevor May and Jed Lowrie, the Rates & Barrels crew breaks down all the latest MLB news through an analytical lens, feeding your unhealthy addiction to numbers, while helping you master your fantasy baseball GM skills. But wait, there's more: come back for Saturday mornings in Starkville, where Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville talk to some of the most important players, coaches, and thought leaders in the league.
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120episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Winning in Fantasy Without Top-Tier Stars
2d ago01:06:45Tap to summarizeThe guys head to the bullpen for Fantasy Friday. With DVR out, Eno is joined by Eric Samulski of Rotoworld to break down the latest injury news, including updates on Jacob Misiorowski, Jacob deGrom, Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, and more. They also discuss the Astros-Brewers trade that sent veteran Lance McCullers Jr. and pitcher Colton Gordon to Milwaukee as part of a deal for prospect Jadyn Fielder. Later, Eno and Eric wrap things up by highlighting the top hitters and pitchers to target on the waiver wire heading into the weekend.Rundown:1:30 Latest on Injured Pitchers13:43 Lance McCullers Jr. Traded19:49 A Different Kind of League Winner37:35 Returns of Aging Aces42:50 Waiver Wire Preview: Pitchers55:07 Waiver Wire Preview: HittersFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Eric on X: @SamulskiNYCe-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Eric SamulskiEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →How AI Almost Ruined Baseball
3d ago00:55:34Tap to summarizeMLB has cracked down on teams' increasing use of generative artificial intelligence for on-field decision making. Eno Sarris, Derek VanRiper and Trevor May explain how teams were pushing their technology too far through the approved dugout iPads, and how quickly things have changed with the tablets in the short time since Trevor retired three years ago.Plus, the trio offers up a few ideas for adding excitement to future All-Star Games, before highlighting some of their favorite second-half storylines, and reacting to breaking news of a seven-year, $105M extension for Chase Burns.Rundown0:00 Intro1:17 MLB Cracks Down on AI Usage From Dugout Tables24:28 Let’s Actually Fix the All-Star Game!35:43 Creating Strategic Decision-Making & Unique All-Star Moments40:46 Second-Half Storylines50:43 Breaking News! Chase Burns Signs Seven-Year ExtensionFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayEditor: McEnroe FrancisEno's Story 'MLB cracks down on using AI via dugout iPads to help shape in-game decisions':https://theathletic.lnk.to/MLBAIDiscordJoin the Rates & Barrels Discord Server!A community of baseball fans from the Rates & Barrels podcast. | 6086 memberstheathletic.lnk.toMLB cracks down on using AI via dugout iPads to help shape in-game decisionsGo to MLB cracks down on using AI via dugout iPads to help shape in-game decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →MLB Draft Recap & Futures Game Takeaways w/Keith Law
4d ago01:02:47Tap to summarizeThe MLB Draft is in the books, and The Athletic's senior writer Keith Law joins Eno and DVR to break it all down. They discuss the first two selections, shortstops Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, the Rockies' standout draft, the A's landing four players from Keith's Top 50, and the Phillies' puzzling approach. Later, the guys look back at this year's Futures Game and discuss why MLB missed an opportunity to give the event a bigger spotlight.Rundown:0:54 White Sox Draft Roch Cholowsky at 1.14:17 High School Arms Continue to Slide8:15 Grady Emerson to Tampa Bay13:53 Giants Get Pitching: Jackson Flora at No. 420:15 The Rockies’ Impressive Draft27:26 The A’s Load Up31:25 Will A’s Prove Capable of Developing Arms in Vegas?34:56 Quick Paths to The Show: Derek Curiel & Zion Rose41:12 Lingering Questions About the Phillies’ Approach47:51 Futures Game: The Difficulty of One-Inning Looks56:17 Any Surprises From Sunday’s Showcase?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Keith on Bluesky: @keithlaw.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Keith LawEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Jordan Walker, FOMO & Our 2026 Underperformers Draft
5d ago01:05:17Tap to summarizeA new king has been crowned, and his name is Jordan Walker! Today, Eno and DVR recap the Home Run Derby, breaking down the new format, Netflix's presentation of the event, and whether All-Star Week can help bring new fans to baseball. Then, they discuss which players are the best candidates to turn their careers around the way Walker has this season. Later, they go head-to-head in a draft of the biggest first-half underperformers, debating which struggling players are most likely to bounce back after the break.Rundown:0:37 Jordan Walker Wins HR Derby4:54 Eno Didn’t Love Netflix’s Presentation9:11 Does All-Star Week Bring Influx of New Viewers?16:11 Sometimes It Takes Time For Things to Click23:54 Is Jasson Domínguez Trending Into a Group Like This?30:45 Curtis Mead: Another Post-Hype Sleeper Delivering?33:50 Dylan Crews vs. Marcelo Mayer40:29 First-Half Underperformers Draft49:57 Eno’s Case for Heliot Ramos53:00 First-Half Underperformers Draft1:03:46 Draft RecapFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Home Run Derby Changes & Fantasy All-Stars
6d ago01:05:54Tap to summarizeWe've made it to the Midsummer Classic! Today, Eno and DVR break down the new Home Run Derby rules and discuss which sluggers could benefit from the changes. Then, they take a look at several notable players who suffered injuries before the All-Star break and will miss Tuesday night's game, including Jacob Misiorowski and Shohei Ohtani. Later, they examine JJ Wetherholt's contract extension with the Cardinals and how it compares to other recent rookie deals. They wrap up the show by highlighting the players who have stood out the most from a fantasy perspective during the first half of the season.Rundown:2:57 Who Could Benefit From New HR Derby Format?11:40 Drafting the Derby Winner15:48 Miz Management: Scratched Sunday20:33 White Sox-Pirates Swap Before the MLB Draft26:06 JJ Wetherholt Gets Paid33:25 No Shohei Ohtani in Philly36:41 MLB’s All-Star Problem: Pitching Availability43:19 Monitoring Jacob deGrom43:59 Fantasy All-Stars: Top Valued 5x5 Players at the Break1:00:09 Where the Money WentFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Starkville | The Tigers' Impossible Deadline Dilemma
1w ago00:44:19Tap to summarizeIt's time to wrap up the first half of the baseball season, and there's no better guest to do it with than Ken Rosenthal. This week, Jayson and Doug are joined by their longtime Starkville friend to break down the season's biggest surprises and disappointments, make their midseason MVP picks, and discuss whether Tigers ace Tarik Skubal could actually be moved before the trade deadline—and why that might be a mistake.Rundown:1:45 Ken Rosenthal Joins the Show4:02 Most Surprising Team of 1st Half9:10 Most Disappointing Team of 1st Half13:02 First Half MVPs17:51 MLB Trade Deadline21:04 Should the Tigers Trade Tarik Skubal?28:20 Teams to Watch in 2nd Half31:17 One Surprise Playoff Contender35:54 Strange But True w/ Yordan AlvarezFollow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialFollow Ken on Bluesky: @ken-rosenthal.bsky.socialE-mail: starkville@theathletic.comStarkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleWith: Ken RosenthalProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →All-Star Weekend Waiver-Wire Preview
1w ago01:18:36Tap to summarizeWith All-Star Week approaching, it's time to get a head start on the weekend waiver wire. But first, Eno and DVR discuss the reduced suspensions for Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli before breaking down the latest injury news, including which players are returning soon and why Aaron Judge still needs more time to recover. Then, Ottoneu founder Niv Shah joins the show to examine the biggest fantasy price risers since Opening Day, explain why Paul Skenes' price continues to climb despite an underwhelming season, and share his latest hot dog reviews from Kansas City and Chicago's South Side.Rundown:1:12 Reduced Suspensions for Willson Contreras & Cade Cavalli3:45 Aaron Judge: Will Have Imaging During All-Star Break4:29 Munetaka Murakami: Expectations for Second Half?10:55 Michael Busch: Does Limited Bat Speed Prevent Power Surge?17:18 Vinnie Pasquantino Returns21:45 Ryan Waldschmidt is Back24:06 How Does Luis Lara Fit in Brewers’ OF Mix?27:11 Garrett Mitchell: Are We Buying Growth This Season?32:41 Niv Shah Joins the Show33:52 Six Picks: Biggest Price Risers Since Opening Day37:25 Confidence In Paul Skenes?40:40 Link Between Six Picks Trends & Keeper Costs44:36 Eno & DVR Make a Trade!54:40 Taste of the Majors1:01:09 Lucky’s Korean Dogs For the Win!1:06:58 Other Bats to Consider1:13:07 Pitchers to ConsiderFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Niv ShahEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Justin Verlander's Final Chapter
1w ago01:05:13Tap to summarizeOne of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Justin Verlander, has decided to hang up his cleats. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR reflect on Verlander's remarkable career, where he ranks among baseball's all-time greats, and the legacy he leaves behind. Then, the guys examine why some pitchers, including Robbie Ray, are targeting the bottom of the strike zone more often and how that approach is changing their effectiveness. Later, they explore whether the data can reveal when hitters are sitting on a particular pitch.Rundown:0:35 Justin Verlander to Retire3:40 A Look Back at Verlander’s Career11:27 Multiple No-Hitters: Rare Air & Near No-Nos17:58 26 Complete Games!19:39 The Top of the Zone is Dead!23:41 Why Losing Part of the Zone Is a Big Deal35:16 Return of the Sinker41:53 Do Any Stats Reveal Hitters Sitting on Pitches?49:35 Tipping Struggles: Looking Back at Ryan Helsley and Jesús Luzardo52:15 Did the Blue Jays Take Away Roupp’s Best Pitch?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Which Prediction Do You Want to Take Back?
2w ago01:08:48Tap to summarizeAs the All-Star break nears, it's time to revisit some preseason predictions that didn't quite pan out. DVR explains why he'd be less bullish on Kyle Tucker today, Jed breaks down the Braves' surprising fall, and Eno evaluates the Astros' first-half performance against expectations. Plus, the guys discuss Zack Wheeler's frustration over his All-Star snub and whether the surging Marlins can make a legitimate postseason run.Rundown:0:38 DVR’s Mulligan: Kyle Tucker Will Win NL MVP Award4:41 NL MVP Candidates11:59 Eno’s Mulligan: Expectations for 2026 Astros16:46 Jed’s Mulligan: Choosing Atlanta in Four vs. The Field23:39 Austin Riley’s Struggles28:59 Who Does Jed Want in Place of Atlanta Now?32:42 Zack Wheeler is Mad40:19 A ‘Target Home-Run Rate’50:00 An Intriguing Change?58:42 The Marlins Are CookingFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →How Do Fastball-Heavy Approaches Age?
2w ago01:00:42Tap to summarizeAfter a few exciting weeks, the U.S. Men’s National Team came crashing back to earth Monday night and were eliminated from the World Cup. Eno and DVR lament a disappointing effort before turning their attention back to baseball. The guys discuss what baseball and soccer have in common when it comes to developing young athletes. They examine how different types of pitchers age and highlight a few who have exceeded expectations this season. Later, they tackle the fan debate surrounding whether the Mets should consider trading Francisco Lindor and spotlight some unexpected relievers from around the league.Rundown:0:45 U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup Loss3:08 Youth Development: Similar Issues in Soccer and Baseball?12:40 Cam Schlittler’s Outlook21:47 Will League Eventually Adjust to Three Fastballs?27:52 Which Pitchers Have Topped OOPSY K% and BB%?35:50 Francisco Lindor Rumors40:11 Is Eno Jumping Ship with E. Hancock, B. Ashcroft, C. Cavalli & K. Harrison?47:22 Casey Mize’s K% Rise52:06 Surprising RelieversFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →