Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic
The Athletic
  • 4.7 (886)
  • Baseball
  • Updated Daily

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 26m ago ·  Video

    Starkville | Tony Gwynn Jr. and Mark Grant on How the Padres Became a Baseball Powerhouse

    Tony Gwynn Jr. and Mark Grant, the voices of the San Diego Padres, join Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug sit down with Tony and Mark to break down how the Padres went from losing a bunch of games to becoming one of the best teams in baseball, whether San Diego fans are getting spoiled by AJ Preller’s annual wheeling and dealing, and the teams that have stood out most to them this season. Plus, the guys discuss the Padres’ massive sale, what the new ownership group has in mind, the atmosphere at Petco Park, and why other small market teams can’t seem to replicate San Diego’s success. Later, the guys head to Strange But True for an unbelievable minor league twist, where Hickory Crawdads teammates Brady Ebel and his brother Trey somehow combine to finish the same at bat. Rundown: 0:00 Today’s Lineup 00:37 Welcome to Starkville 8:33 UP NEXT: TONY GWYNN JR. AND MARK GRANT 5:33 Padres - What Happened? 17:05 Are San Diego Fans Spoiled By AJ? 23:26 Stand out Teams for Mark and Tony 25:09 SD Team Sold for 3.9 Billion! 27:53 Can Other Small Markets Copy SD? 31:03 New Manager, New Process? 34:05 Mark Grant Makes Good Impression 38:39 UP NEXT: STRANGE BUT TRUE 38:47 Strange But True Trey and Brady Ebel finish the same at-bat Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371 Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville With: Tony Gwynn Jr. & Mark Grant Producer: Matthew Chilelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 15h ago

    MLB’s Late-Season Breakouts + Final Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire

    Which players have emerged as unexpected fantasy baseball difference-makers down the stretch? DVR and Eno look back at the biggest surprise producers of the last 30 days before digging into the final Weekend Waiver Preview of the 2026 MLB season. First, Baseball News You Should Know covers the possibility of Garrett Crochet returning as a bullpen weapon for the Red Sox, Willson Contreras dealing with a bruised hand and the Nationals discussing a potential contract extension with Cade Cavalli. DVR and Eno examine Cavalli’s breakout, the impact of adding a cutter and what a long-term deal with Washington could look like. Plus, Walbert Ureña continues his impressive rookie season after seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against Minnesota, Jared Young is dealing with concussion symptoms after a scary collision at first base and the latest developments surrounding Mark Walter. The mailbag tackles Dillon Dingler’s second-half decline, how a potential delay to the 2027 MLB season could impact veteran pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler, and one of fantasy baseball’s most frustrating problems: What do you do with the player you can never seem to start at the right time? Finally, DVR and Eno search the waiver wire for the last players who could help fantasy managers win their leagues. Ryan Johnson, Cristian Javier, Griffin Conine, Adael Amador, Jonah Cox, Henry Bolte and Victor Mesa Jr. are among the late-season options discussed — along with several players who could carry intriguing value into 2027. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Rates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/ Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #MLB #FantasyBaseball #WaiverWire #MLBProspects #RatesAndBarrels 00:00 Intro 00:34 Baseball News You Should Know 00:59 Could Garrett Crochet Join Boston’s Bullpen? 02:24 Willson Contreras Day-to-Day With Bruised Hand 05:33 Nationals in Extension Talks With Cade Cavalli 07:14 How Cade Cavalli Changed His Arsenal 09:21 MLB’s Biggest Strikeout-Rate Risers 11:43 Walbert Ureña’s Breakout Rookie Season 14:36 Jared Young Injured in Scary Collision 15:55 Latest Developments Surrounding Mark Walter 18:10 Mailbag 18:24 What Happened to Dillon Dingler? 21:24 How Could a Delayed 2027 Season Impact Pitchers? 26:53 The Fantasy Player You Can Never Get Right 29:38 DVR’s Cam Smith Problem 32:07 How to Handle Frustrating Fantasy Players 35:17 Sage Performance Review 35:39 Surprise Hitters of the Last 30 Days 37:40 The Hottest Pitchers of the Last 30 Days 41:11 Final Weekend Waiver Preview 41:37 Late-Season Starting Pitcher Adds 47:43 Final Waiver Wire Hitters 48:04 Griffin Conine Is Getting an Extended Look 50:01 Middle Infield Waiver Options 52:28 Late-Season Outfield Adds 53:12 Is Jonah Cox a 2027 Sleeper? 54:22 Henry Bolte & Victor Mesa Jr. 56:12 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 1d ago

    Which MLB Bullpens Are Actually Built for October?

    Which MLB contenders have the bullpens built to survive October? DVR, Eno Sarris and Trevor May rank the best relief units in the American and National Leagues and break down which teams they trust most heading into the MLB postseason. The Guardians headline a tightly packed group of American League bullpens, with the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros and Rays all making their cases. The guys examine Cleveland’s high-leverage arms, Houston’s top-end talent, Boston’s impressive results and whether the Yankees have enough depth to shorten games in October. They also explain why Tampa Bay may be missing the overpowering arm that becomes so valuable in the postseason. In the National League, the Padres have built one of baseball’s deepest and most dangerous bullpens around Mason Miller, but the Brewers, Dodgers, Braves and Phillies all enter the conversation. Has Milwaukee quietly assembled an elite October bullpen? Can the Dodgers piece together enough healthy arms? And should Philadelphia’s actual results make us skeptical despite strong underlying projections? Plus, Baseball News You Should Know covers another late-season injury concern for the Dodgers after Blake Snell exits with a groin strain, Aaron Judge leaving early with leg tightness, Jackson Holliday landing on the IL and Kyle Bradish’s season coming to an end. Finally, Closing the Tab turns to the Seattle Mariners. After entering the season as heavy favorites in the AL West, Seattle fell well short of expectations as Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez and several key players took steps backward or battled injuries. But the biggest question may be the pitching staff: Have T-Mobile Park and Seattle’s run-prevention environment caused us to overrate just how good Bryan Woo, George Kirby and the Mariners’ rotation really are? DVR, Eno and Trevor examine Seattle’s surprising home-road pitching splits, what could change in 2027 and why a disappointing season doesn’t necessarily mean the Mariners’ successful pitching-development model is broken. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: [ratesandbarrels@gmail.com](mailto:ratesandbarrels@gmail.com) Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Rates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/ Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #MLB #MLBPlayoffs #Mariners #FantasyBaseball #RatesAndBarrels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 2d ago

    Are MLB’s Aging Stars Starting to Decline? Turner, Machado & J-Ram

    Are Trea Turner, Manny Machado and José Ramírez beginning to show real signs of decline — or are MLB’s aging stars poised to bounce back in 2027? DVR, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie dig into three veteran hitters on the wrong side of 30 and examine what the underlying numbers tell us about where their careers are headed. José Ramírez continues to provide plenty of fantasy value despite an injury-altered season, while Manny Machado’s declining hard-contact numbers raise questions about how much elite production remains. Then DVR takes a deep dive into Trea Turner’s surprising 2026 season. Turner’s bat speed still looks healthy, but his production against fastballs has fallen, his swing decisions have changed and his overall offensive production has dropped significantly. A surprising comparison with Xander Bogaerts may also offer a better idea of what Turner could look like over the second half of his long-term contract. First, Baseball News You Should Know covers another huge moment from Junior Caminero, Pete Alonso’s return to Citi Field, the Guardians-White Sox playoff battle and a razor-thin AL West race between the Astros and Rangers. Finally, Closing the Tab heads to Washington. The Nationals have made a massive offensive leap in Year 1 under their new front office, but questions remain about their pitching development. DVR, Eno and Jed look at what changed in Washington, the next wave of pitching prospects and the rapid ascent of 18-year-old Eli Willits. Plus, Jed puts a new spin on Name That Dude with the help of a pack of 2026 Topps Chrome. #MLB #FantasyBaseball #TreaTurner #MannyMachado #JoseRamirez #RatesAndBarrels 00:00 Intro 02:03 Junior Caminero Is Fearless at the Plate 04:42 Pete Alonso Returns to Citi Field 08:31 Guardians-White Sox Delivers Again 11:29 Astros & Rangers Battle for the AL West 15:09 What's Going On With Wyatt Langford? 16:49 Decline or a Cliff? 17:12 Is José Ramírez Finally Slowing Down? 25:32 What’s Happening to Manny Machado? 37:39 What Happened to Trea Turner? 38:59 Turner’s Fastball & Swing-Decision Problems 40:25 Trea Turner vs. Xander Bogaerts 45:45 Closing the Tab: Washington Nationals 49:50 Can the Nationals Fix Their Pitching? 57:14 Eli Willits’ Incredible Rise 57:34 Name That Dude: Topps Chrome Edition 1:00:40 The Mystery Player Revealed Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Rates & Barrels MERCH https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/ Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 3d ago

    Yankees vs. Rays: Who’s Better Built for October?

    Are the New York Yankees getting healthy at exactly the right time? DVR and Eno break down the latest MLB playoff picture before Yankees reporter Brendan Kuty joins the show to discuss Aaron Judge finding his timing, the Yankees’ October rotation and a fascinating decision between George Lombard Jr. and Anthony Volpe. The American League playoff race remains unsettled as the White Sox battle Cleveland, Toronto and Texas for position. DVR and Eno also examine the Padres’ biggest October weakness, a crushing Blue Jays loss and whether heavy workloads eventually catch up with MLB relievers. Plus, the Rays have already punched their ticket to October. DVR and Eno examine Tampa Bay’s lineup, rotation and bullpen and assess whether the Rays have everything they need to make a deep postseason run. #MLB #Yankees #Rays #MLBPlayoffs #RatesAndBarrels #baseballgame 00:00 MLB Playoff Race Heats Up 01:44 White Sox Take a Huge Game From Cleveland 06:31 Can the Padres’ Rotation Survive October? 09:30 Blue Jays Let One Get Away 11:57 How Much Is Too Much for MLB Relievers? 14:29 Four More Teams Punch Their Playoff Ticket 17:37 Aaron Judge Looks Like Aaron Judge Again 22:02 Is the Yankees’ Rotation Getting Healthy at the Perfect Time? 23:56 George Lombard Jr. or Anthony Volpe? 27:09 Did Volpe Fix His Swing in Triple-A? 28:43 Can the Yankees Still Steal the AL East? 30:04 What Could Sink the Yankees in October? 33:35 Are the Rays Built for an October Run? Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Rates & Barrels MERCH https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/ Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. 4d ago

    Brewers Are For Real & the Blue Jays Are Surging | MLB Playoff Race

    Are the Milwaukee Brewers built to make a deep October run? DVR is joined by WTMJ Brewers host Dominic Cotroneo to examine why Milwaukee’s unconventional offense works, Jacob Misiorowski’s transformation into an ace, Logan Henderson’s emergence and how the Brewers could build their pitching staff for the MLB postseason. First, the American League playoff picture is finally beginning to take shape. The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly pushed their way back into serious contention, while the White Sox and the rest of a crowded AL field battle for six postseason spots. Could Toronto be a dangerous “house money” team if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays get back to October? Then it’s time for Where the Money Went. Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula gets his first taste of the majors, showing impressive plate discipline and hitting his first MLB home run. DVR and Dom also discuss late-season fantasy baseball strategy, returning catchers and why finding usable pitching in the final two weeks has become increasingly difficult. Finally, Closing the Tab turns to the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals. Is Jordan Walker’s breakout sustainable? Does St. Louis have the position-player core to contend again soon? And can the organization’s pitching development catch up quickly enough to complete the rebuild? Plus, Dominic discusses the Service Time podcast and the history of baseball’s relationship with its players. #MLB #Brewers #BlueJays #MLBPlayoffs #FantasyBaseball #RatesAndBarrels 00:00 Blue Jays Emerge in the AL Playoff Race 03:43 Is the AL Playoff Picture Finally Taking Shape? 09:25 The Blue Jays Are Making Their Move 12:42 Padres-D-backs & the NL Wild Card Race 18:05 Where the Money Went: Josue De Paula Arrives 21:19 Late-Season Fantasy Baseball Strategy 25:30 Brewers Deep Dive: Is This Team Better? 29:17 Why Milwaukee’s Offense Works 33:43 What Really Happened to Milwaukee in the 2025 NLCS? 36:43 Misiorowski, Henderson & the Brewers’ October Rotation 41:15 Who Emerges From the Brewers Bullpen? 43:58 Closing the Tab: 2026 Cardinals 49:03 Is Jordan Walker’s Breakout For Real? 52:22 The Cardinals’ Young Core 55:13 Dominic Cotroneo’s Service Time Podcast Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Host: Derek VanRiper Contributor: Dominic Cotroneo Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Sep 12 ·  Video

    Starkville | Chipper Jones on the Braves, Bobby Cox and Today’s Game

    Hall of Famer Chipper Jones returns to Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug sit down with the Braves icon to talk Ronald Acuña Jr.’s memorable curtain call, his favorite Bobby Cox ejection stories, whether Chipper ever got tossed himself, and what he thinks he would hit in today’s game. Plus, Chipper weighs in on ABS, the evolving role of hitting coaches, the Braves’ World Series chances, and his memorable battles with Doug Glanville. Later, the guys head to Arizona for Strange But True, where the Diamondbacks and Royals somehow turned a 0 0 game into an absolute baseball zombie thriller. Rundown: 0:00 Today’s Lineup 00:37 Welcome to Starkville 8:33 UP NEXT: CHIPPER JONES VISITS STARKVILLE 8:35 Ronald Acuña Jr. Curtain Call 18:05 Did Chipper Jones Ever Troll? 21:58 Changing Role of Hitting Coaches 26:40 The Braves’ World Series Chances 31:08 In Honor of Bobby Cox - what’s your favorite Bobby Cox Ejection Story? 35:39 Has Chipper Jones ever been Ejected from a game? 37:35 What would Chipper Jones have hit if he were still playing baseball today? 39:32 Thoughts on ABS - is it helping the game? 41:22 Chipper Vs. Doug - stories about Doug Glanville going up against Chipper Jones 45:27 UP NEXT: STRANGE BUT TRUE 46:21 Strange But True Diamondbacks Vs. Royals Zombie game Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371 Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville With: Joe Maddon Producer: Matthew Chilelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Sep 11

    How Good Is Cam Schlittler? + Post-Hype Sleepers for 2027

    The Under the Radar crew is back! DVR reunites with Ian Kahn and Nando Di Fino to look back at lessons from the Fantasy Baseball season, identify post-hype sleepers for 2027 and discuss the incredible rise of Yankees starter Cam Schlittler. Just how good has Schlittler become? The guys break down his dramatic improvement in command, overpowering arsenal and rapid development before asking a much bigger question: Has Schlittler already become a top-five starting pitcher? Then it's time to start looking ahead to 2027 fantasy baseball. Royce Lewis headlines a group of former top prospects who may still have another level to reach. Could Lewis' combination of power and speed finally turn him into a 20/20 player if he stays healthy? Plus, Spencer Jones is beginning to deliver on the enormous power-speed potential that made him such an intriguing Yankees prospect, while the crew looks back at a young pitching class that largely delivered on the hype this season. Finally, Jake Bauers gets his flowers in the Sage Performance Review after emerging as one of the biggest waiver-wire surprises of the season. It’s an Under the Radar reunion filled with fantasy baseball strategy, prospect talk, old predictions, receipts and plenty of stories along the way. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper Contributors: Nando Di Fino & Ian Kahn Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #FantasyBaseball #MLB #Yankees #CamSchlittler #Baseball #RatesAndBarrels 00:00 Under the Radar Reunion 04:02 Fantasy Baseball Lessons From 2026 14:21 DVR’s Fantasy Season & Young Pitching 19:34 2027 Post-Hype Sleepers 20:30 Christian Encarnacion-Strand 23:22 Can We Still Believe in Royce Lewis? 28:37 Jasson Domínguez & Spencer Jones 34:44 Cam Schlittler’s Incredible Rise 41:11 Is Cam Schlittler a Top-5 Starter? 43:13 Nick Gonzales: 2027 Sleeper? 47:04 What Matters Beyond the Numbers? 53:01 Jake Bauers’ Breakout Season 56:27 Under the Radar Reunion Wrap-Up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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