Who are the biggest 2027 fantasy baseball breakout candidates? Could Andrew Painter, Jackson Jobe or Jackson Merrill become the next Jacob Misiorowski or Pete Crow-Armstrong?
Live from First Pitch Arizona 2026, Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris are spinning the 2026 MLB season forward to find the next wave of fantasy baseball sleepers, breakout pitchers, undervalued hitters, emerging closers and post-hype rebound candidates.
After the incredible success of last year's "Hype Seven" pitchers, can another group of young arms make the same leap? Derek and Eno examine Jackson Jobe, Connelly Early, Logan Henderson, Andrew Painter, Bubba Chandler, Anthony Molina and Hagen Smith, breaking down the underlying pitch characteristics, Stuff+, command and injury concerns that could determine their 2027 value.
They also explore the hitters who could deliver a massive breakout. Does Jackson Merrill have 30/30 potential? Could Konnor Griffin or Cole Carrigg follow Pete Crow-Armstrong's path? Which hitters share Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s swing characteristics, and could Luke Raley become the next Jake Bauers?
Plus, Derek and Eno discuss post-hype prospects including Jackson Holliday, Roki Sasaki and Dylan Crews, identify potential new closers, and examine which MLB organizations could make a Nationals-style leap forward.
Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Demetrio Crisantes joins the show to discuss his impressive contact skills, developing power, stolen bases, recovery from injuries and how advanced training technology is helping him prepare for major league pitching.
And the First Pitch Arizona crowd gets involved with two rounds of Name That Dude!
00:00 Live from First Pitch Arizona 2026
02:28 Remembering Adam Standish
03:52 The Hype Seven: What Worked in 2026?
09:36 Finding the Next Breakout Pitchers for 2027
13:38 Jackson Jobe, Connelly Early & Logan Henderson
16:50 Andrew Painter, Bubba Chandler & More Young Arms
21:59 The Risks of Young Pitchers Changing Roles
25:56 Finding the Next Fantasy Baseball Closer
29:59 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. & Potential Fantasy Busts
34:15 Diamondbacks Prospect Demetrio Crisantes Joins
42:59 Name That Dude — Round One
45:11 Who Is the Next Pete Crow-Armstrong?
49:57 Konnor Griffin, Cole Carrigg & Breakout Tools
51:56 Finding the Next Jake Bauers
53:56 Bat-Speed Risers, Nathaniel Lowe & Luke Raley
58:42 Post-Hype Sleepers: Jackson Holliday, Roki Sasaki & More
1:05:32 Which MLB Team Could Make the Next Big Leap?
1:10:07 Name That Dude — Round Two
1:11:33 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris bring you in-depth MLB analysis, fantasy baseball strategy, player development insights, pitching analytics and conversations from around the game.
Subscribe to the Rates & Barrels YouTube channel for more baseball coverage and fantasy baseball analysis.
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Special Guest: Demetrio Crisantes, Arizona Diamondbacks prospect
Recorded Live: First Pitch Arizona 2026
Special Thanks: Brent Hershey, Ray Murphy & Baseball HQ
Executive Producer: Mac
#FantasyBaseball #RatesAndBarrels #MLB
","author_name":"The Athletic"}