Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Tom Hamilton and Len Kasper join Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug sit down with the longtime voices of the Red Sox and White Sox to discuss the matchup between two teams that have taken different paths but built their success the right way. They break down why America needs this series, whether any non-playoff teams could surprise everyone and make the postseason next year, and the emergence of José Ramírez, Chase DeLauter and other young players making their mark. They also discuss the early injury chaos, the contrasting pitching staffs, and the importance of trust when managing new coaches and young players. Plus, Jayson and Doug highlight players who deserve more attention, including Brayan Rocchio, Joey Cantillo, Tristan Peters and Sam Antonacci. And in Strange But True, the guys explore the Pope factor and his unexpected influence on the action in the field.Rundown:03:36 Am I Wrong?05:41 Losing Left Handed Leverage08:35 UP NEXT09:04 Tom and Len Visit Starkville!12:04 Why America Needs This Series19:48 The Game of Predicting Playoffs24:46 Chase Delauter and Parker Messick27:11 Crazy First Inning Injuries28:19 Contrast Between Pitching Staffs31:15 Role of Trust in the Game36:37 Players We Should Know Better42:19 The Pope Factor In This Series46:21 UP NEXTFollow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialE-mail: starkville@theathletic.comStarkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleWith: Tony Gwynn Jr. & Mark GrantProducer: Matthew Chilelli

The NLDS is here. DVR and Eno preview Braves-Dodgers and Padres-Brewers, breaking down the pitching matchups, lineup weaknesses, bullpen advantages and X-factors that could decide both National League Division Series.Can Atlanta find a way to slow down the Dodgers? The Braves took five of six from Los Angeles during the regular season, but the postseason pitching staffs look very different. DVR and Eno examine how Chris Sale could be deployed, why J.R. Ritchie could become a surprise weapon for Atlanta and how the Dodgers’ collection of high-velocity arms could attack one of the Braves’ biggest offensive weaknesses.The Dodgers finished among MLB’s leaders in 95+ mph fastballs, while Atlanta posted a .295 wOBA against those pitches during the regular season. Which Braves hitters can handle premium velocity? Plus, how healthy and effective will Shohei Ohtani be, and can Freddie Freeman bounce back after a difficult September?Then it's Padres-Brewers. Milwaukee owns the top seed, but San Diego enters the NLDS after a huge second half and a Wild Card Series win over the Cubs. DVR and Eno dig into Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Milwaukee’s pitching plans, Mason Miller and the battle between two deep bullpens.The Brewers' offense might also be more dangerous than its reputation suggests. Milwaukee combines on-base ability, bat speed and aggressive baserunning, while both the Brewers and Padres finished among MLB's best teams against 95+ mph fastballs. Could that become a major factor against Misiorowski and San Diego's power bullpen?Finally, it's time to Close the Tab on the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies. After another disappointing October exit, DVR and Eno discuss how the Bryce Harper era should be evaluated, an aging roster, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, Andrew Painter and whether Philadelphia should keep pushing its chips in for another championship run.Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment!e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsRates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer & Editor: McEnroe FrancisCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:46 Braves-Dodgers: Setting Up the Series05:46 How Atlanta's Rotation Could Line Up09:10 Could J.R. Ritchie Be Atlanta's X-Factor?11:44 The Dodgers' Pitching Advantage12:34 Atlanta's Problem With High-Velocity Fastballs17:06 Shohei Ohtani & Freddie Freeman Questions20:18 Braves-Dodgers Predictions21:05 Padres-Brewers NLDS Preview25:26 How the Schedule Impacts Jacob Misiorowski27:49 Milwaukee's Rotation After Misiorowski32:45 How Dangerous Is the Brewers Offense?35:24 Can San Diego Stop Milwaukee on the Bases?36:59 Breaking Down the Bullpens39:36 Milwaukee's Bullpen vs. Mason Miller41:12 Brewers & Padres Can Both Hit Velocity42:40 Padres-Brewers Predictions43:19 Closing the Tab on the Phillies47:23 Evaluating the Bryce Harper Era48:12 What Should Philadelphia Do Next?52:11 The Phillies' Aging Lineup55:29 A Wild Trade Idea for Philadelphia

The MLB Wild Card round comes down to one final elimination game — and Rates & Barrels is going LIVE for Phillies-Braves Game 3.Join DVR and Eno starting in the 7th inning as Philadelphia and Atlanta battle for a spot in the NLDS. We’ll react LIVE to the biggest moments, pitching decisions and late-game strategy as the final Wild Card series is decided.Then we turn our attention to the American League Division Series.The ALDS matchups are set:⚾ Yankees vs. Rays⚾ White Sox vs. GuardiansHow do the Yankees match up with Tampa Bay after advancing through the Wild Card round? Can the White Sox keep their surprising postseason run going against Cleveland? Which rotations, bullpens and lineup matchups could ultimately decide each series?We’ll break down both ALDS matchups, identify the biggest players and X-factors to watch, and get you ready for the next round of the 2026 MLB Playoffs.Bring your questions and reactions to the LIVE chat as we watch the end of Phillies-Braves and turn the page to the Division Series.Like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any of our LIVE postseason coverage!Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment!First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026Follow 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/ratesandbarrelsRates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/#MLB #MLBPlayoffs #Phillies #Braves #Yankees #Rays #WhiteSox #Guardians #ALDS #Postseason #RatesAndBarrels

The 2026 MLB Playoffs are underway — and Rates & Barrels went LIVE to break down a wild Day 1 of the Wild Card Series.DVR and Eno recap all four Wild Card Game 1s, reacting to the biggest performances, turning points and decisions that shaped the opening day of the MLB postseason.Austin Riley delivered a huge three-run homer to lift Atlanta past Philadelphia, the White Sox knocked off Houston, the Yankees shut out Boston in the Bronx, and Michael King dominated as San Diego rolled past the Cubs. What did we learn from the pitching matchups? Which Game 1 performances are sustainable? And what adjustments do the Phillies, Astros, Red Sox and Cubs need to make with their seasons now on the line?DVR and Eno break it all down and preview Wednesday’s four Game 2 matchups.Bring your questions and reactions to the chat, and make sure to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our LIVE Wild Card coverage Wednesday and Thursday.#MLB #MLBPlayoffs #WildCard #Postseason #Baseball #RatesAndBarrels

The 2026 MLB Wild Card Series is here.DVR and Eno break down all four Wild Card matchups before Tuesday's postseason quadruple-header, digging into the key stats, pitching matchups and tactical advantages that could decide each best-of-three series.Can the Phillies finally get their offense going against Chris Sale and the Braves? Philadelphia had to push all the way through the final day of the regular season, leaving its pitching plan complicated for Game 1.The surprising White Sox head to Houston to face an Astros team with plenty of October experience — but major questions in its starting rotation. Could the power in these two lineups turn White Sox-Astros into the highest-scoring series of the Wild Card round?The Yankees and Red Sox renew their rivalry in the Bronx. Boston brings one of the most left-handed pitching staffs we've seen in the postseason, creating fascinating lineup decisions for New York — while Aaron Judge's availability remains one of the biggest questions entering the series.Finally, the Cubs travel to San Diego for a rematch of last year's Wild Card Series. Chicago has one of the best offenses in the postseason field, while the Padres counter with an elite bullpen and a lineup that could run directly into one of the Cubs' biggest defensive strengths.Plus, DVR and Eno make their picks for all four Wild Card Series and look ahead to what the winners could face in the Division Series.And join Rates & Barrels LIVE Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday! We'll go live during the seventh inning of the final game of the night to recap the day's Wild Card action and preview what's coming next.Like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any of our postseason coverage.#MLB #MLBPlayoffs #WildCard #Postseason #Baseball #RatesAndBarrelsFirst Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026Follow 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 SarrisContributor: Jed LowrieExecutive Producer: McEnroe FrancisEditor: McEnroe Francis00:00 2026 MLB Wild Card Preview00:36 The Wild Card Round Is Here01:31 Why Do So Few Wild Card Series Reach Game 3?02:41 Phillies vs. Braves03:32 What's Wrong With These Two Offenses?07:41 Chris Sale Gives Atlanta the Game 1 Edge08:31 How Will Philadelphia Handle Its Pitching?09:51 Who Wins Phillies-Braves?11:44 Who Would the Dodgers Rather Face?13:16 Rates & Barrels LIVE Wild Card Coverage13:53 BREAK14:36 White Sox vs. Astros14:59 Houston's Starting Pitching Problem16:16 How Should Chicago Pitch Yordan Alvarez?18:30 Could This Series Become a Track Meet?19:53 Can the Young White Sox Handle October?22:18 Houston's Huge Premium-Velocity Advantage23:22 Is This the Series Most Likely to Reach Game 3?24:16 Who Would Cleveland Rather Face?26:23 Who Wins White Sox-Astros?27:08 Red Sox vs. Yankees27:31 Boston's Historic Left-Handed Pitching Staff28:34 How Do the Yankees Adjust to All Those Lefties?32:23 Does Boston's Handedness Close the Pitching Gap?33:48 Boston's Elite Bullpen34:34 Who Wins Red Sox-Yankees?35:39 BREAK36:00 Cubs vs. Padres36:19 Can Chicago Hit San Diego's Pitching?38:55 Will Ground Balls Sink the Padres?42:53 Why the Cubs' Offense Is Built for October44:48 Who Wins Cubs-Padres?46:41 Who Would the Rays Rather Face?47:25 Who Would the Brewers Rather Face?48:35 LIVE Wild Card Coverage This Week

The 2026 MLB Playoffs are set! DVR and Eno break down all 12 postseason teams, examining the strengths, weaknesses, pitching staffs, offenses and underlying numbers that could determine who survives October.The Milwaukee Brewers enter as the NL's No. 1 seed after a franchise-record 103 wins, but will their lack of home-run power matter in October? The Los Angeles Dodgers are chasing a third straight World Series title with another loaded roster, while the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies round out a fascinating National League playoff field.In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays earned the No. 1 seed behind elite run prevention, speed and roster depth. The Cleveland Guardians once again bring pitching and contact to October, while the Houston Astros somehow won the AL West at 81-81 despite major questions behind Hunter Brown in their rotation.The New York Yankees may have the most imposing starting rotation in the AL, but Aaron Judge's availability looms over their Wild Card matchup against the Boston Red Sox. Boston counters with a deep bullpen and a healthier lineup, while the surprising Chicago White Sox bring legitimate power — and plenty of questions about how their young pitching will handle October.Finally, DVR and Eno make their first postseason predictions: AL champion, NL champion, World Series winner and World Series MVP.Who are you picking to win the 2026 World Series?Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment!First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026Follow 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/ratesandbarrelsRates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer: McEnroe FrancisEditor: McEnroe Francis00:00 2026 MLB Playoff Preview00:49 Does the Regular Season Matter in October?05:42 Breaking Down All 12 Playoff Teams06:05 Milwaukee Brewers: The NL’s No. 1 Seed10:58 Can Milwaukee Handle Premium Velocity?13:18 Why the Brewers’ Offense Works17:14 Los Angeles Dodgers: Can They Three-Peat?20:27 The Dodgers’ Ridiculous Pitching Depth23:43 Atlanta Braves: How Dangerous Are They?29:47 BREAK30:28 San Diego Padres: Built for a Short Series?31:51 Does San Diego Have the Worst Playoff Rotation?34:26 The Padres’ Bullpen Can Shorten Games38:11 Chicago Cubs: Elite Offense, Pitching Questions41:06 Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 40-40 Season43:44 Philadelphia Phillies: Can the Offense Wake Up?46:54 Philly’s Problem Against Premium Velocity49:14 How Do the Phillies Handle Game 1?51:51 BREAK52:13 Tampa Bay Rays: The AL’s No. 1 Seed56:15 Why Tampa Bay’s Lineup Is So Pesky1:01:32 Cleveland Guardians: Better Than Last Year?1:05:58 Houston Astros: An 81-81 Division Champion1:08:05 Can Houston’s Rotation Survive October?1:11:01 New York Yankees: The AL’s Best Rotation?1:13:51 The Aaron Judge Question1:17:04 Boston Red Sox: Can the Lineup Score Enough?1:20:36 How Good Is Boston’s Rotation Without Crochet?1:23:19 Boston’s Bullpen Might Be Its Biggest Weapon1:24:47 Chicago White Sox: October’s Surprise Team1:26:07 Can Chicago’s Young Pitching Hold Up?1:29:46 DVR & Eno Make Their Playoff Predictions1:30:20 Who Wins the AL Pennant?1:30:50 Who Wins the NL Pennant?1:31:38 World Series Picks1:32:25 World Series MVP Picks1:33:47 Final Thoughts

Pat Murphy joins Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug sit down with the Brewers manager to talk about Milwaukee’s home run philosophy, the team’s secret sauce for October, navigating tough roster conversations, and his unique leadership style. Murphy also discusses Jacob Misiorowski’s rapid ascendance, the impact a Brewers championship could have beyond Milwaukee, and why mentoring players is one of the best parts of the job.Plus, Jayson and Doug debate the American League LVPs, including Cal Raleigh and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and make the case for what makes a true “winner” in baseball. And in Strange But True, the Brewers clinch the division in a particularly Brewer way.Rundown:0:00 Today’s Lineup00:48 Welcome to Starkville 07:31 LVP Awards14:18 UP NEXT14:22 Pat Murphy15:13 Maintaining Pitching Continuity17:35 Brewers and Home Runs20:29 Winning In October24:40 Tough Conversations26:16 Leadership Style27:33 Not Satisfied Yet29:41 “No One Believes in Us” Tactic32:54 Jacob Misiorowski’s Ascendance38:41 Impact Outside of Milwaukee?41:09 Passion for Mentorship45:36 Pocket Pancakes46:58 UP NEXT47:07 Strange But TrueFollow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.socialE-mail: starkville@theathletic.comStarkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleWith: Tony Gwynn Jr. & Mark GrantProducer: Matthew ChilelliThumbnail Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Which players actually won fantasy baseball leagues in 2026?DVR and Eno look back at the biggest fantasy baseball values of the season and build their 2026 All-ROI Team — highlighting the late-round draft picks, waiver-wire additions and overlooked players who dramatically exceeded expectations.The guys also revisit their fantasy draft strategies and the lessons they’ll take into 2027. When should you prioritize floor over ceiling? Is “skills over roles” still the best way to find late-round breakouts? And can this year’s success actually help us identify the next Pete Crow-Armstrong or Jacob Misiorowski?Niv Shah joins the show to examine the most profitable players in Ottoneu, including PCA’s enormous return, the difficult keeper decisions coming this offseason and whether there’s a blueprint for finding 2027’s breakout stars.Plus, it’s the final Taste the Majors review of 2026! The Philly Dog gets put to the test, and the crew has some ideas for how MLB’s ballpark hot dog series can take another step forward next season.Before Fantasy Friday begins, DVR and Eno break down the final weekend of the MLB regular season. The Phillies are still fighting to secure their playoff spot, their offense ranks near the bottom of MLB, and using Zack Wheeler on Sunday could complicate their Wild Card rotation.Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment!First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026Follow 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/ratesandbarrelsRates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisGuest: Niv ShahExecutive Producer: McEnroe FrancisEditor: McEnroe Francis00:00 Intro00:32 The Final Weekend of Fantasy Baseball02:38 What Did DVR Learn This Fantasy Season?04:40 Rethinking Draft-and-Hold Strategy06:15 Can the Phillies Survive the Final Weekend?10:13 Philadelphia’s Offense Has Been a Disaster11:20 MLB’s Final Playoff Spots13:50 Do You Need Home Runs to Win in October?17:17 Fantasy Friday: The 2026 All-ROI Team17:58 Fantasy Baseball’s Biggest Draft-Day Bargains18:48 Waiting on Catcher Paid Off20:50 Jordan Walker’s Massive Return22:19 The Best Waiver-Wire & Late-Round Finds23:01 Jake McCarthy & Carson Benge Deliver25:37 Sal Stewart Rewards the Skills-Over-Roles Approach26:42 Brandon Lowe & Luis García Jr.29:09 Otto Lopez’s $26 Fantasy Season31:28 Is Kevin McGonigle Too Expensive for 2027?32:05 Miguel Vargas Was a League Winner34:22 Nolan Arenado’s Forgotten Bounceback35:38 Jake McCarthy Thrives in Colorado38:02 Ben Rice & Other Mid-Round Wins39:27 Randy Arozarena’s Big Season39:59 The Biggest Out-of-Nowhere Breakouts40:29 Liam Hicks Comes From Nowhere43:00 Ezekiel Duran’s Breakout46:10 Finding Deep-League Unsung Heroes47:03 Niv Shah Joins Rates & Barrels47:23 Ottoneu’s Most Profitable Players50:03 Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Massive Profit51:52 The Mason Miller Keeper Decision53:18 Difficult Keeper Decisions for 202753:56 How Did PCA & Misiorowski Break Out?58:47 Can You Find the Next PCA?59:20 Why Fantasy Success Isn’t Always Repeatable1:00:46 A 2027 Anthony Volpe Rebound?1:02:50 Taste the Majors: The Philly Dog1:03:16 What Is Actually on the Philly Dog?1:09:26 Our Hot Dog Plea for 20271:13:32 Building the Ultimate Ballpark Hot Dog1:14:25 Farewell to Taste the Majors#FantasyBaseball #MLB #Baseball #FantasyBaseball2027 #RatesAndBarrels