The Athletic

Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Sports EN ↓ 1057 episodes

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,...

Author

The Athletic

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.nytimes.com

Latest episode

Jul 11, 2026

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Episodes

Prospect Promotions for September Roster Expansion 02.09.2025

Eno and DVR discuss a flurry of news from the long weekend including moves to the IL for MacKenzie Gore (shoulder), Edward Cabrera (elbow) and Jason Adam (quad), returns from Chris Sale and Jackson Chourio, a highly unusual home run from Trevor Story courtesy of the Pesky Pole at Fenway, and a few intriguing promotions from Sept. 1 roster expansion including Reds prospect Sal Stewart. Rundown 1:17...

Kyle Schwarber's Four-Homer Night, Another Lincecum & The Long Weekend Waiver Preview 29.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss Kyle Schwarber's four-homer night as he ascends NL MVP ballots, Corey Seager's latest absence, a bout of pitch tipping for Ryan Helsley, Ozzie Albies' second-half return to health, and several options to consider on the waiver wire this weekend, including Mets rookie Jonah Tong, whose delivery and elite strikeout rates are drawing comps to Tim Lincecum. Rundown 1:59 Kyle Schwar...

Bryan Woo's Ascent Toward Ace Status & The Next A's Core 28.08.2025

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the quality of the Brewers' bullpen with Trevor Megill on the IL due to a flexor strain, Luis Robert's 2026 outlook as his season appears to be over, Bryan Woo's ascent to ace-level results, and what we've learned in Year 1 with the A's in West Sacramento as their position player core comes together. Plus, they consider the possibility of an in-season MLB tournament, b...

Examining How Swing Decisions Are Made & 'Say Something Nice' 27.08.2025

Eno, DVR and Jed discuss a six-game suspension for Willson Contreras (which he has appealed) as part of a frustrating season for the Cardinals and wonder if he might be on the move this winter with two years remaining on his five-year deal with St. Louis. Plus, they discuss the return of Kyle Bradish, and key injuries to Nathan Eovaldi and Randy Rodriguez, before digging into one of the most fasci...

Cal Raleigh Hits 50th Homer, Reliever of the Year Candidates & A Look to the Future 26.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss Cal Raleigh's latest feat -- a 50-homer season -- as he continues to chase down Ken Griffey Jr.'s franchise-record for home runs in a season and Mickey Mantle's (!) record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in MLB history. Plus, they discuss candidates for Reliever of the Year in 2025 before the award joins the BBWAA slate in 2026, they also draft (likely) non-playoff teams...

Takeaways From Saberseminar & A Packed Weekend of Baseball News 25.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss Zack Wheeler's Thoracic Outlet Syndrome diagnosis and the lengthy timetable for his recovery, Aaron Nola's return to the Phillies' rotation, an eight-year extension for Samuel Basallo and whether that will prompt the Orioles to trade Adley Rutschman this winter. Plus, Eno shares a few interesting takeaways from this year's Saberseminar in Chicago, and they examine a new offerin...

Spencer Strider's Struggles & Weekend Waiver Preview 22.08.2025

Eno and DVR answer several mailbag questions covering the turnaround of Gavin Williams and the recent struggles of Spencer Strider before examining several options to consider this weekend as pickups on the waiver wire from shallow-league options (Bryce Miller, Cam Schlittler) to two-start pitchers for the upcoming week and the recently-promoted Parker Messick in Cleveland. Rundown 4:40 Making Sen...

Getting On Board with MLB Expansion & Realignment Plans 21.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss an early exit for Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday night and consider how his workload on the mound might be handled in 2026, and Zach Neto's long-term outlook as a player showing 30-homer, 30-steal skills. Plus, they consider the benefits of MLB's plan to expand to 32 teams, and Stephen Nesbitt's well-designed realignment that would actually preserve the American and National League...

A Fractured Clubhouse in Arizona & Can Young O’s Bats Help Turn Baltimore Around Quickly? 20.08.2025

Eno and Jed discuss Bubba Chandler finally getting called up, whether Aaron Judge and Boone are on the same page about his injury, what is going on with Ketel Marte and the D-backs, the current state of the Orioles, and what to expect from some of the recently promoted prospects in Baltimore.  Rundown 2:50 Bubba Chandler Finally Gets Called Up 7:15 Are Aaron Judge & Aaron Boone on the Sam...

Kyle Tucker's Summer Slide & Checking In on the Mets w/Tim Britton 19.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s season so far, the almost certain impact of injuries on the summer struggles of Kyle Tucker, and Jordan Westburg's steady skills around trips to the IL in his second full season with the Orioles. Plus, Tim Britton joins the show to discuss the Mets' recent woes, the questions the team will try to answer between now and October, another injury hurdle for...

Injuries Pile Up Again & August Prospect Promotions 19.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss a serious health situation for Zack Wheeler, who had surgery to address a blood clot near his right shoulder. Plus, the wear-and-tear injuries pick up as the calendar reaches the second-half of August as Jackson Merrill is dealing with an ankle issue, Max Muncy returns to the IL, and Kyle Stowers lands on the shelf with an oblique injury. Rundown 2:32 A Scary Health Situation f...

Tough Starting Pitcher Rankings for the Rest of 2025 15.08.2025

Tough Starting Pitcher Rankings for the Rest of 2025 Eno and DVR wish FanGraphs a Happy 20th Birthday and discuss several tough rankings from Eno's final list for the 2025 season including Logan Webb, Dylan Cease, Shohei Ohtani, and Chase Burns, along with the surprising lefties -- Andrew Abbott, Jacob Lopez, and Trevor Rogers -- as the stretch run approaches. They also look at a few intriguing na...

The Phillies' Case for 'Best Team in Baseball' & Four Pitchers We're Intrigued By 14.08.2025

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the battle atop the AL West before examining the Phillies' case for the 'Best Team in Baseball' crown thanks to excellent starting pitching at the continued improvement of Cristopher Sánchez and Kyle Schwarber putting up career-best numbers in his age-32 season. Plus, they look at four intriguing starting pitchers getting a late-season opportunity. Rundown 1:12 A Look...

A Red Sox Check-In & How Players Change During the Season 13.08.2025

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss the Red Sox's 'quiet' ascent to the second-place spot in the AL East on the strength of a lineup that is tied for fifth in wOBA and wonder if the pitching is deep enough to make the team dangerous if they reach the playoffs. Plus, they discuss how players change over the course of the season, and a round of injury news items including a follow-up on Astros closer Josh Had...

Josh Hader to the IL & Talking Tigers w/Cody Stavenhagen 12.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss the Astros' bullpen as Josh Hader is slowed by a shoulder injury, the return of Cristian Javier to the rotation, plus on the first installment of 'The Checklist', they discuss the seasons of Ben Rice, Bo Bichette and Geraldo Perdomo. Cody Stavenhagen joins the program to discuss the Tigers, whose underwhelming additions at the Trade Deadline may come into question without a dee...

An Ace Returning for the Playoff Chase 11.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss the upcoming return of Hunter Greene for a critical juncture in the schedule, and if the Reds might have found an undervalued group of pitchers despite the tendencies of Great American Ball Park. Plus, they look at James Wood's recent slump and the potential impact on his 2026 value, Jo Adell's career-year, and the bloated ratios of Griffin Jax despite great underlying numbers...

Pleasant Surprises & Warming Up to a Riser in Colorado? 08.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss the surprising speed contributions from Josh Naylor that have helped make him a top-20 hitter in fantasy baseball leagues this season, Cade Cavalli's improved arsenal in his return to the Nationals' rotation, and several players to consider on the waiver wire this weekend. Plus, Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah joins the show to discuss the 'Oakland Dog', Jakob Marsee's su...

Making Pitchers Uncomfortable & Best Bullpens Post Trade Deadline 07.08.2025

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss history on tap this weekend when Jen Pawol will become the first woman to umpire a regular season MLB game, the return of Michael King (and potential adjustments for JP Sears in the Padres' organization), the ways in which hitters can make life difficult on opposing pitchers, the struggles of relievers in new roles and on new clubs since the Trade Deadline, and Eno's a...

Roman Anthony Cashes In & Talking Brewers w/Vinny Rottino 06.08.2025

Eno returns to discuss a contract extension for Roman Anthony and to help determine if the Yankees' defensive shortcomings are as bad as the internet might lead you to believe. Plus, DVR talks Brewers with Vinny Rottino of FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. What has helped propel the Brewers to the best record in baseball during the first week of August? Rundown 2:03 Roman Anthony: Agrees to Eight-...

An Under the Radar Reunion w/Nando Di Fino & Ian Kahn 05.08.2025

DVR is joined by Nando Di Fino and Ian Kahn for an Under the Radar reunion! The trio discusses the differences between the Dodgers' push for an elite rotation compared to the Padres' push for an elite bullpen, the Marlins effectively playing spoiler throughout the middle-third of the season, growing concern about the Yankees amidst a recent slide, a split on Spencer Jones' long-term outlook, and t...

Late-Season Fantasy Baseball Adjustments w/Vlad Sedler 04.08.2025

DVR is joined by Vlad Sedler of FTN Fantasy to discuss Austin Riley's return to the IL, Jacob Misiorowski's quick trip to the IL, Max Muncy's upcoming return, and the bizarre season of Tommy Edman before sharing some of the adjustments they make for the final two months of the season. Plus, they look back at where the money was spent this weekend on the waiver wire, and uncooperative weather for t...

Winners & Losers From the Trade Deadline 01.08.2025

Eno and DVR discuss the fallout from this year's Trade Deadline and focus on several winners and losers with fresh opportunities on the teams that moved players with established roles. Rundown 1:42 Ronald Acuña Jr.: Grade 1 Calf Strain 8:03 Jackson Chourio: Headed to the IL 11:55 Jonathan Aranda's Wrist Injury; Future Outlook 18:36 Bullpen Battle: The League's Top-Three Relief Units? 23:32 Saves U...

Trade Deadline Review 01.08.2025

Eno, DVR, and Britt discuss all of the happenings leading into the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline including the Padres' huge deal with the A's to land Mason Miller, trades that sent elite relievers to the Phillies (Jhoan Duran), Mets (Ryan Helsley) and Yankees (David Bednar), the Astros' reunion with Carlos Correa within a flurry of upgrades, Eugenio Suárez's move to Seattle, Shane Bieber to the Blue Jay...

Trade Deadline Trends & The Reds Are Heating Up 30.07.2025

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss the Cubs' decision to extend President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer earlier this week, trend at the Trade Deadline from the past 25 years thanks to the research of the great Cespedes BBQ Crew, a few traded they would like to see, the surging Reds' deadline outlook, and what Guardians fans might look forward to amidst a disappointing 2025 season. Rundown 1:26 Jed Hoyer...

Preserving Pitcher Health & Breaking Down 'Big Amish' 29.07.2025

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the passing of Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg, whose HOF career influenced a generation of baseball players throughout the 80s and 90s. Plus, they discuss the debut of Carson Whisenhunt, adjusting to new catchers in-season, if measures to preserve the health of pitchers are showing signs of success, and how they would pitch to A's rookie Nick Kurtz, who continues to impress...

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