Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Drew Rasmussen’s incredible run continues. Today, Eno, Jed, and DVR dig into the factors behind the Rays right-hander owning the best ERA in baseball since 2021 among qualified starters not named Shohei Ohtani. Then, they discuss whether Zone% can reveal which hitters pitchers fear the most. Later, the guys examine the recent regressions of Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman before wrapping up with a daunting round of Name! That! Dude!

Rundown:

0:50 Drew Rasmussen’s Run

3:48 Eno at World Cup

6:33 Cooper Pratt’s Debut

8:47 Sal Stewart vs. Bryce Eldridge

12:2...

Who are the toughest starting pitchers to rank right now? Eno and DVR dig into a group of arms that defy easy placement, including Jared Jones, Chase Burns, JT Ginn, Trey Yesavage, and more, breaking down the factors that make each of them such difficult evaluations. Then, they're joined by Chris Gill of MLB The Show to discuss how the iconic franchise has evolved over the past two decades and the challenge of creating a baseball game that mirrors the real thing.

Rundown:

1:04 Jared Jones’ Slow Start

7:14 Chase Burns’ Dominance

17:34 Logan Gilb...

What a weekend across baseball. A reigning Cy Young winner returned to the mound, runs piled up in Kansas City and Las Vegas, and two stars suffered an all-too-familiar injury to a notorious hand bone. Eno and DVR break down Tarik Skubal’s uneven return, the hamate fractures suffered by José Ramírez and Vinnie Pasquantino, and Luis Lara’s extension with the Brewers. Plus, they take a closer look at Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s continued struggles and examine where fantasy managers spent their money over the weekend.

Rundown:

3:20 Tarik Skubal's Return

9:17 José Ramírez L...

J.T. Realmuto returns to Starkville this week, joining Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville to talk about everything from his last appearance on the show (which happened on a golf course) to catching Cristopher Sánchez, facing Jacob Misiorowski, and the unforgettable time Freddie Freeman kicked dirt on him.

Plus, Jayson and Doug weigh in on Manny Machado's criticism of analytics and what it says about the modern game, and Jo Adell makes another appearance in Strange But True — though this chapter of the story isn't nearly as triumphant as the last one.

Rundown:

2...

It’s Fantasy Friday, and with Eno out today, DVR enlists a pair of special guests. First, James Anderson of RotoWire joins the show to discuss the draft picks he’s already regretting, along with prospects generating plenty of buzz, including Braden Montgomery, Cole Carrigg, and Jordan Lawlar.

Later, Ottoneu founder and Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah stops by to examine Aaron Judge’s long-term outlook as he turns 35 next April before sharing reviews from his latest ballpark hot dog tour through Detroit and Miami.

Rundown:

0:37 James Anderson Joins the Show

1:55...

After news of a setback for Garrett Crochet’s injured lat, DVR and Stephen revisit the 2024 blockbuster that sent the ace to Boston and brought four prospects back to Chicago — all of whom have now reached the majors with the White Sox. Then, they sort through a group of potential regression candidates, including Dillon Dingler, James Wood, Jordan Walker, Brandon Lowe, José Soriano, Gavin Williams, Max Meyer, and Bryce Elder, to determine who’s most likely to cool off in the months ahead.

Rundown:

3:35 Garrett Crochet’s Injury Setback

8:37 The White Sox Did Well in C...

Baseball Savant has given fans a new toy to play with. Today, DVR and Jed dig into the site's new swing timing and miss distance leaderboards and what they can reveal about hitter performance. Then, they break down the struggles of several young hitters, including Lawrence Butler, Evan Carter, Coby Mayo, Masyn Winn, and Marcelo Mayer. Later, they open the mailbag and tackle one of baseball’s most pressing questions: Is Brandon Marsh good?

Rundown:

0:45 New Toys at Baseball Savant!

12:54 Lawrence Butler: Can He Press Reset in 2026, or Beyond?

23:42 Evan Carter: Ho...

Is Manny Machado really mad about analytics, or is a tough season at the plate fueling the frustration? Today, Eno, Britt, and DVR unpack Machado’s comments and discuss whether advanced stats can help him break out of his prolonged slump.

Then, they look at three of baseball’s biggest surprises this season: the White Sox, Cardinals, and Nationals. Are these teams legitimate contenders, or should they sell at the deadline?

Later, Eno and DVR are joined by Patrick Mooney of The Athletic to discuss the Cubs’ disappointing season, what’s gone wrong, and whether there’s...

More Josh Naylor theatrics and another step forward for Tarik Skubal. Today, Eno and DVR break down the latest chapter in the Josh Naylor-Detroit Tigers saga after the Mariners first baseman tossed his sliding mitt toward Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler during a play at the plate. They also discuss Skubal’s latest rehab start, the recent dominance of Bryce Miller and Michael Soroka, and wrap up the show with a look at where the money went in fantasy leagues over the weekend.

Rundown:

1:43 Tarik Skubal Fires Five Scoreless Frames

3:24 Josh Naylor vs. Detroit: An...

The NL Cy Young race is absolutely loaded right now. Cristopher Sánchez just rattled off 50 and two-thirds consecutive scoreless innings, Jacob Misiorowski is lighting up radar guns, and Shohei Ohtani has his ERA sitting below 1.00. This week, Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville break down the crowded race for the award and discuss just how impressive Sánchez's scoreless streak was.

Later, Brewers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Matt Arnold stops by to talk about Milwaukee's surprising run to the top of the standings, Misiorowski's rapid rise, and what it's really like to spend time ar...

Bad news has arrived in the Bronx. Today, Eno and DVR break down what Aaron Judge’s fractured rib means for the Yankees and how the team will fare while he’s gone. Then, they discuss the return of Corey Seager and react to the shock of hearing Noelvi Marte has a new position. Later, the guys dive into the waiver wire, including the latest options in the ever-changing closer market.

Rundown:

0:42 Aaron Judge Out At Least 4-6 Weeks

10:44 Brayan Bello Optioned to Triple-A

17:59 Corey Seager is Back!

21:43 Noelvi Mart...

Commissioner Rob Manfred says MLB's luxury tax is a failure, Aaron Judge's injury situation is getting more serious, and George Kirby's strikeouts are missing. Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss those topics, and dig into a few risers and fallers in K-BB% between March/April and May, before taking a look at a surprising surge in homers and runs across all minor-league levels below Triple-A.

Rundown:

0:38 Commissioner Manfred Calls Luxury-Tax System a Failure

3:42 A Shocker: Franchise Valuations Are Key for Owners

10:29 ‘Fairness’ Is the Message: Is That *Really* The Goal?

12:36 Aaro...

It’s June 3, which means it’s time for everyone’s favorite game: Four vs. The Field! Today, Eno, Jed, and DVR debate whether the combination of baseball’s four World Series favorites will ultimately take home the trophy, or if the rest of the league is the smarter bet. Then, they discuss whether the Tigers can get revenge for last year’s late-season swoon by tracking down the Guardians in the AL Central. Later, the guys examine the best and worst users of ABS and discuss how teams are adapting to baseball’s challenge system.

Rundown:

0:36 Four...

It’s time to talk prospects, as some of baseball’s brightest young stars inch closer to the big leagues while others gear up for a run to the College World Series. Today, Eno and DVR are joined by The Athletic Senior Baseball Writer Keith Law to break down his latest prospect rankings, discuss the pitching development trends shaping organizations across MLB, and look ahead to the player who could top his prospect list in 2027.

Rundown:

1:13 Franklin Arias: Getting To Power Regularly at Double-A

5:18 Projecting Future Power: What Does Keith Look For?

8...

Things are looking up for two aces: Cristopher Sánchez and Jacob Misiorowski. After dominant performances throughout May, both have emerged as early frontrunners in the NL Cy Young race. Today, Eno and DVR break down what's fueling their success, while also examining which hitters made the biggest leaps at the plate from April to May. Later, the guys dig into the disappointing seasons of Bo Bichette and Austin Riley, and examine whether either star can turn things around before the year is over.

Rundown:

0:40 Eno’s Trip to Firestone Walker Invitational

4:31 The Miz...

An Astros pitcher accomplished something this week that hadn’t been done since 1892. Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville break down the historic feat, explain where Bumpus Jones fits into the story, and discuss what made it so remarkable with Sunday Night Baseball voice Jason Benetti. The guys also talk about Benetti’s chaotic travel schedule, how the ABS challenge system is changing the way he calls games, and the baseball cliché he can’t stand.

Rundown:

1:26 Joey Votto’s Visit to Starkville

4:40 The Miz Brings the Heat

8:13 Jason Benetti Joins the Show

Major League Baseball and the MLBPA have officially opened negotiations on a new labor deal, and while both sides are talking, they’re nowhere close to seeing eye to eye. Today, Eno and DVR break down the league’s initial proposals, the union’s response, and why these talks could stretch deep into the offseason. Later, Ottoneu founder and Senior Hot Dog correspondent Niv Shah joins the show to discuss the latest Ottoneu leaderboard — and explain why he refused to eat the hot dog fries.

Rundown:

0:44 And It Begins: MLBPA & Owners Present First Offers

10:42...

After breaking out last season, Nolan McLean has come back down to Earth a bit in 2026. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss whether the Mets right-hander still has future ace potential. Plus, the guys dig into Andrew Painter’s progress, Bubba Chandler’s arrival, and what JR Ritchie’s return to Triple-A means for his long-term outlook. Later, they tackle perhaps the biggest question on today’s show: What the heck is going on with Paul Skenes? 

Rundown:

1:15 Checking In on Nolan McLean

11:52 Pitches That Move *Too Much*?!

19:32 Andrew Painter’s Progress

Today, things got a little weird — thanks to Bryce Harper giving the world a glimpse into his unconventional toothbrushing routine. Eno, Jed, and DVR break down Harper’s viral moment, the end of Nick Kurtz’s on-base streak, and discuss Trea Turner, Jarren Duran, Steven Kwan, and the players who’ve brought them the most joy this season. Later, the guys revisit their plus-minus draft to see which big-name hitters have fallen short of expectations at the plate.

Rundown:

0:31 The Streak is Over! Nick Kurtz On-Base Streak Ends at 48 Games

3:02 No, We Don’t Get It: Bry...

It’s all about teamwork on Rates & Barrels as Eno, Britt, and DVR break down a combined no-hitter in Houston after Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert, and Alimbert Santa teamed up to blank the Rangers. Then, the crew heads to Seattle where the Mariners are embracing the collaborative spirit too after Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller pitched in tandem Monday night. Later, they discuss Gerrit Cole’s return and the continued struggles of the Tigers, who have dropped 16 of their last 19 games.

Rundown:

0:36 Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert & Alimbert Santa Combined No-Hitter

9:34 Are the Rangers OK?<...

Joey Votto spent the years since his 2024 retirement surfing in Sri Lanka, watching cricket in Dubai, and learning to make sushi in Japan. Now he's back in North America and stopping by Starkville for a wide-ranging conversation with Jayson and Doug — what he took away from his travels, and how he sees baseball differently from the outside. Plus, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Boston's Franklin Park Zoo just completed a gorilla-for-gorilla swap — Frankie for Little Joe, straight up — and Jayson and Doug break it down before building their own MLB all-zoo team.

Rundown:

3:00 A Most Unusual Trade...

It’s Fantasy Friday, and with trade season heating up, fantasy managers are getting antsy to make moves. Eno and DVR break down which hitters have faced the nastiest stuff so far this season — and which ones have still managed to thrive. Plus, the guys discuss the risk-reward proposition of paying up for Colt Emerson in redraft leagues, before taking a closer look at the struggles of two key Royals bats: Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez.

Rundown:

0:35 Allergy Season is Trade Season! Time to Wheel and Deal

6:40 Strength of Schedule: Which Hitters Have Hit...

Little League homers are making a comeback — at least for now — as the numbers have spiked across MLB this season. Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down what’s driving the surge in inside-the-park home runs, which pitchers have been hurt most by ABS, and who the most underrated relievers in baseball are in 2026. Later, the guys answer a Discord question about how MLB’s paternity list works and what it’s like balancing fatherhood with life in the big leagues.

Rundown:

0:30 Little League Home Runs: Are They Way Up This Season?

7:36 ABS Zone Impact: Wh...

Baseball is hard — just ask Nationals top prospect Dylan Crews and Twins slugger Royce Lewis, two players trending in very different directions. Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss Crews’ promotion to the Nationals and Lewis’ surprising demotion to Triple-A. Then, the guys dive into the diminishing value of “barrels” and whether baseball’s obsession with advanced stats has gone too far in 2026.

Rundown:

0:42 Dylan Crews Back with Nats: Will Adjustment Click?

10:41 Royce Lewis to Triple-A: Can He Reset at Triple-A?

21:39 How Barrels Have Lost Value

25:02 Heliot Ramos: A ‘Solved’ Player?

32:42 Bat S...

The Padres and Guardians are surging, while the Orioles are still searching for answers. Eno, Britt, and DVR break down how San Diego has managed to stay atop the standings despite underperformance from a few key stars. Then, the crew takes a closer look at Baltimore’s continued struggles, examining why the Orioles haven’t been able to build on their 100-win season just a few years ago — and whether the bigger issues stem from pitching development or a lack of continuity on the coaching staff. Later, DVR sits down with The Athletic’s Zack Meisel to discuss Cleveland’s early su...

Another top prospect has arrived in Seattle, as 20-year-old Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson made his MLB debut Sunday. Eno and DVR also discuss how Zack Wheeler finally looks like his old self again after beginning the season on the IL, and why Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki may finally be settling in as a reliable starter in LA. Later, the guys open the mailbag to discuss Shohei Ohtani, stabilizing whiff rates, and the long-term outlook for Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards.

Rundown:

0:47 Colt Emerson Promoted

8:13 Zack Wheeler is Rolling

12:11 Walk Rate Improvement...

One of baseball's most beloved managers is gone. Hall of Famer Bobby Cox passed away this week, and Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville celebrate his life with a guest who knew him well — Mark DeRosa, who played for Cox in Atlanta and shares what made him such a special manager. DeRosa also reveals a moment that stuck with him: Cox going out of his way to say he was glad to see him thriving, even after DeRosa had long since moved on to other teams. Then, Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz provides the material for one of the most ja...

A fresh batch of starting pitcher rankings has arrived, and there’s plenty to debate. Who made the “Hype 7”? Is Gavin Williams making the leap to ace status? And where does José Soriano land in the mix? Eno and DVR break it all down before turning their attention to the waiver wire, where two intriguing rookies — A.J. Ewing and Henry Bolte — are making their cases as weekend pickups. Plus, no Fantasy Friday would be complete without another edition of “Closer Corner.”

Rundown:

2:00 Eno's Updated SP Rankings: The 'Hype 7' is on the Move!

6:25 Future D...

Have you ever compared baseball to microtones? Neither had we — until today. The guys dive into the music of Angine de Poitrine to explore just how many pitch types a pitcher could realistically master. Then, Eno, Trevor, and DVR head behind the plate to break down the surprising development of Pirates catcher Henry Davis’ command model.

Rundown:

1:47 Bryce Miller is Back

7:38 Cal Raleigh Placed on the IL

8:16 Max Fried Exits with Elbow Soreness

11:05 Robby Snelling to the IL

13:12 Francisco Alvarez Likely Out Eight Weeks (Knee Surgery)

15...

Would you trade, hold, or extend Nick Kurtz right now? CJ Abrams? Ben Rice? The answers might surprise you.

Eno, Jed, and DVR break down all three in their favorite new game, "Trade, Hold, or Extend," then shift to two of baseball's hottest prospects: A.J. Ewing, who made a splash in his MLB debut for the Mets on Tuesday, and Henry Bolte, the Athletics outfielder just called up from Triple-A.

Rundown:

2:02 A.J. Ewing Debuts for the Mets

5:45 Henry Bolte Gets the Call

9:47 Skipping Rehab Assignments: Christian Yelich...

Eno, Britt, and DVR hit the quarter mark of the season with a look at the Blue Jays’ lack of power and speed, questions surrounding the rotation, and concerns about Louis Varland’s heavy workload in the closer role. Later, DVR puts Eno and Britt to the test with his latest trivia challenge before the crew dives into the Pirates, Cardinals, and White Sox.

Rundown:

2:00 DVR's Tattoo Promise

2:50 The Jays' Struggling Offense

10:48 Jays Continue to Steal Few Bases

16:08 Trivia Time!

18:30 Pitching in Toronto

23:02 Heavy Workload for...

Eno and DVR discuss the recent returns of pitchers Blake Snell and Carlos Rodón, breaking down how the two hard-throwing lefties looked on the mound this weekend. They also preview Mookie Betts’ return to the Dodgers’ lineup Monday and what his presence means for the rest of the offense. Later, the guys analyze the trade that sent Giants catcher Patrick Bailey to the Guardians.

Rundown:

00:35 Weekend at Eno’s

1:45 Blake Snell is Back!

4:29 Mookie Betts Returns Monday

8:30 Carlos Rodón Also Returned

10:33 More Mother’s Day Magic in M...

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville explain why Mason Miller may be the most unhittable pitcher in MLB history before discussing the toughest pitcher Doug ever faced. Later, they’re joined by Terry Francona — Doug’s former manager, Jayson’s old neighbor, and current Reds skipper — to talk about his return to the dugout, memories of managing Doug in Philadelphia, and the joy of watching Elly De La Cruz lead the Reds.

Rundown:

1:35 Is Strands Inspired by Starkville?

3:40 Is Mason Miller Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher?

8:01 Doug’s Most Unhittable Pitcher

11:10 Reds M...

Eno and DVR preview top prospect Robby Snelling’s highly anticipated big league debut and discuss expectations for the rookie left-hander. Later, they open the mailbag to answer questions about the closer market, Liam Hicks, and Will Warren. Plus, Ottoneu founder and Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah joins the show to break down Yankees prospect Spencer Jones, along with delivering his latest hot dog review — this time, the Minnesota Dog.

Rundown:

1:16 Marlins Promote Robby Snelling

4:23 Pitchers Nearing Returns: Jared Jones, Bryce Miller & Carlos Rodón

10:25 Deeper League Considerations: Sean Burke & JT Gi...

Eno, Trevor, and DVR unveil Trevor’s new deception model, digging into how it works, what it’s designed to measure, and the challenges of quantifying deception. They also break down the current leaders in deception among starters and relievers, and reveal where listeners can access the model (Hint: coming soon to Discord!). Later, they bring back How I’d Pitch This Guy with a look at Junior Caminero before shifting to the Rays’ rotation, focusing on Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax.

Rundown:

1:15 Quantifying Deception: From 2016 to 2026

8:39 Current Kings of Deception: Top-Five Starting Pitchers...

Eno, Jed, and DVR dig into the early-season struggles of Fernando Tatis Jr., examining what’s gone wrong at the plate and how he can get back on track. They also take a look at the scorching start from Matt Olson and debate whether his trajectory points toward Cooperstown. Later, they break down Framber Valdez drilling Trevor Story, which led to Valdez’s ejection on Tuesday night.

Rundown:

2:40 Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Hitting Woes

13:56 Tatis Jr.’s Projection for Rest of Season

23:58 Expectations for Jackson Merrill

30:25 Matt Olson’s Hot Start<...

Eno, Britt, and DVR break down a Tarik Skubal-less Detroit Tigers and ask whether the team can stay afloat until the reigning AL Cy Young winner gets back. Then, the trio turns to the LA Angels — what's gone wrong for the organization, and is trading Mike Trout actually on the table? Later, Eno and DVR sit down with The Athletic's Phillies writer Matt Gelb to talk through a potential homecoming for the Philly native Trout.

Rundown:

3:55 Tarik Skubal to Have Elbow Surgery

7:55 Can the Tigers Stay Afloat?

13:54 Is the Bullpen Good En...

Eno and DVR break down the numerous promotions and demotions around MLB, including Bryce Eldridge and Joe Mack earning their calls to the big leagues, while Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez and Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe head back to Triple-A. The guys also work through a wave of injuries around the league and discuss the passing of legendary broadcaster John Sterling.

Rundown:

2:00 Bryce Eldridge Recalled by Giants

5:40 Are You Buying a Giants Rebound?

11:07 Agustín Ramírez Gets Demoted

15:12 Anthony Volpe Staying at Triple-A

24:00 John Sterling Pass...

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville are back in Starkville to dig into the stunning April firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, breaking down how it unraveled and what it reveals about the ever-shrinking margin for managers. Then, MLB broadcaster Ron Darling joins the show to share his thoughts on the moves, the mounting pressure on today’s skippers, the Mets’ ongoing struggles, and his memories of the iconic 1986 Mets.

Rundown:

0:00 Starkville Is Back!

3:25 April Firings: Alex Cora and Rob Thomson

8:24 Ron Darling Joins the Show

9:18 Darling on Thomson

Eno and DVR return for another Fantasy Friday—starting with some food takes, including Eno’s “try everything once” mindset and DVR revealing he’s never had oysters. From there, they shift to baseball, breaking down potential fantasy trade targets among starting pitchers and identifying arms to buy low or sell high. The guys close out the show by discussing a new Athletics closer: Jack Perkins.

Rundown:

1:29 Eno's Dining Philosophy

3:28 The Truth Is: Midwest Food Creations Are Usually Good

7:45 Injury Updates: Luis Robert Jr., Trevor Rogers, Brandon Woodruff & Garrett Crochet

22:10 A...