Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The MLB Trade Deadline may be over, but the fallout is only beginning. DVR and Eno break down the biggest stories still shaping baseball, including the shocking trade that sent Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox and what it means for both franchises moving forward.

The New York Yankees made one of the most surprising roster moves of the season by promoting top prospect George Lombard Jr. while optioning Anthony Volpe and Jasson Domínguez. DVR and Eno discuss what the moves say about New York's future, how Elliott Ramos fits i...

The MLB Trade Deadline is here and Eno and DVR are live, reacting to the blockbuster deals and surprise moves from around the league. Which contenders did the most to improve their World Series chances? Which teams fell short of expectations? Plus, we break down the biggest winners, losers, and lingering questions as the postseason picture begins to take shape.

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Tarik Skubal has been traded to the Dodgers in a four-player trade with the Tigers. Despite the crowded playoff picture in the AL Central, the Tigers opted to deal their ace in hopes of getting multiple contributors capable of keeping them in the mix for future playoff runs. Eno and DVR discuss the details of the trade, and the potential of the Dodgers’ rotation if they can have everyone healthy during the playoffs.

Don't miss our LIVE Trade Deadline show; Monday August 3rd at 4p ET on the Rates & Barrels YouTube Channel

Like, Su...

The Red Sox have been one of baseball's hottest teams since late June, and this week Jayson and Doug are joined by former major leaguer and NESN studio analyst Will Middlebrooks to break down what's behind Boston's surprising turnaround and why the club has become one of the biggest stories in baseball. Then, Jayson shares stories from Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown, including a chance encounter with one of the greatest hitters in baseball history and why even Hall of Famers are still in awe of the game's most exclusive club.

Rundown:

2:13 Jayson’s We...

With Monday’s trade deadline fast approaching, Eno and DVR break down the A.J. Minter trade from the Mets to the Twins and explain why the smaller deals can be just as important as the blockbuster moves. Then, the guys dig into the waiver wire before welcoming Niv Shah to discuss perhaps his biggest hot dog review yet, ranking four Harry Potter-inspired dogs—one for each Hogwarts house.

Rundown:

1:33 Max Clark Gets the Call: Can He Hit Right Away?

7:49 Bryan Baker Gets Save No. 30

10:10 Is Baker a Top-10 Closer for Next...

What a Wednesday it was around baseball. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down Don Mattingly’s pointed comments about Bryce Harper and why he’s calling for help at the trade deadline. Then, the guys play general manager, debating which pitchers they'd target if they were making deals. Plus, could Casey Mize and Hunter Greene be on the move before Monday’s trade deadline?

1:20 A Wild Wednesday: Big Comebacks, Injuries & A Trade!

3:51 ‘Harper-Dombrowski Cold War’ Continues?

6:44 Injury-Plagued Season Puts KC in Tough Spot

15:07 Rangers Add Chase Silseth & Logan O’Hoppe

21:15 P...

MLB Trade Deadline is just days away, DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie explain why the Detroit Tigers are good enough to make a legitimate run and why trading Tarik Skubal could be the wrong move. They discuss Detroit's dominant pitching staff, the emergence of Troy Melton, potential deadline upgrades, and why the Tigers should not be sellers.

The crew also breaks down the Mariners' comeback win over the Dodgers, what Seattle needs to take control of the AL West, and the latest update on Shohei Ohtani's pitching timeline as Los Angeles continues its push toward another...

MLB Trade Deadline week continues with DVR, Eno and Britt Ghiroli discussing strategies for both ends of the spectrum. The Yankees and Dodgers are looking towards the postseason while the Mets are looking towards next year. They break down the Yankees' search for offensive help following Cody Bellinger's injury and the ongoing absence of Aaron Judge. Plus, they examine whether the Dodgers should make another blockbuster move despite already having baseball's deepest roster, and what the Mets' long-term plan should be.

The crew also debates potential landing spots for trade targets including Zach Neto, CJ Abrams...

Jacob Misiorowski was rolling again Sunday, striking out 11 of the first 12 batters he faced. Eno and DVR discuss The Miz’s ongoing dominance and prepare for the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. to the Atlanta lineup. Should Acuña’s increasing injury history significantly lower his playing time projections in the future? Plus, Spencer Nusbaum joins the show to discuss the trade that sent Curtis Mead to the Red Sox and brought Connelly Early to the Nationals, as well as a few young starters getting closer to contributing in Washington.

First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseba...

There’s one thing sports fans can all agree on: Phillies fans love to boo. This week, Jayson and Doug look back at All-Star Week, share stories from the wrong side of a hostile Philly crowd, and discuss why the city’s fans have earned their reputation. Then, legendary broadcaster Joe Buck joins the show to talk about being honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, along with a few behind-the-scenes details from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding. To close things out, Jayson and Doug dive into another edition of Strange But True in Sacramento.

R...

A fresh batch of starting pitcher rankings is here, and Eno already has a few regrets. On this week's Fantasy Friday, Eno and DVR break down the latest rankings, discussing the biggest risers, fallers, and surprises. Then, they hit the waiver wire to highlight hitters and pitchers worth adding before wrapping up with a look at Clay Holmes' impending return.

Rundown:

0:32 Updated SP Rankings!

5:22 The Summer of Justin Wrobleski

11:15 Logan Webb’s Fall

14:53 Sean Burke is a Tough Rank!

20:41 Hunter Brown’s Woes

27:20 Keider Montero’s Surg...

Pitchers have to evolve fast to stay ahead, and this season has been no exception. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down the traits today's game values most and the adjustments a handful of starters are making—with varying degrees of success. Plus, the guys take a closer look at Eury Pérez's growth and the strides he's made in his third major league season.

Rundown:

2:17 The Speed of Adjustments

7:25 Faster Solutions: Who Actually Finds and Implements Them?

12:12 Pitcher Traits: What Are You Valuing More Today?

19:35 Kumar Rocker is Cha...

It’s time to fire up the Trade Master 3000! Today, Eno, Jed, and DVR unveil their boldest trade proposals ahead of the MLB trade deadline, including one that sends a former batting champ east and another that ships a former first-round pick south. Then, it’s another round of Name! That! Dude!, as the guys put their baseball knowledge to the test. To wrap things up, Jed recaps his trip to Fanatics Fest and shares some of his favorite moments.

Rundown:

0:48 A Win for Eno!: Four Free Fish & Chips?!

6:19 Position Player Fits

11...

The MLB Trade Deadline is almost here, and the Big Board is out! Eno, Britt, and DVR break down the players they think will be on the move before August 3 and discuss where they could land. Then, they recap a few key games with playoff implications from last night before diving into Britt's latest story on a bizarre alleged spying scandal involving the Angels and Rockies.

Rundown:

1:36 Building the Big Board:

5:01 Non-Stars Move the Needle

12:55 Contenders Trading From Their MLB Rosters?

15:10 Will Angels Approach Deadline Differently with John Mozeliak?<...

What is going on with Shohei Ohtani's knee? Eno and DVR break down the latest update, what it means that Ohtani has continued to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter, and why he's missed just one game since June 20. Then, they head to the AL East to discuss the red-hot Red Sox amid their 13-game winning streak and Kyle Bradish's new five-year deal with the Orioles. Later, they examine bullpen usage around the league and how it could shape the trade deadline market.

Rundown:

2:08 Shohei Ohtani’s Knee

6:56 The Red Sox Are Rolling: 13-G...

The guys head to the bullpen for Fantasy Friday. With DVR out, Eno is joined by Eric Samulski of Rotoworld to break down the latest injury news, including updates on Jacob Misiorowski, Jacob deGrom, Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, and more. They also discuss the Astros-Brewers trade that sent veteran Lance McCullers Jr. and pitcher Colton Gordon to Milwaukee as part of a deal for prospect Jadyn Fielder. Later, Eno and Eric wrap things up by highlighting the top hitters and pitchers to target on the waiver wire heading into the weekend.

Rundown:

1:30 Latest on I...

MLB has cracked down on teams' increasing use of generative artificial intelligence for on-field decision making. Eno Sarris, Derek VanRiper and Trevor May explain how teams were pushing their technology too far through the approved dugout iPads, and how quickly things have changed with the tablets in the short time since Trevor retired three years ago.

Plus, the trio offers up a few ideas for adding excitement to future All-Star Games, before highlighting some of their favorite second-half storylines, and reacting to breaking news of a seven-year, $105M extension for Chase Burns.

Rundown<...

The MLB Draft is in the books, and The Athletic's senior writer Keith Law joins Eno and DVR to break it all down. They discuss the first two selections, shortstops Roch Cholowsky and Grady Emerson, the Rockies' standout draft, the A's landing four players from Keith's Top 50, and the Phillies' puzzling approach. Later, the guys look back at this year's Futures Game and discuss why MLB missed an opportunity to give the event a bigger spotlight.

Rundown:

0:54 White Sox Draft Roch Cholowsky at 1.1

4:17 High School Arms Continue to Slide

8:15 Grady Emerson...

A new king has been crowned, and his name is Jordan Walker! Today, Eno and DVR recap the Home Run Derby, breaking down the new format, Netflix's presentation of the event, and whether All-Star Week can help bring new fans to baseball. Then, they discuss which players are the best candidates to turn their careers around the way Walker has this season. Later, they go head-to-head in a draft of the biggest first-half underperformers, debating which struggling players are most likely to bounce back after the break.

Rundown:

0:37 Jordan Walker Wins HR Derby

4:54...

We've made it to the Midsummer Classic! Today, Eno and DVR break down the new Home Run Derby rules and discuss which sluggers could benefit from the changes. Then, they take a look at several notable players who suffered injuries before the All-Star break and will miss Tuesday night's game, including Jacob Misiorowski and Shohei Ohtani. Later, they examine JJ Wetherholt's contract extension with the Cardinals and how it compares to other recent rookie deals. They wrap up the show by highlighting the players who have stood out the most from a fantasy perspective during the first half of...

It's time to wrap up the first half of the baseball season, and there's no better guest to do it with than Ken Rosenthal. This week, Jayson and Doug are joined by their longtime Starkville friend to break down the season's biggest surprises and disappointments, make their midseason MVP picks, and discuss whether Tigers ace Tarik Skubal could actually be moved before the trade deadline—and why that might be a mistake.

Rundown:

1:45 Ken Rosenthal Joins the Show

4:02 Most Surprising Team of 1st Half

9:10 Most Disappointing Team of 1st Half

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With All-Star Week approaching, it's time to get a head start on the weekend waiver wire. But first, Eno and DVR discuss the reduced suspensions for Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli before breaking down the latest injury news, including which players are returning soon and why Aaron Judge still needs more time to recover. Then, Ottoneu founder Niv Shah joins the show to examine the biggest fantasy price risers since Opening Day, explain why Paul Skenes' price continues to climb despite an underwhelming season, and share his latest hot dog reviews from Kansas City and Chicago's South Side.

One of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Justin Verlander, has decided to hang up his cleats. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR reflect on Verlander's remarkable career, where he ranks among baseball's all-time greats, and the legacy he leaves behind. Then, the guys examine why some pitchers, including Robbie Ray, are targeting the bottom of the strike zone more often and how that approach is changing their effectiveness. Later, they explore whether the data can reveal when hitters are sitting on a particular pitch.

Rundown:

0:35 Justin Verlander to Retire

3:40 A Look Back at...

As the All-Star break nears, it's time to revisit some preseason predictions that didn't quite pan out. DVR explains why he'd be less bullish on Kyle Tucker today, Jed breaks down the Braves' surprising fall, and Eno evaluates the Astros' first-half performance against expectations. Plus, the guys discuss Zack Wheeler's frustration over his All-Star snub and whether the surging Marlins can make a legitimate postseason run.

Rundown:

0:38 DVR’s Mulligan: Kyle Tucker Will Win NL MVP Award

4:41 NL MVP Candidates

11:59 Eno’s Mulligan: Expectations for 2026 Astros

16:46 Jed’s Mulligan: Choosi...

After a few exciting weeks, the U.S. Men’s National Team came crashing back to earth Monday night and were eliminated from the World Cup. Eno and DVR lament a disappointing effort before turning their attention back to baseball. The guys discuss what baseball and soccer have in common when it comes to developing young athletes. They examine how different types of pitchers age and highlight a few who have exceeded expectations this season. Later, they tackle the fan debate surrounding whether the Mets should consider trading Francisco Lindor and spotlight some unexpected relievers from around the league.

From a bullpen call that sparked chants of "Shame!" to the never-ending pile of streaming apps and another Tommy John surgery for Cole Ragans, the boys have plenty to get off their chests. This week, Eno and DVR discuss Eury Pérez’s bid for perfection and why Marlins manager Clayton McCullough may have made the right call by pulling the young right-hander. Then, they dig into why it's often tougher than fans realize for pitchers like Ragans to regain their previous form after undergoing UCL reconstruction. Later, they welcome back Hunter Greene and break down where the money wen...

Pete Crow-Armstrong was thrown out stealing on a walk... except he wasn't actually caught stealing on a walk. Confused? So were Jayson and Doug. This week, they break down PCA's controversial play at second base against the Mets, explain exactly what happened, and debate whether the league needs to change the rule.

Then, the guys revisit last week's search for a nickname worthy of Jacob Misiorowski's electric fastball, turning to the Starkville Hotline to hear listeners' best submissions.

Later, Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi joins the show to talk about his working relationship with Doug, the Cubs' up-a...

As America celebrates its birthday, fantasy managers are getting ready for the second half of the baseball season. This week, Eno and DVR take a closer look at what's behind Paul Skenes' recent struggles, and whether his declining fastball velocity helps explain the dip in results. Then, they size up several players around the league to determine who could be worth targeting in a trade. Plus, they wrap up the show by highlighting the best waiver-wire pickups on both the hitting and pitching sides ahead of the holiday weekend.

Rundown:

2:52 Concerns About Paul Skenes

As the weather warms up, the guys are bringing the heat to some intriguing pitching storylines. Eno, Trevor, and DVR examine Tatsuya Imai's inconsistencies and Jake Bennett's promising start to his career. They also explore why Bryan Woo has been so much more effective at home than on the road, whether Brandon Woodruff can continue to thrive with a diminished fastball, and how pitchers can still succeed even without high velocity.

Rundown:

0:58 Brent Rooker’s Season is Over

6:16 Corey Seager Returns to IL

9:15 Ryan Helsley Injured

11:26 Tatsuya Imai: Extreme Co...

It’s time for a tour around the National League, where every division has its own storylines taking shape. Eno, Jed, and DVR begin in the NL West, where the Dodgers have opened up a sizable lead. They discuss whether the Padres can still make a push, what needs to happen for the Diamondbacks' offense to get going, and where the Giants and Rockies go from here. From there, they head to "America’s Division," the NL Central, where the Brewers and Cubs are battling for the top spot while the Cardinals and Pirates remain in the postseason mix. Fina...

Baseballs started flying in June -- and it wasn't simply warmer weather -- it might be a manufacturing error! Eno and DVR explain why changes in drag on the baseball have a significant impact on home runs, and how Major League Baseball's revelation of a manufacturing error may provide some clues as to why we have seen so much variation in how the ball has played throughout the first half of the season. With drag recently returning to the same levels we saw in 2019, they wonder if we're going to see a massive uptick in home runs throughout the...

It’s time to take a tour around the American League, and there’s plenty to unpack. Eno, Britt, and DVR begin in the AL East, where the Rays have surged into first place as the Yankees try to stay afloat without their captain, Aaron Judge. From there, they head to the AL Central to break down the surprising White Sox, the steady Guardians, and the disappointing Tigers. Finally, they wrap up in the AL West, where the Rangers sit atop the division and the Astros are left trying to prove they still have one more run in them.

The first domino has fallen for two of baseball's most disappointing teams. Today, Eno and DVR break down the firings of Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and Angels GM Perry Minasian, what comes next for both clubs, and which managerial opening — between the Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies — offers the most upside. Plus, they take a closer look at this year's MLB players' poll from The Athletic, including the results that stood out most.

Rundown:

2:29 MLB’s Latest Proposal

5:00 Mets Fire Carlos Mendoza

6:48 Best Managerial Role: Mets, Red Sox, or Phillies?

16:5...

A nickname is earned, not given—and after lighting up radar guns at 104 mph, Jacob Misiorowski’s fastball has certainly earned one. This week, we dive into listener-submitted suggestions and, with help from Jayson and Doug, try to land on the perfect name for The Miz’s electric four-seamer. Then, Dodgers broadcaster and Fox Sports play-by-play voice Joe Davis joins Starkville to talk about the defending champs, calling last season’s World Series, and what makes Shohei Ohtani unlike anyone else. Plus, Strange But True from a wild night in Philadelphia.

Rundown:

2:53 A New Nickname for The...

The Mets entered the season with plenty of optimism. Instead, they've been plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and an ever-growing payroll. Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down what's gone wrong in Queens, whether a strong July could put New York back in the playoff race, or if selling at the trade deadline is becoming inevitable. Plus, a look at the Diamondbacks' pitching woes, what the future holds for Arizona's rotation, and another round of Name That Dude featuring a player from the past.

Rundown:

2:20 The LOL Mets Return?

9:12 Constant Tension Caused by the Environment?<...

As some hitters crank up their bat speed, a few pitchers are watching their stuff head in the opposite direction. Eno and DVR break down the biggest bat-speed risers from the past month, including Sal Stewart and Fernando Tatis Jr., before examining several pitchers whose underlying numbers have slipped — and whether there's still reason for optimism. Plus, a trip to San Francisco to unpack the ongoing saga involving Buster Posey, Rafael Devers, and the Giants.

Rundown:

1:09 Bat Speed Increases: How Do You Typically Get There?

3:25 Zack Gelof Injury: Feeling Healthy Also Helps

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It’s time to review some games, and this time we’re headed to San Diego, Los Angeles, and Detroit, as Eno, Britt, and DVR break down Braves-Padres, Orioles-Angels, and Yankees-Tigers. Plus, The Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish joins the show to unpack why the Mariners haven’t pulled away in the AL West, what Jerry Dipoto is cooking up for the trade deadline, and his early impressions of rookie Colt Emerson.

Rundown:

1:00 Elly Returns Tuesday, Woodruff & Singer Shine

6:10 Game Reviews: ATL-SD

14:50 Game Reviews: BAL-LAA

24:00 The Orioles Are Built to Keep Pus...

Don't blame us if this episode is a drag — blame baseball. Eno and DVR dig into why drag levels have climbed back to heights not seen since 2019, and what it means for hitters (and pitchers) across the league. They also break down some of baseball's most frustrating bats, identify a few buy-low pitchers worth targeting right now, and discuss the Bryce Harper-Kyle Schwarber show in Philadelphia. Plus, a look at where fantasy managers spent their money over the weekend.

Rundown:

2:29 Why is Drag Suddenly Back to 2019 Levels?

7:17 Who Will Be Impacted With Less Dr...

Nolan Ryan had "The Express," so what do we call Jacob Misiorowski’s heater? This week on Starkville, Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville brainstorm the perfect nickname for "The Miz’s" electric four-seamer. Then, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto joins the show to talk about his short history pitching against Doug, his reputation as one of MLB's most prolific dealmakers, rising star Colt Emerson, and his Immaculate Grid strategy. Plus, he shares some incredible reflections on the legendary Ichiro Suzuki. To wrap it all up, Jayson and Doug head to Las Vegas for an explosive edition of Stra...

Fresh starting pitcher rankings have dropped, and it’s time to complain! Who is too high, who is too low — and should Eno and DVR watch *more* baseball? On this episode, they discuss frustration around the rankings of George Kirby, Reid Detmers, Justin Wrobleski, and many others. Plus, a surprising discovery in the three-year park factors for Baltimore and Detroit, before they dig into this weekend’s waiver-wire preview.

Rundown

0:00 Intro

1:12 Eno’s Updated Rankings: A Few Disagreements

2:38 George Kirby: Pitching Within Bottom Range of His Outcomes?

6:54 Jesús Luzardo...