Podcasts · Sports

Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

The Athletic

300 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.

More about the show

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, there's more: come back for Saturday mornings in Starkville, where Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville talk to some of the most important players, coaches, and thought leaders in the league.

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Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. Are the Red Sox Really World Series Contenders? + September Surprises

    · 1 h 13 min

    The Boston Red Sox have gone from one of MLB's biggest disappointments to a legitimate September contender. DVR, Eno and Britt Ghiroli discuss Boston's remarkable turnaround, whether Craig Breslow's changes actually…

  2. Inside Baseball’s Next Analytics Revolution

    · 39 min

    MLB's player development continues to change. DVR and Eno take the show on the road at Saber Seminar, exploring the evolution of pitching development, the next generation of hitting metrics and the new data that could…

  3. Starkville | Jimmy Rollins Knows When It’s Time to Retire

    · 1 h 18 min

    It’s Doug’s birthday, and who better to help him celebrate than his former Phillies teammate and mentee, Jimmy Rollins? This week, Doug and DVR, filling in for Jayson, sit down with Jimmy to talk about the shock of…

  4. Which MLB Breakouts Are Real? + Fantasy Baseball Waiver Targets

    · 57 min

    MLB's final push for the Wild Card and Playoffs are here, Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris have everything you need for the stretch run. DVR and Eno break down the best September waiver-wire targets, two-start pitchers…

  5. Which Rookie Pitchers Are Future Aces?

    · 1 h 10 min

    Should MLB create a Rookie Pitcher of the Year award? DVR, Eno and Trevor May break down baseball’s best rookie pitchers, including Nolan McLean, Parker Messick and Payton Tolle, before searching deeper for young arms…

  6. Final AL Playoff Predictions: Who’s In & Who’s Out?

    · 1 h 01 min

    DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie make their final American League playoff predictions, picking all three AL division winners and three Wild Card teams as the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Guardians, Mariners, Rangers and…

  7. Cal Raleigh’s 3-HR Night Ends Phillies’ 9-Game Winning Streak

    · 59 min

    Cal Raleigh finally broke out in a huge way, blasting three home runs Monday after a season-long struggle at the plate. But was this simply one monster game, or are there signs that the Mariners slugger is beginning to…

  8. Astros Fire GM Dana Brown + AL Wild Card Chaos Continues

    · 1 h 03 min

    The Houston Astros have fired general manager Dana Brown as their season and the American League playoff race descend into chaos. DVR and Eno break down what went wrong for Houston, and what's next for their pitching…

  9. Starkville | Mike Krukow Reflects on 36 Seasons in the Booth

    · 1 h 12 min

    Legendary Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow will be retiring from the booth after 36 seasons. He shares the emotional outpouring he's received from fans, the gut-wrenching moment he told his partner Duane Kuiper, and…

  10. Who Are MLB’s REAL Aces? Eno’s Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings

    · 1 h 10 min

    Who are the best starting pitchers in baseball right now — and which arms actually belong in the ace tier? Eno Sarris returns with his updated starting pitcher rankings as DVR breaks down some of the toughest calls,…

  11. Shohei Ohtani Isn’t the No. 1 Pick?! Inside the First 2027 Fantasy Draft

    · 1 h 02 min

    Shohei Ohtani isn't the No. 1 pick in the first major 2027 fantasy baseball draft. So who went ahead of him? Ryan Bloomfield of Baseball HQ and Bubba and the Bloom joins DVR to break down the Meatball Draft and give us…

  12. Why Kevin McGonigle's Rookie Season is HISTORIC + MLB'S Next Wave of Stars

    · 1 h 10 min

    Kevin McGonigle isn't just running away with the American League Rookie of the Year race — he's already playing like one of the best players in baseball. DVR, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie take a deep dive into McGonigle,…

  13. Is Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming for Shohei Ohtani’s NL MVP?

    · 54 min

    Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a serious push in the National League MVP race. After another huge night for the Chicago Cubs — including two home runs and a walk-off blast against the White Sox — PCA now has…

  14. The AL Wild Card Race Is Absolute Chaos — Who Gets In?

    · 1 h 07 min

    The American League Wild Card race is complete chaos. With the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins battling for position in a crowded AL playoff picture, DVR and Eno…

  15. Starkville | Andrew Friedman Isn’t Apologizing for the Dodgers

    · 51 min

    The Dodgers are ruining baseball—or they’re not. These days, it depends on who you ask. This week, Jayson and Doug go straight to the source, sitting down with Dodgers president Andrew Friedman to get his take on the…

  16. Why the Mariners Sent Top Prospect Colt Emerson Back to Triple-A

    · 1 h 10 min

    The Seattle Mariners sent Colt Emerson back to Triple-A — so what went wrong for one of baseball’s most talented young prospects? DVR and Eno Sarris break down Emerson’s struggles, his alarming strikeout rate, what…

  17. Inside Buster Posey’s Difficult First Years Running the Giants

    · 1 h 15 min

    Buster Posey is a San Francisco Giants legend — but could running the team put that legacy at risk? Britt Ghiroli joins DVR and Eno Sarris to discuss her exclusive reporting on Posey’s transition from franchise icon to…

  18. Guardians Collapse Opens Up a WILD AL Central Race

    · 1 h 09 min

    The Cleveland Guardians once looked like they were cruising toward an AL Central title. Now, after losing 13 of 17, Cleveland has fallen back into one of baseball’s most unpredictable division races. DVR and Eno Sarris…

  19. What MLB Pitchers Are REALLY Thinking on the Mound

    · 1 h 19 min

    How do pitchers handle doubt, failure and the pressure of knowing one bad pitch can change an outing? Trevor May joins DVR and Eno for a conversation about the mental side of pitching in the major leagues. Trevor…

  20. The Truth Behind Boston's Breakout

    · 1 h 01 min

    The Red Sox aren't cheating—they're simply playing better baseball. DVR and Eno break down why Boston's offense has transformed over the last three months, examining the coaching changes, a dramatically more…

  21. Starkville | Dave Dombrowski Clears the Air With Bryce Harper

    · 59 min

    The Phillies made one of the biggest splashes at the trade deadline by landing a three-time batting champion, and Dave Dombrowski joins Jayson and Doug to break down how it all came together. The guys also look back at…

  22. Did the Tigers Make Baseball's Biggest Trade Deadline Mistake?

    · 1 h 20 min

    The MLB Trade Deadline is over, but the biggest debate is just beginning. Jayson Stark joins DVR and Eno to break down whether modern front offices have become too focused on future value—and whether the Detroit Tigers…

  23. Which Team Has Baseball's Best Playoff Rotation?

    · 1 h 06 min

    Are the Los Angeles Dodgers really the team with the best playoff rotation in baseball? DVR and Eno rank every MLB contender's projected postseason rotation, debating where the Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees,…

  24. Why the Dodgers' Lineup is Struggling | MLB's Biggest Hitting Concerns

    · 1 h 04 min

    The MLB Trade Deadline fallout continues as Tarik Skubal makes his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. DVR, Eno and Jed Lowrie break down Skubal's first start in Dodger blue, what it means for Los…

  25. MLB Trade Deadline Fallout: Adley Rutschman and Yankees Shakeup

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  26. MLB Trade Deadline Live!

    · 2 h 43 min

    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…

  27. The Dodgers Get Skubal!

    · 20 min

    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…

  28. Starkville | Will Middlebrooks Believes in the Red Sox

    · 54 min

    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…

  29. Weekend Waiver Preview: Predicting Trade Deadline Winners

    · 1 h 02 min

    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…

  30. Hunter Greene and Other Pitchers We Want to Trade For

    · 1 h 05 min

    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…

  31. Do the Tigers Really Need to Trade Tarik Skubal?

    · 58 min

    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…

  32. MLB Trade Deadline: What's Next for the Mets, Yankees & Dodgers?

    · 58 min

    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…

  33. Separation Anxiety As MLB Trade Deadline Pressure Is Here

    · 1 h 00 min

    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…

  34. Starkville | Joe Buck Doesn’t Think He’s a Hall of Famer

    · 1 h 02 min

    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…

  35. Starting Pitcher Rankings: July Update

    · 1 h 01 min

    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.…

  36. Pitchers Are Adjusting Faster Than Ever!

    · 55 min

    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…

  37. Finding Trade Fits for Position Players

    · 1 h 04 min

    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…

  38. It's Big Board Season! Why Trade Deadline Predictions are Difficult

    · 51 min

    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…

  39. The Red Sox Are Rolling & Kyle Bradish Gets Paid!

    · 1 h 02 min

    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.…

  40. Winning in Fantasy Without Top-Tier Stars

    · 1 h 07 min

    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,…

  41. How AI Almost Ruined Baseball

    · 56 min

    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…

  42. MLB Draft Recap & Futures Game Takeaways w/Keith Law

    · 1 h 03 min

    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'…

  43. Jordan Walker, FOMO & Our 2026 Underperformers Draft

    · 1 h 05 min

    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…

  44. Home Run Derby Changes & Fantasy All-Stars

    · 1 h 06 min

    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…

  45. Starkville | The Tigers' Impossible Deadline Dilemma

    · 44 min

    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…

  46. All-Star Weekend Waiver-Wire Preview

    · 1 h 19 min

    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…

  47. Justin Verlander's Final Chapter

    · 1 h 05 min

    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…

  48. Which Prediction Do You Want to Take Back?

    · 1 h 09 min

    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…

  49. How Do Fastball-Heavy Approaches Age?

    · 1 h 01 min

    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…

  50. Is Chasing Perfection a Fool’s Errand?

    · 1 h 06 min

    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…

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