Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball National League Breakdown: Division Winners & Awards Predictions
Mar 24, 2026
They debate a Spencer Strider oblique injury and its ripple effects on Atlanta’s rotation. They run a tight NL East fight between Mets, Phillies, and Braves. They pick the Cubs to win the Central and dissect Brewers’ strengths. They assess Dodgers’ dominance, question Giants and Padres rotations, and project division winners, wild cards, and award contenders.
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Brewers Are Model Beaters Because Of Defense
- The NL Central is unusually competitive with Cubs, Brewers, and Pirates bunched closely; Milwaukee often 'beats the model' via defense and bullpen usage.
- Derek cites Brewers' low BABIP allowed and elite base running as repeatable advantages models may understate.
Cubs Ceiling Hinges On Starter Health
- Cubs project with many above-average hitters and an improved rotation, but health is the determining factor between them and Milwaukee.
- Eno and Derek agree Justin Steele's return and Shota Imanaga's form are pivotal to Chicago's ceiling.
Dodgers Projection Built On Health Assumption
- The Dodgers project very high but their margin reflects roster age and injury management; division rivals may not be strong enough to seriously threaten them.
- Eno warns older cores and conservative injury handling can reduce counting stats despite talent.