Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball
The Athletic
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, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2026 • 1h 5min
Which Hitters Should Be More Aggressive at the Plate?
Jed Lowrie, former Major League infielder who brings on-field perspective, joins to talk umpire accountability and odd calls. They dig into Shohei Ohtani’s increased curveball usage and early bat-speed risers. The main focus: which hitters might benefit from being more aggressive in the zone and how selective aggression could unlock power for young players.
Apr 1, 2026 • 1h 10min
Why Teams Give Near-MLB Prospects Guaranteed Millions
Andrew Baggarly, longtime Giants reporter, joins to preview San Francisco’s season and roster. He breaks down lineup construction, rotation depth, bullpen roles, and defensive decisions in short, sharp takes. Conversation also touches on manager Tony Vitello’s style and whether midseason moves could push the team past projections.
Mar 30, 2026 • 1h 3min
Baseball's ABS System Is Working!
A lively recap of ABS drama from opening weekend, with overturned calls, crowd reactions and an early ejection. Discussion of Nico Hoerner’s six-year extension and how it fits the Cubs’ defensive core. Debate on limiting challenges by count and how ABS might shift strike totals. Breakdown of ‘A’ and ‘B’ bullpen roles and tips for making tough lineup and roster decisions.
4 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 13min
How Do We Keep Up With Baseball Every Day?
They relive Opening Day fireworks with rookie homers, ace starts, and a wild sixth inning in St. Louis. They unpack how they track 30 fantasy teams and the box score habits and tools that keep them on top. Pitching deep dives include Peralta’s new slider, Joe Ryan and Trevor Rogers, and Cam Schlittler’s revamped fastball mix. Plus weird moments like an ump cam homer and velocity spikes to watch.
Mar 27, 2026 • 60min
Pitchers Primed to Exceed Expectations | Opening Day is Here!
A lively Opening Day draft centers on pitchers likely to outperform projections this season. They react to Logan Webb’s rough start and debate his longer-term outlook. Netflix’s big-league broadcast and mic’d-up player audio spark a spirited critique. The crew highlights intriguing bullpen arms, deep sleeper pitching targets, and what to watch across the opening weekend.
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 21min
American League Breakdown: Division Winners & Awards Predictions
They debate a Cubs long-term contract and the defensive wizardry of Pete Crow-Armstrong. They flag troubling HR and culture issues at Ilitch Sports & Entertainment. Detroit roster moves and Kevin McGonigle’s promotion get fantasy and lineup talk. Then they race through AL divisions to pick winners, wild cards, and predict Rookie, Cy Young, and MVP contenders.
Mar 24, 2026 • 1h 19min
National League Breakdown: Division Winners & Awards Predictions
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.
5 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 2min
Bold Predictions for the 2026 Season!
They unpack Cristopher Sánchez’s big Phillies deal and what it means for his role and injury risk. They debate Konnor Griffin’s minor-league assignment and surprising demotions around MLB. Bold predictions fly: breakout seasons, MVP chatter, pitching trends, and which teams will surprise or sputter. Quick takes on roster battles, rookie outfielders sticking for Opening Day, and who earns rotation spots.
54 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 16min
Fantasy Baseball Cram Session
A rapid cram on draft strategy, from handling injured aces and reliever valuation to tier drop-offs across every position. They debate rookie upside and late-round stashes, spotlight shortstop depth and a sharp third-base cliff. Practical roster construction tips for outfields, second base, catchers, and when to avoid popular hitters.
6 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 1h 10min
Projections Are a Liar Sometimes!
They debate spring injury updates and what Gerrit Cole’s return means for rotations. They run a plus-minus hitter draft targeting players likely to outpace projections. Big-name picks, sleeper longshots, and defensive value battles fuel lively arguments about playing time and upside.
