

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

4 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
Kyle Schwarber's Four-Homer Night, Another Lincecum & The Long Weekend Waiver Preview
Eno and DVR discuss Kyle Schwarber's four-homer night as he ascends NL MVP ballots, Corey Seager's latest absence, a bout of pitch tipping for Ryan Helsley, Ozzie Albies' second-half return to health, and several options to consider on the waiver wire this weekend, including Mets rookie Jonah Tong, whose delivery and elite strikeout rates are drawing comps to Tim Lincecum. Rundown1:59 Kyle Schwarber: Joins Exclusive Four-Homer Game Club8:02 Corey Seager: Out Following Appendectomy, Injuries Piling Up in Texas14:50 Ryan Helsley: Struggling with Pitch Tipping20:53 Ozzie Albies: Wrist Injury Behind Extended Struggles in 2025?24:56 Nolan McLean: Comps & A Shallow League Consideration?30:27 Jonah Tong: Set to Debut Friday; Tim Lincecum Comps?36:50 Payton Tolle: Joining the Red Sox on Friday41:49 New Arrivals vs. Other Starting Pitchers on the Wire50:56 Bullpen Help: Abner Uribe & Ryan Walker54:29 Bats to Consider Thanks to Playing Time Bumps1:01:14 Long Weekend Viewing GuideFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2025 • 58min
Bryan Woo's Ascent Toward Ace Status & The Next A's Core
Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the quality of the Brewers' bullpen with Trevor Megill on the IL due to a flexor strain, Luis Robert's 2026 outlook as his season appears to be over, Bryan Woo's ascent to ace-level results, and what we've learned in Year 1 with the A's in West Sacramento as their position player core comes together. Plus, they consider the possibility of an in-season MLB tournament, before playing the latest installment of 'Name! That! Dude!'.Rundown3:06 Trevor Megill to the IL; The Brewers' Bullpen Without Megill6:53 Luis Robert Jr.: Another Injury-Shortened Campaign14:34 Bryan Woo's Excellent Stretch; Ace-Level Results26:52 What Have We Learned About the A's in West Sacramento?41:01 In-Season Tournaments in the Future?53:35 Name! That! Dude! (Season Series Before Episode: Trevor 4, Eno 1)Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
Examining How Swing Decisions Are Made & 'Say Something Nice'
Eno, DVR and Jed discuss a six-game suspension for Willson Contreras (which he has appealed) as part of a frustrating season for the Cardinals and wonder if he might be on the move this winter with two years remaining on his five-year deal with St. Louis. Plus, they discuss the return of Kyle Bradish, and key injuries to Nathan Eovaldi and Randy Rodriguez, before digging into one of the most fascinating presentations from Eno's trip to Saberseminar -- Stephen Sutton-Brown's modeling of batters tracking pitches and how swing shapes are influenced by early information.Rundown1:15 Willson Contreras: Appealing A Six-Game Suspension8:14 Kyle Bradish is Back!12:48 Nathan Eovaldi: Season Likely Over with Rotator Cuff Strain21:17 Randy Rodriguez Placed on IL w/Elbow Sprain23:55 How Swing Decisions & Shapes May Be Influenced by Early Information35:34 A Study About Hitting That Informs Pitching Plans44:40 How Many Teams Are Ahead On This?57:08 Say Something Nice....Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Eno Sarris & Derek VanRiperWith: Jed LowrieProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 45min
Cal Raleigh Hits 50th Homer, Reliever of the Year Candidates & A Look to the Future
Eno and DVR discuss Cal Raleigh's latest feat -- a 50-homer season -- as he continues to chase down Ken Griffey Jr.'s franchise-record for home runs in a season and Mickey Mantle's (!) record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in MLB history. Plus, they discuss candidates for Reliever of the Year in 2025 before the award joins the BBWAA slate in 2026, they also draft (likely) non-playoff teams this season with the best chance of reaching the playoffs a year from now, and they continue looking ahead by discussing a few surprises from Rob DiPietro's 2026 Meatball Draft.Rundown1:23 Cal Raleigh Reaches 50-Homer Milestone5:56 Reliever of the Year Candidates; Official Award Coming in 202612:17 (Likely) Non-Playoff Teams in 2025 w/Best Chance in 202624:23 DVR Torn Between the Twins and Guardians for Next Season32:39 Rob DiPietro's 2026 Meatball Draft!36:50 Eno's Trust in a Mookie Betts Rebound45:16 Ozzie Albies Slides Outside the Top 150Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 10min
Takeaways From Saberseminar & A Packed Weekend of Baseball News
Eno and DVR discuss Zack Wheeler's Thoracic Outlet Syndrome diagnosis and the lengthy timetable for his recovery, Aaron Nola's return to the Phillies' rotation, an eight-year extension for Samuel Basallo and whether that will prompt the Orioles to trade Adley Rutschman this winter. Plus, Eno shares a few interesting takeaways from this year's Saberseminar in Chicago, and they examine a new offering from Shane Bieber, who pitched well in his first start back from the IL for the Blue Jays. Rundown1:30 Zack Wheeler: Diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome8:40 Aaron Nola: Sharp in Second Start Back from IL12:27 Samuel Basallo's Eight-Year Extension w/Orioles21:32 Yordan Alvarez: Scheduled to Return to Tuesday24:39 Eno's Pitching Mechanics: Side View28:50 Saberseminar Takeaways34:33 Wind Applied Metrics & A Ridiculous Homer43:56 Pitchers Forcing Bad Swing Decisions51:13 Shane Bieber Is Back with a Kick-ChangeFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 2025 • 54min
Spencer Strider's Struggles & Weekend Waiver Preview
Eno and DVR answer several mailbag questions covering the turnaround of Gavin Williams and the recent struggles of Spencer Strider before examining several options to consider this weekend as pickups on the waiver wire from shallow-league options (Bryce Miller, Cam Schlittler) to two-start pitchers for the upcoming week and the recently-promoted Parker Messick in Cleveland.Rundown4:40 Making Sense of Gavin Williams' Progression in 202511:52 Chandler Simpson & Building Rosters with Similar Players19:43 Buying Chris Paddack & Charlie Morton Sticking in the Tigers' Rotation?22:12 Dropping Spencer Strider in Redraft Leagues?27:29 Pitchers to Consider on the Waiver Wire This Weekend36:19 Cam Schlittler's Move Into Shallow Leagues43:09 The Search for Long-Term Closers in Baltimore & Oakland49:05 Hitters to Consider: Daylen Lile, Wenceel Pérez & a Luke Keaschall Toss-UpFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 21, 2025 • 47min
Getting On Board with MLB Expansion & Realignment Plans
Eno and DVR discuss an early exit for Shohei Ohtani on Wednesday night and consider how his workload on the mound might be handled in 2026, and Zach Neto's long-term outlook as a player showing 30-homer, 30-steal skills. Plus, they consider the benefits of MLB's plan to expand to 32 teams, and Stephen Nesbitt's well-designed realignment that would actually preserve the American and National Leagues. They also look at the massive step forward from Maikel Garcia as the Royals are hanging around the American League Wild Card race as September draws closer.Rundown1:00 Shohei Ohtani Leaves Early with Thigh Bruise; Ohtani Pitching Outlook for 20269:19 Zach Neto: X-Rays Negative, Long-Term Outlook on the Strength of 2025 Growth?18:00 The Big Plan: MLB's Next Round of Expansion & Realignment26:24 The Nesbitt Plan: Realignment ProposalStephen's Story ($): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/656063536:13 The Royals Are Hanging Around42:53 Pitching Development in Kansas CityFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 20, 2025 • 58min
A Fractured Clubhouse in Arizona & Can Young O’s Bats Help Turn Baltimore Around Quickly?
Eno and Jed discuss Bubba Chandler finally getting called up, whether Aaron Judge and Boone are on the same page about his injury, what is going on with Ketel Marte and the D-backs, the current state of the Orioles, and what to expect from some of the recently promoted prospects in Baltimore. Rundown2:50 Bubba Chandler Finally Gets Called Up7:15 Are Aaron Judge & Aaron Boone on the Same Page?11:35 Jacob deGrom’s Next Start to Be Skipped Due to Fatigue16:35 Is Ketel Marte Getting Shade in Arizona, or Is It a Misunderstanding?22:10 Jed's Experience in Player’s Only Meetings32:12 The Current State of the Orioles37:45 Samuel Basallo Could be the Real Deal47:00 What to Expect from Dylan BeaversFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHost: Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 2025 • 57min
Kyle Tucker's Summer Slide & Checking In on the Mets w/Tim Britton
Eno and DVR discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s season so far, the almost certain impact of injuries on the summer struggles of Kyle Tucker, and Jordan Westburg's steady skills around trips to the IL in his second full season with the Orioles.Plus, Tim Britton joins the show to discuss the Mets' recent woes, the questions the team will try to answer between now and October, another injury hurdle for Francisco Alvarez, and the future of Pete Alonso with the organization.Rundown1:03 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Dealing w/Hamstring Injury5:45 Kyle Tucker: Getting Days Off Due to Slump14:07 Jordan Westburg: Left Early w/Right Ankle Discomfort18:07 Tim Britton Joins the Show!23:18 Struggles of the Current Mets Starters30:09 Francisco Alvarez to the IL with Right Thumb Injury36:17 Solving the Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio Problem40:07 Re-Assessing Pete Alonso's Free-Agent Market46:00 Are the Mets Still Playoff-Bound in 2025?47:47 Parker Messick Gets the Call51:43 Colson Montgomery's Early Exit, Long-Term OutlookFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Tim on Bluesky: @timbritton.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisGuest: Tim BrittonProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 2025 • 59min
Injuries Pile Up Again & August Prospect Promotions
Eno and DVR discuss a serious health situation for Zack Wheeler, who had surgery to address a blood clot near his right shoulder. Plus, the wear-and-tear injuries pick up as the calendar reaches the second-half of August as Jackson Merrill is dealing with an ankle issue, Max Muncy returns to the IL, and Kyle Stowers lands on the shelf with an oblique injury.Rundown2:32 A Scary Health Situation for Zack Wheeler3:56 Samuel Basallo Gets the Call6:41 Jackson Merrill: Slowed by Ankle Injury10:28 Max Muncy Goes Back to the IL w/Oblique Injury13:46 Kyle Stowers & Added Risk for High-End Bat Speed?19:17 Cade Horton and Future Strikeout Rate Growth30:58 What's Going On with Second-Half Kyle Manzardo?36:54 Where the Money Went: Nolan McLean's Debut, Braxton Ashcraft Stretches Out & A Change for Brandon Young55:37 Jonah Tong's Triple-A Debut & Other News & NotesFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisProducer: Brian SmithExecutive Producer: Derek VanRiper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


