Eno and DVR discuss Alex Bregman's new five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs and the push being made with the team's current core as a few key players approach free agency at season's end. Plus, they consider how Bregman's bat may age over the next half-decade, and the short-term impact on Matt Shaw, who appears headed for a super utility role in 2026.

They also discuss a previously unreported shoulder injury that slowed Gunnar Henderson's production in 2025 differences between projections systems, and a few other news and notes around the league including a trade that might pave the way for an outfield prospect to break through sooner than expected in Arizona.

Rundown

3:01 Alex Bregman: Signs Five-Year, $175M Deal with Cubs

9:50 Moving Further Into Modern Contract Analysis

13:54 Short-Term vs. Long-Term Approach with Roster Decisions

18:10 Matt Shaw's Year 2 Outlook

27:52 Gunnar Henderson Reveals Shoulder Injury From 2025

34:49 What Are the Differences Between Projections Systems?

46:03 Other News & Notes: Kepler Suspension, Rockies-D-backs Trade, Smaller Signings

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

e-mail: [email protected]

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.