Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

By 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, j

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The podcast currently has 1,117 episodes available.

Best of Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

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Number 1: Who Are MLB’s REAL Aces? Eno’s Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings
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, biggest risers and most surprising placements on the board. Blake Snell is back in the top 10, landing at No. 10 after another strong stretch, while Drew Rasmussen climbs all the way to No. 11 as his health and consistency continue to change the way we value him. How sustainable are the pitch-mix and process changes that have helped pitchers like Snell and Rasmussen reach another level? Then there’s Bryan Woo at No. 22. Woo has flashed ace-level stretches and was pushed aggressively during fantasy draft season, but familiar home-road splits and questions about sustaining an elite strikeout rate may leave him looking more like a high-end SP2 than a true fantasy ace. Then, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects arrives. Kade Anderson is set to make his MLB debut Saturday against the Chicago Cubs after skipping Triple-A. The Mariners’ left-hander has dominated Double-A pairing elite command with a four-pitch arsenal. Finally, the guys preview the fantasy baseball waiver wire, including Ethan “Tugboat” Holliday, Ethan Pecko’s MLB debut, Jackson Kent’s second look and several pitchers who could matter during the fantasy playoffs. Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris delivers fantasy baseball strategy, MLB analysis, advanced pitching metrics, prospects, waiver-wire advice and everything you need for the stretch run. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images(SNELL) Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images(WOO) 00:00 Eno’s Updated Starting Pitcher Rankings 03:24 Blake Snell Is Back in the Top 10 05:16 Drew Rasmussen Keeps Rising 09:00 Logan Henderson vs. Kyle Harrison 11:48 Managing Pitcher Workloads Down the Stretch 12:43 When Will Chase Burns Be Shut Down? 14:58 Bryan Woo at No. 22 — Ace or SP2? 17:57 Why Is Joey Cantillo Ranked No. 40? 20:38 What’s Going Wrong With José Soriano? 25:19 Kade Anderson Is Coming to the Majors 26:35 What Should We Expect From Kade Anderson? 27:37 What Troy Melton Can Teach Us About Anderson 31:01 How Historic Is Anderson’s Double-A Dominance? 35:14 Does Dominating Double-A Predict MLB Success? 36:58 Projecting Kade Anderson in the Majors 38:18 Where Would Anderson Rank Right Now? 41:10 Should You Add Kade Anderson? 42:33 Why Second-Half Stats Can Mislead Us 42:52 Pete Crow-Armstrong & the Second-Half Trap 43:43 What Brice Turang Tells Us About Recency Bias 45:01 Can Second-Half Slumps Create Draft Bargains? 51:08 Waiver Wire & Baseball News 51:29 A’s Hit Hard By Season-Ending Injuries 55:09 Orioles Playing-Time Opportunities 57:43 What’s Going On With Ketel Marte? 59:09 Jordan Lawlar Gets His Opportunity 1:01:31 Rookie Pitchers to Target on Waivers 1:01:54 Tugboat, Ethan Pecko & Jackson Kent 1:07:00 Ethan Pecko’s Stuff & Role 1:07:28 What Happened With Tugboat’s Fastball? #FantasyBaseball #BlakeSnell #BryanWoo #MLB #Pitching #KadeAnderson #RatesAndBarrels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 21, 20261h 11min
Number 2: Inside Baseball’s Next Analytics Revolution
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 change how teams evaluate players. Former MLB pitcher and current University of Oregon Director of Pitching Development Dan Straily joins the show to retrace his career through one of the most transformative eras in pitching. Straily explains how being forced to develop a changeup helped take him from Double-A to the major leagues, how the Astros recognized that his fastball played better at the top of the strike zone and how pitchers gradually gained a better understanding of pitch shapes and movement. Then Driveline Baseball's Director of Baseball Operations Jack Lambert joins the show to explain one of the emerging frontiers in hitting analysis: bat path grades. How can bat speed, attack angle, attack direction and swing-path data help measure the value of an individual swing? And could metrics like rotational acceleration eventually tell us even more about a hitter's underlying ability? DVR, Eno and Lambert explore whether bat-path data can eventually become hitting's answer to Stuff+, how quickly swing metrics stabilize and why this type of information could become especially valuable for evaluating amateur and minor-league hitters before traditional statistics provide enough information. Rates & Barrels is your home for MLB analysis, advanced stats, player development, fantasy baseball and the evolving ways teams understand the game with Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis ***SORRY FOR DVR's Audio at the top. His mic cable had an issue. Was fixed after his first statement. 00:00 — Dan Straily & the Evolution of Pitching Development 01:15 — Being Forced to Develop a Changeup 03:17 — How the Astros Unlocked Straily’s Fastball 04:47 — When Pitch Design Doesn't Fit the Pitcher 08:21 — Why Triple-A Made Straily a Better Pitcher 10:01 — Are Young Pitchers Too Focused on Stuff+? 12:03 — Straily, Driveline & the Weighted-Ball Battle 13:28 — Reinventing Himself in the KBO 15:34 — How Straily’s Playing Career Shaped His Coaching 19:02 — Jack Lambert & Driveline’s Bat Path Grades 20:11 — What Is a Bat Path Grade? 21:43 — How Predictive Is Bat Path Data? 23:20 — Rotational Acceleration vs. Bat Speed 25:43 — Can Swing Data Become Hitting’s Stuff+? 29:52 — DVR & Eno’s Biggest Saber Seminar Takeaways 33:43 — Why Anti-Tunneling Works for Some Pitchers 34:32 — The Science Behind Multiple Fastball Shapes 35:38 — The Hidden Differences Between MLB Bats 36:44 — What Really Predicts Stolen Bases? #MLB #BaseballAnalytics #Sabermetrics #Pitching #RatesAndBarrels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 31, 202640min
Number 3: Which MLB Breakouts Are Real? + Fantasy Baseball Waiver Targets
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 and late-season saves options while examining whether breakouts from Jordan Walker, James Wood and other young hitters are sustainable heading into 2027. First, the guys catch up on the baseball news you should know. Carlos Correa is nearing a September return, Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl have landed on waivers, Mason Winn's thumb injury creates new questions in St. Louis, and Denzel Clarke could get another opportunity with the A's. Plus, Roki Sasaki heads back to the IL while Gavin Stone and Tony Gonsolin work their way toward potential September returns. Walker has changed his swing, lowered his strikeout rate and reached a new level of power, but should fantasy managers really pay a first-round price next spring? The guys also look ahead to Cam Smith and Lawrence Butler, including why a big September from Smith could make him more expensive than DVR wants him to be in 2027 fantasy drafts. Then it's time to attack the waiver wire for the final month of the fantasy baseball season. Tristan Peters remains surprisingly available despite a productive season and everyday role with the White Sox, while Rafael Flores, Mickey Gasper and Tim Tawa offer potential help in deeper formats. Follow Rates & Barrels for MLB analysis, fantasy baseball strategy, advanced stats, waiver-wire advice and player development with Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social e-mail: [email protected] Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels #FantasyBaseball #MLB #FantasyFriday #WaiverWire #RatesAndBarrels Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis 00:00 — Fantasy Friday: September Targets & MLB News 02:05 — Carlos Correa Nearing a Return 03:56 — Eugenio Suárez & TJ Friedl Hit Waivers 06:15 — Mason Winn Injury & Cardinals Playing Time 12:19 — Denzel Clarke Nearing a Return 15:18 — Roki Sasaki Heads to the IL 17:52 — Can Hitters Really Change Their Swing Decisions? 23:08 — James Wood’s Improved Approach 24:24 — Jordan Walker’s Breakout & 2027 Value 32:54 — Cam Smith vs. Lawrence Butler 39:21 — Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets 39:42 — Why Tristan Peters Is Still Available 44:21 — Rafael Flores & Mickey Gasper 46:44 — Elliot Ramos & Taylor Ward Stock Down 48:00 — Best Two-Start Pitchers for Next Week 49:23 — Drop Grayson Rodriguez? 53:03 — Deep-League Streamers & Saves Targets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 28, 202657min
Number 4: Final AL Playoff Predictions: Who’s In & Who’s Out?
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 Astros battle for October. DVR still can't quit the Seattle Mariners. Seattle enters the stretch run within striking distance of the AL West and owns an extremely favorable remaining schedule, but defensive shortcomings and an inconsistent offense leave plenty of reasons to question whether the Mariners can actually get back to October. Jed also offers a player's perspective on what happens inside a clubhouse when a team with postseason expectations starts to fall apart late in the season, drawing on his experience with the 2011 Boston Red Sox. The conversation turns to the Blue Jays and whether Toronto can find another gear before time runs out. Then, Eno digs into one of his favorite kinds of rabbit holes: batting stance changes. Carson Benge's impressive rookie season sparks a deeper look at why hitters open or close their stance, how those adjustments can affect vision and swing mechanics, and what Fernando Tatis Jr.'s changes reveal about the tradeoffs hitters make at the plate. Finally, Name That Dude returns! DVR puts Eno and Jed to the test with clues about a mystery former MLB player before the conversation inevitably turns into baseball cards, heat maps and Statcast ideas. Rates & Barrels is your home for smart baseball analysis, MLB trends, advanced stats, fantasy baseball and everything happening around the league with Derek VanRiper, Eno Sarris and Jed Lowrie. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Contributor: Jed Lowrie Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #MLB #MLBPlayoffs #Baseball #Yankees #Mariners #RatesAndBarrels 00:00 — Final AL Playoff Predictions 03:12 — The AL Playoff Race Is Chaos 08:38 — Can the White Sox Win the AL Central? 13:19 — Why Cleveland Can Make a September Run 16:49 — DVR Still Believes in the Mariners 19:35 — Mariners vs. Astros in the AL West 23:17 — When a Contender Starts Falling Apart 24:59 — Can the Blue Jays Save Their Season? 29:19 — Final AL Playoff Picks 31:41 — Carson Benge's Breakout Rookie Season 34:40 — Why Hitters Change Their Stance 46:30 — What Fernando Tatis Jr. Changed 52:14 — Name That Dude Returns 56:21 — The Mystery Player Revealed 56:56 — What Should Be on the Back of a Baseball Card? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 26, 20261h 2min
Number 5: Cal Raleigh’s 3-HR Night Ends Phillies’ 9-Game Winning Streak
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 correct the approach issues that contributed to his disappointing season? DVR and Eno dig into what changed for Cal Raleigh, including his swing decisions, declining aggression on pitches inside the strike zone and increased chase rate. The Mariners aren't the only team with a star player raising questions. Zack Wheeler has been hammered over his last six starts. Is Wheeler simply hitting a late-season wall — or is there something in his arsenal that can be fixed before October? Then, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic joins the show to go inside a turbulent stretch for the Arizona Diamondbacks. What's happening with Ketel Marte, where does his relationship with the organization and clubhouse stand, and what does it mean for a D-backs team trying to stay alive in the National League Wild Card race? Finally, Jesús Cano of The Athletic joins DVR and Eno to break down an NL East race that suddenly looks very different. The Braves have stumbled while the Phillies have surged, dramatically shrinking Atlanta's division cushion and setting up an important stretch in the final month. Rates & Barrels delivers MLB analysis, advanced stats, fantasy baseball strategy, prospect breakdowns and reporting from around the league every weekday. Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment! First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026 Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.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 Contributor: Jesús Cano & Nick Piecoro Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis Editor: McEnroe Francis #CalRaleigh #Mariners #MLB #phillies #RatesAndBarrels 0:00 Today on Rates & Barrels 02:01 Cal Raleigh Breaks Out With Three Homers 05:28 What’s Changed With Cal Raleigh & Julio Rodríguez? 08:22 How Much Have Injuries Affected Seattle’s Stars? 10:39 Colt Emerson’s Injury & 2027 Outlook 12:37 What’s Wrong With Zack Wheeler? 16:18 Can Wheeler Turn It Around Before October? 17:57 Braves-Phillies NL East Race Tightens 18:36 What’s Going On With Ketel Marte? 20:37 Inside the Diamondbacks’ Clubhouse 25:13 Arizona’s Wild Card Outlook 28:45 Corbin Carroll & the D-backs’ Young Core 33:31 Braves’ NL East Lead Is Shrinking 37:35 What’s Gone Wrong for Atlanta? 40:41 Ronald Acuña Jr. & the Braves Offense 46:06 Atlanta’s Rotation & October Outlook 51:56 Can the Braves Hold Off the Phillies? 58:12 Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 25, 202659min