The Mariners entered 2026 with World Series expectations after reaching Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last season. Instead, they've spent much of the year searching for answers. Despite an inconsistent first four months, Seattle remains firmly in the American League playoff race with the trade deadline quickly approaching.

On Episode 180 of Tablesetters, we welcome back Brady Farkas, host of the Refuse to Lose Mariners podcast and writer for Roundtable Sports. Brady first joined us on Episode 39 in November 2024 and returned on Episode 105 during Seattle's division race last season. Now, he becomes the first three-time guest in Tablesetters history as we dive into one of baseball's most fascinating teams.

From Jerry Dipoto's deadline plans and the futures of Randy Arozarena, Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock to the regression of Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, Brady breaks down where the Mariners stand, what's gone wrong in 2026 and whether this club still has what it takes to make a postseason run.

We also discuss the organization's offensive philosophy, Dominic Canzone's emergence, Dan Wilson's future, clubhouse culture, the strength of Seattle's farm system led by Kade Anderson, Ryan Sloan and Laz Montes, and why Jimothy has become one of the best stories in baseball.

If you're a Mariners fan or simply love trade deadline conversations and playoff races, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Welcome to Episode 179 of Tablesetters!

Today's guest is DiNardo of North Shore Nine, one of the most respected independent voices covering the Pittsburgh Pirates. We first welcomed DiNardo back on Episode 44 in December 2024, and with Pittsburgh sitting right in the middle of the National League Wild Card race as the trade deadline approaches, there was no better time to catch up.

For nearly a decade, Anthony has helped grow North Shore Nine from a fan blog into one of the premier destinations for Pirates coverage, featuring podcasts, postgame shows, prospect analysis, videos and in-depth reporting. We begin by looking back on North Shore Nine's recent 10-year anniversary before turning our attention to one of baseball's biggest surprise teams.

We discuss how the Pirates have transformed last year's lowest-scoring offense into one of the best in baseball, leading the majors in hits while ranking among the National League leaders in runs scored, RBI, batting average and home runs. We also examine whether seven blown late leads are the only thing standing between Pittsburgh and a playoff spot, or if they expose larger roster issues that still need to be addressed.

From there, we dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the club, including Ben Cherington's deadline strategy, reports surrounding payroll, the possibility of listening to offers for Oneil Cruz, and why the bullpen remains the organization's biggest priority as the stretch run begins.

Plus:

Before we wrap up, DiNardo reflects on what's next for North Shore Nine, shares his outlook on the trade deadline and gives his prediction for how the Pirates' postseason chase will unfold.

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Episode 178 of Tablesetters is LIVE!

The MLB Trade Deadline rumor mill is in overdrive, and it's time for Mock Trade Palooza.

Every contender is searching for the missing piece. Every seller is weighing its future. Across baseball, insiders, analysts and fans are proposing blockbuster deals that could reshape the pennant race, but which ones actually have a chance of happening?

In this episode, we react to some of the most fascinating mock trades making the rounds across the baseball world. Using proposals from MLB insiders, national writers, analysts and baseball fans on social media, we break down which deals are grounded in reality, which teams should seriously consider pulling the trigger and which ideas simply are not happening.

Along the way, we discuss the biggest buyers and sellers, examine how prospect value, years of team control, payroll flexibility, organizational direction and division rivalries shape negotiations, and debate which clubs are best positioned to make the boldest moves before the deadline.

We also compare insider predictions with fan created trade packages, highlighting where public opinion matches industry thinking and where it completely misses the mark. Some proposals feel surprisingly realistic. Others would send shockwaves across baseball if they ever became more than just an idea.

If you have been following every rumor, every report and every mock trade leading up to the deadline, this episode brings all of the biggest ideas together and gives our take on which scenarios could actually become reality.

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Welcome to Episode 177 of Tablesetters.

The White Sox were baseball's biggest cautionary tale just one year ago. Today, they're tied atop the American League Central, fresh off selecting the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, and facing a question few expected to ask this quickly: has the rebuild already given way to a legitimate contender?

To help answer that, we're joined by Josh Nelson of Sox Machine. As the host of the Sox Machine Podcast, a contributor to 670 The Score, and lead writer for SoxMachine.com, Josh has documented every step of Chicago's transformation, from a 121-loss season to one of the biggest surprises in baseball.

In Episode 177, we examine:

From draft room decisions to clubhouse culture, roster construction to playoff expectations, Josh offers an inside look at one of the most fascinating stories unfolding across Major League Baseball.

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Episode 176 of Tablesetters is LIVE!

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game has arrived, and we're breaking down everything surrounding baseball's biggest week.

We kick things off with our 2026 MLB All-Star Draft Challenge, where every All-Star has been assigned a value based on fWAR. Position players are divided into five pricing tiers, while starting pitchers and relief pitchers each have their own tiered salary structure. With a limited budget, we build our ultimate All-Star rosters, debate the biggest bargains, identify the toughest roster decisions, and see who can assemble the best team.

From there, we break down the official American League and National League starting lineups, discussing the players who earned the honor, the biggest surprises, and whether the fans got it right.

Next, we preview the 2026 Home Run Derby, looking at the field, our favorites to win, potential dark horses, and which sluggers are built to put on a show under the bright lights.

Plus, we wrap up the episode by looking at the biggest storylines from the first half of the season, discussing which teams have positioned themselves for a strong second-half run and what we're watching most closely as baseball heads into the unofficial second half.

🎧 Listen to Episode 176 now

Welcome to Episode 175 of Tablesetters.

This week, we’re joined by Jonathan Mayo, senior prospect writer for MLB Pipeline and MLB.com and one of baseball’s foremost experts on prospects and the MLB Draft.

With the draft approaching, Jonathan helps us break down the race for the No. 1 overall pick, why Grady Emerson recently climbed to the top of MLB Pipeline’s rankings over Roch Cholowsky, and which top prospects could surprise everyone on draft day.

In this episode, we discuss:

Whether you’re a draft fanatic or simply love following baseball’s next generation, this episode is packed with insight from one of the most respected voices in the game.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.

Subscribe, share, and join us each week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Episode 174 of Tablesetters is LIVE!

We kick things off with one of baseball's most recognizable annual traditions: Bobby Bonilla Day. Is it still the ultimate punchline for the Mets, or has deferred money become so common throughout baseball that the joke doesn't carry the same weight anymore? We revisit the famous contract, compare it to today's deferred deals, and discuss why Bobby Bonilla Day feels more like a baseball tradition than an annual dunk on the Mets.

From there, we head to the Bronx, where the Yankees have officially hit rock bottom. After dropping seven consecutive games, their longest losing streak since 2023, we break down what's gone wrong, why Aaron Boone called it an "awful week," whether this is simply a cold stretch or a team that's pressing in every aspect of the game, and what needs to change before things get even worse.

Next, we head to Tampa Bay, where Junior Caminero continues putting together one of the hottest stretches we've seen from a young hitter in years. The 22-year-old has homered in six consecutive games, becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to accomplish the feat while putting up numbers that continue to rewrite the record books. We discuss just how special this run has become and what it means as he prepares for the Home Run Derby.

We also head to Cincinnati, where Hunter Greene is set to make his long-awaited season debut on the Fourth of July. With the Reds clinging to slim playoff hopes, we examine whether Greene's return comes at the perfect time, why the next two weeks could determine Cincinnati's deadline strategy, and whether the Reds have one last run left in them.

Plus, the Angels have moved on from general manager Perry Minasian, immediately raising questions about the future of Mike Trout. Could a new front office finally lead to a conversation about waiving his no-trade clause, or will Trout remain committed to the only organization he's ever known? We discuss what's next for Los Angeles following another major organizational change.

We also celebrate Dave Roberts becoming the fastest manager in Major League history to reach 1,000 career wins, discuss the White Sox securing back-to-back winning months for the first time since 2021, recap the Marlins' franchise-record 20-win June, and break down Dansby Swanson's unbelievable hot streak as he puts up Cubs numbers not seen since Sammy Sosa.

🎧 Listen to Episode 174 now

Episode 173 of Tablesetters is LIVE!

We begin with the Chicago Cubs, whose pitching staff continues to be hit by injury after injury. With more key arms landing on the injured list, we discuss what it means for one of baseball's contenders, whether help is on the way, and if the season is beginning to reach a critical point.

From there, we head to Queens, where the Mets continue searching for answers. Despite confidence from the front office that there's still time to turn things around, we examine where New York stands, what's gone wrong, and whether this team can still get itself back into the postseason conversation.

We also revisit one of baseball's biggest Hall of Fame debates. Kyle Schwarber continues to build one of the game's most unique résumés, but is it enough to earn a plaque in Cooperstown? We break down both sides of the argument and discuss what really defines a Hall of Fame career in today's game.

Plus, Rafael Devers is speaking out following his on-field incident with the Giants, while one of baseball's most unexpected controversies has everyone talking after Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s now-infamous "Lollipop-Gate." We dive into both stories, the reactions surrounding them, and whether the attention each situation has received is justified.

We also head back to Omaha to recap the Men's College World Series, where Oklahoma completed an unforgettable postseason run to capture the program's first national championship since 1994. We break down the biggest moments from the championship series, the standout performances, and what made the Sooners' run one of the best stories of the college baseball season.

And of course, we wrap things up with another edition of Red Hot & Ice Cold, highlighting the hottest hitter and pitcher in baseball over the past two weeks, along with a pair of players looking to turn things around.

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Episode 172 of Tablesetters is LIVE!

We open with one of the biggest questions looming over the trade deadline: are the Giants preparing for a major roster shakeup? With reports suggesting San Francisco is willing to listen on several high-profile veterans, we examine what a potential selloff could look like, which players would generate the most interest around baseball, and whether there are any stars the organization simply can't afford to move.

From there, we turn our attention to the American League's best team. The Yankees continue to pile up wins despite significant injuries, and the numbers suggest they may be separating themselves from the rest of the AL. We break down what makes this club so dangerous, why their recent road trip mattered, and whether anyone is currently built to challenge them.

We also tackle one of the season's biggest mysteries: the St. Louis Cardinals. They don't dominate headlines, they don't lead the league in many major categories, and yet they just keep winning. We dive into the roster-wide contributions, breakout performers, and under-the-radar strengths that have turned St. Louis into a legitimate contender.

Plus, it's time for another edition of Pull the Plug. We go team-by-team through clubs currently sitting outside the playoff picture and decide whether there's still reason to believe or if it's time to start looking toward the future. Which teams still have a path back into the race, and which organizations should already be planning for 2027?

We also head back to Omaha for a full Men's College World Series update. North Carolina has punched its ticket to the championship series, Oklahoma looks like the hottest team in the country, and Georgia is fighting to keep its season alive. We break down the biggest performances, emerging stars, and what could be shaping up as a fascinating finish to the college baseball season.

And of course, we wrap things up with another edition of Red Hot & Ice Cold, highlighting one hitter and one pitcher who are carrying their clubs right now, along with a pair of veterans who simply can't buy a big hit or a big out.

🎧 Listen to Episode 172 now

Episode 171 of Tablesetters is LIVE!

We open with the first place Chicago White Sox, who suddenly sit atop the AL Central at 36-31 after starting the season 6-13. We break down whether this surge is actually sustainable, how Chicago has gone 29-17 since April 18, why their top-five offense has changed the entire outlook, and how Munetaka Murakami, Colson Montgomery, Miguel Vargas, Davis Martin, and top prospect Braden Montgomery have turned the White Sox into one of baseball’s best stories.

From there, we dive into Bryce Eldridge’s unbelievable signature moment in San Francisco. Just two days after striking out with a chance to tie the game, the 21-year-old rookie launched an ultimate grand slam in the bottom of the ninth to complete an 11-10 Giants comeback over the Nationals. We discuss the Giants erasing a 9-1 deficit, Eldridge becoming the youngest player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam, Matt Chapman’s monster game, and one of the most improbable wins in franchise history.

We also discuss Ronald Acuña Jr. landing back on the injured list with another Grade 1 left hamstring strain, what it means for the Braves, and the bigger question of whether he is still a superstar. Acuña’s 2023 MVP résumé is undeniable, but with two IL stints this season, multiple major injuries since 2021, and current numbers below his usual standard, the conversation has shifted from talent to availability.

Plus, Drew Rasmussen dominates the Red Sox with a career-high 13 strikeouts over seven shutout innings, Max Scherzer reaches 3,500 career strikeouts while his season-long struggles continue, the Athletics and Brewers turn Las Vegas Ballpark into a launching pad, Dalton Rushing’s villain reputation grows after another controversial slide, and we make our official Men’s College World Series picks with Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, West Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Troy all fighting for Omaha.

🎧 Listen to Episode 171 now