Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

Welcome to Episode 103 of Tablesetters. Devin and Steve return with another in-depth journey through the world of baseball, tackling both the headlines that shake the game and the performances that define it.

We begin in Detroit, where the Tigers and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment find themselves in the middle of a storm. A series of troubling misconduct allegations have emerged, involving multiple executives and former player Cameron Maybin. It is a story that extends far beyond the diamond and raises difficult questions about accountability, workplace culture, and the responsibility that professional sports organizations bear toward their employees and their communities.

From there, we turn to a pair of emotional and historic chapters. Anthony Rizzo, the face of the Cubs’ modern era, has officially retired from Major League Baseball and steps into a new role as a team ambassador. His legacy in Chicago is written not only in numbers but in leadership, resilience, and the unforgettable moment when he caught the final out of the 2016 World Series. We also reflect on the life of Davey Johnson, who has passed away at the age of eighty-two. Johnson was a visionary manager whose analytical approach was ahead of its time and who came closer than most to building a true dynasty with the unforgettable Mets of the nineteen eighties.

On the field, the race for National League Most Valuable Player has taken center stage. Kyle Schwarber has joined the select company of sluggers with fifty home runs, while Juan Soto has etched his name into history with a rare thirty home run, thirty stolen base season. This debate captures the essence of value in today’s game: is it the thunder of historic power and iconic moments, or is it the balance of all-around excellence?

We will also revisit our rankings of the one-two-three MLB Jam pitching trios. From the dominance of the Dodgers with Yamamoto, Snell, and Glasnow, to Tarik Skubal’s Cy Young campaign that elevates the Tigers’ staff into elite territory, to the balance and depth of the Phillies and Mariners, these rotations represent the backbone of October dreams and postseason survival.

The discussion continues with the Mets’ recent struggles as their wild card lead shrinks and the Giants close the gap, the unsettling controversy surrounding Framber Valdez and his so-called cross-up moment, and the injuries that could shift the balance of pennant races, including the devastating absence of Bo Bichette for the Blue Jays and the double blow of Trea Turner and Alec Bohm for the Phillies.

As always, we round out the episode with our signature segments. We ask “What’s the Word?” to define the week’s most memorable moments and we look ahead to the Arizona Fall League, where thirteen Top 100 prospects will take the stage, providing one more chance to watch the future of the game under the desert sun.

All of this and much more is waiting for you in Episode 103 of Tablesetters. Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod, and join us as we set the table for another unforgettable week in the game we love.

Welcome to Episode 102 of Tablesetters!

The Yankees’ winning streak has ended but Aaron Judge is chasing history while the schedule turns brutal. Are they really the super team Jazz Chisholm Jr. claims or are they about to be exposed?

The Mets smashed franchise records in August for home runs and runs scored yet still went 11 and 17. What does that really say about their October chances?

In Philadelphia, Walker Buehler is there and could become the ultimate October X factor. In Boston Aroldis Chapman is rewriting the definition of dominance at age 37.

September promotions have shaken up rosters from Seattle to Cincinnati. Which rookies are ready to change the playoff race right now

We also ask if the Savannah Bananas deserve a place in All Star festivities. We spotlight the hottest and coldest bats in the league. We dive into the boldest takes of the week in Take a Pitch and Swing Away.

👉 Episode 102 sets the stage for a chaotic stretch run and you do not want to miss it.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and @TablesettersPod on X for exclusive updates.

Welcome to Episode 101 of Tablesetters! Today, we’re joined by Declan Goff, the executive producer for Purple Daily and #MNTwins at SKOR North. If you follow Minnesota sport,s you already know his voice and his work. Declan has been covering the Vikings and Twins for years, helping drive some of the most engaging sports talk in the Twin Cities.

In this episode, we break down one of the most surprising stories of the summer. On August 13, the Pohlad family announced they would not be selling the Twins after all. Many outside Minnesota assumed a sale was inevitable, but instead, the Pohlads are staying in control while bringing in two minority investors. Declan shares his perspective on whether this move signals real change in payroll, player development, and the team’s philosophy, or if it looks more like a financial maneuver that lets ownership keep things steady.

That story also ties directly into the team’s long-term security in Minnesota. Target Field’s lease currently runs through 2039, with an option to extend to 2059 if lawmakers approve a continuation of the stadium sales tax. When the legislature declined to extend the tax this summer, it left the issue unresolved. With attendance slipping, the question of stability is pressing. We ask Declan whether relocation could ever become a legitimate concern for the Twins, or if that fear is being overstated.

From there, we dig into the reset at the trade deadline, where Minnesota moved ten Major League players, including Carlos Correa and Jhoan Duran. Derek Falvey called it a reload rather than a teardown, but was this one of the most dramatic resets in recent franchise history? Declan offers his insight into how fans should view this moment.

We also talk about clubhouse culture, leadership, and the future core. From Pablo López’s call for consistency, to the arrivals of Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait, to the emergence of Luke Keaschall, we examine who can carry the next era of Twins baseball and whether this roster can build an identity that lasts.

Financial realities loom large as well. Payroll projections suggest Minnesota could be working near the 100 million dollar mark by 2026, potentially the lowest in baseball. With division rivals trending upward, is contending in the Central still realistic, or does it point to more years of retooling?

Other key questions include: which of the deadline acquisitions could impact the roster as soon as 2026, how secure Rocco Baldelli is in his role, whether fans should embrace the draft lottery, and what Byron Buxton’s public support for ownership reveals about the disconnect between the clubhouse and the fan base.

We close by asking Declan how his own history as a Twins fan shapes the way he sees this reset. After years of division titles, heartbreak, and now another rebuild, does hope remain for another renaissance, or has the weight of ownership decisions changed what it feels like to root for this team?

Declan brings a unique blend of passion and sharp perspective that makes Minnesota sports relatable and real. On Purple Daily and #MNTwins at SKOR North, his timing, insight, and authenticity connect with fans in a way that feels true to the market. Follow him on Twitter/X @DexsTweets for smart, real-time reactions that cut to the heart of the story.

🎧 Subscribe and follow us @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for bonus content and exclusive takes all season long. Tablesetters — where stories shape the season.

Welcome to Episode 100 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back for a milestone edition of the show, covering all things baseball as the 2025 season hits its stretch run.

We open with Commissioner Rob Manfred’s bold comments during the Little League Classic broadcast, where he floated the possibility of realignment if Major League Baseball expands to 32 teams. Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Portland headline the list of suitors, but the bigger question is structural : could MLB really abandon the American and National Leagues in favor of East and West conferences? We dig into what that vision would mean for rivalries, travel, TV money, and October itself.

From there, we turn to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers swept the Padres in a pivotal series that flipped the NL West standings. Entering the weekend a game behind, the Dodgers turned it into a two-game lead by Sunday, while securing the season tiebreaker that could decide the division. Freeman, Betts, and rookie Andy Pages carried the bats, Glasnow and the bullpen delivered on the mound, and L.A. reminded everyone why they’ve owned this rivalry for years.

The Little League Classic brought baseball back to its roots in Williamsport, and the Mets gave it a storybook moment. Mark Vientos slid down the Lamade Field hill with kids before blasting a three-run homer under the lights, his 12th of the year, sparking a win over the Mariners. With Francisco Lindor and Francisco Álvarez leading the offense, New York finally strung together back-to-back wins for the first time in weeks.

In Philadelphia, the headlines are colliding: Zack Wheeler’s blood clot diagnosis deals a massive blow to the Phillies’ rotation, Aaron Nola’s shaky return raises questions about whether he can step into the ace role, and Alec Bohm’s bat gave the lineup a needed spark. What does it mean for their World Series hopes?

It was also a week defined by young talent. Nolan McLean debuted for the Mets with eight strikeouts and a highlight-reel defensive play, Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers joined the Orioles’ endless pipeline, and top prospect Konnor Griffin jumped to Double-A. We break down what these moves mean for contenders and rebuilders alike.

The Brewers’ 14-game winning streak came to an end, but their run underscored everything that makes them dangerous heading into October: depth, resilience, and a chemistry that’s built for a pennant chase.

Meanwhile, questions swirl in Arizona as Ketel Marte’s future comes under scrutiny despite another All-Star caliber season, while Geraldo Perdomo steps in as both teammate and defender. And in Houston, the Astros await the return of Yordan Álvarez, whose rehab assignment comes just as the division lead shrinks to a single game.

And of course, we’ll check in on the league’s hottest and coldest bats as the playoff picture sharpens.

👉 Episode 100 delivers the context, analysis, and perspective that will shape the postseason race.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for more.

In Episode 99 of Tablesetters, we break down the MVP showdown between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber and examine the pivotal moments shaping the final stretch of the 2025 MLB season.

Ohtani’s 41st home run made him the fastest Dodger ever to reach 40 in a season, vaulting him past Schwarber for the National League lead. Schwarber remains close behind, leading all of baseball in RBIs while anchoring the offense for a first-place Phillies team. We dig into their numbers, the context around their production, and what could ultimately decide this year’s MVP race.

In New York, both the Yankees and Mets find themselves in critical territory. The Yankees have gone 20–31 since mid-June, slipping from the top of the division to fighting for a playoff berth. The offense has stalled, the pitching has lost its edge, and the bullpen has been tested in high-leverage moments. Across town, the Mets remain in the hunt but have been unable to sustain momentum, with Pete Alonso tying Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record in a game that still ended in defeat.

In Seattle, Cal Raleigh is chasing history. His 45th home run tied Johnny Bench’s 1970 total for the second-most in a season by a catcher, putting Salvador Perez’s record of 48 within reach and raising the possibility of the first 50-homer season ever by a catcher.

Bo Bichette’s resurgence has reignited the Blue Jays’ offense, with a .400 average over his last 27 games pushing Toronto back into the AL East race. We explore how his recent production has reestablished his market value, whether his skill set makes him a true superstar, and why his next contract could exceed 200 million dollars.

Also in this episode:

Episode 99 delivers the context, analysis, and questions that will shape the postseason conversation.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @tablesetterspod on Instagram and X for more.

In Episode 98 of Tablesetters, we unpack the most pivotal storylines shaping the stretch run of the 2025 MLB season.

The Red Sox have locked up rookie outfielder Roman Anthony with a bold $130 million extension. It’s a move that speaks volumes about Boston’s philosophy but is it visionary or premature? We break down the comps, the risks, and what this deal reveals about the new economics of baseball.

Meanwhile, the Brewers have become the first team to reach 70 wins, doing so with a balanced roster, under-the-radar stars, and a culture that’s outperforming big payrolls. Is Milwaukee the most complete team in baseball? And why aren’t they being treated like it?

Then, we turn to Miami. The Marlins have surged back to .500, swept the Yankees, and captured national attention but did they earn it? We examine whether their success is being driven by smart development or rewarded apathy, and what it means for the competitive integrity of the league.

Also in this episode:

Episode 98 is loaded with analysis, perspective, and the kinds of questions that define a season.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @tablesetterspod on Instagram and X for more.

Welcome to Tablesetters Episode 97. This week’s show looks back on a 2025 MLB Trade Deadline that completely reshaped the landscape, with contenders making aggressive moves and several teams signaling a shift toward the future.

Before we get started, a big thank you to everyone who joined us for our first live broadcast on Twitter and YouTube. Your comments and energy made it a memorable debut, and we’re looking forward to bringing more live coverage as the season continues.

We start with the San Diego Padres, who were among the busiest teams at the deadline. They added Mason Miller and JP Sears from the Athletics, then followed up with Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano to bring more left-handed power and defensive versatility, while Nestor Cortes joined their rotation. The package heading to Oakland was headlined by top prospect Leo De Vries, signaling that San Diego is all-in for the stretch run.

The New York Yankees built out one of the deepest bullpens in baseball, adding Jake Bird, David Bednar, and Camilo Doval, along with Jose Caballero to give their bench more speed and flexibility.

The National League East became a true arms race. The Mets bolstered their bullpen with Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley and addressed center field with Cedric Mullins, while the Phillies countered by landing Jhoan Duran from the Twins to lock down the ninth inning.

Around the league, the Astros brought Carlos Correa back to Houston, the Mariners reunited with Eugenio Suárez, and the Cubs, Reds, Rays, Rangers, Tigers, Red Sox, and Royals all made moves to position themselves for the next two months in different ways. Meanwhile, the Twins leaned fully into selling, parting with multiple core pieces and signaling a new phase for the franchise.

All of this leads into what could be a fascinating finish to the season, capped off by the inaugural Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the Braves and Reds will play in front of a potential record-setting regular-season crowd.

Follow us for more trade deadline reactions and live coverage on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod, and if you enjoy the show, make sure to like, subscribe, and share. This is why late July baseball always delivers something worth talking about.

Welcome to Tablesetters Episode 96. This week’s show covers a wide range of moments, some historic, some difficult, as baseball heads into one of the most important stretches of the 2025 season.

We begin with Nick Kurtz’s remarkable 4-HR, 6-for-6 game, a performance that instantly stands among the greatest single-game offensive showings in Major League history. We then shift to Bryce Harper’s tense exchange with Commissioner Rob Manfred in the Phillies clubhouse, a moment that speaks volumes about the current state of labor relations in baseball.

Partway through the episode, we received the heartbreaking news that Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg has passed away at the age of 65. We take a moment to process and reflect on the impact Sandberg made on the game, both as a legendary second baseman and as a respected figure in the sport.

Also in this week’s coverage:

Listen to Tablesetters wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive deadline coverage and real-time updates throughout the week.

Welcome back to Tablesetters for Episode 95 — and joining us once again is a fan favorite from Episode 55: Matt Devine of Devine Sports Gospel. Known for his sharp takes, infectious humor, and deep pulse on Padres baseball, Matt returns just in time for one of the most pivotal moments of the season: the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline.

We begin where San Diego fans want us to: What is A.J. Preller cooking? With the Padres sitting on the edge of contention, Matt helps us break down whether Preller is ready to go all-in, or if we’re staring at a rare hybrid approach. We get into potential trade targets like Dylan Cease, Michael King, and even some left-field and catching upgrades — from big splashes to bargain bats.

From there, we widen the lens across the league:

And just as the October picture starts to take shape, we unpack a few major stories from around the league:

⚾ Jacob Misiorowski’s innings management — Milwaukee’s flamethrower might be the most electric rookie in baseball, but his workload is clearly under tight restriction. We break down what that means for the Brewers' October blueprint.

⚾ Rafael Devers at first base? It finally happened — just not in a Red Sox uniform. His first game in the field for the Giants came in the midst of a losing streak, but it may have sparked a turnaround in San Francisco. We explore the implications for both the Giants and Boston’s long-term handling of Devers.

We also put Devin through a round of Buy or Sell, where we debate:

We also have a great new addition, it’s time for a brand-new edition of Blind Rankings — where Devin and Matt team up to rank some of the greatest Trade Deadline Rentals in modern MLB history. From Céspedes’ 2015 magic and “Mannywood” in LA, we reflect on the short-term heroes who left a lasting legacy.

Subscribe, rate, and review Tablesetters, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive content, instant reactions, and everything you need to ride out this year’s Trade Deadline chaos.

Welcome to Episode 94 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Savannah McCann, one of the sharpest rising voices in baseball media and a trusted presence for Nationals fans across D.C. and beyond.

You’ve seen her on MASN, covering everything from dugout moments to live postgame breakdowns, and you’ve heard her on 106.7 The Fan, guiding listeners through the highs, lows, and turning points of a team in transition. Savannah brings clarity, insight, and connection to every story she covers.

In this episode, we dig into the Nationals’ decision to draft Eli Willits with the #1 overall pick, the organizational philosophy behind it, and how the move was received across the fanbase. We also get Savannah’s thoughts on:

Plus:

If you’re not following Savannah yet, do yourself a favor:

She’s one of the most consistent, insightful, and engaging voices covering baseball today.

🎧 Subscribe and follow us @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for bonus content and exclusive takes all season long. Tablesetters — where stories shape the season.