Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

Welcome to Episode 93 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve return with a comprehensive look at 2025 MLB All-Star Week where tradition met experimentation, and baseball’s brightest stars took center stage under the Atlanta lights.

This episode opens with a deep dive into the new Swing-Off format that decided this year’s All-Star Game. We break down how it unfolded, the fan and player reactions, and what it could mean for the future of extra-inning baseball.

From there, we recap a thrilling Home Run Derby, highlighted by Cal Raleigh’s historic win and a final-round duel that delivered big moments from baseball’s next generation of stars.

The conversation shifts to MLB Draft Week, where we spotlight the most notable selections, strategic team hauls, and early risers alongside a sharp breakdown of the clubs that may have separated themselves for the long term. We also touch on Kade Anderson’s selection, sleeper picks, and which organizations are redefining development through the draft.

Also featured in this episode:

⚾ The debut of the ABS Challenge System and its implications for umpiring, game flow, and future implementation

⚾ Fantasy Baseball Midseason Check-In, highlighting key overperformers, second-half breakout candidates, and notable disappointments

⚾ A closer look at Byron Buxton’s no-trade stance, and why the Twins’ All-Star outfielder is staying put even as Minnesota hovers below .500 and may pivot toward selling

⚾ The Tampa Bay Rays franchise sale, including new ownership led by Patrick Zalupski, uncertainty surrounding long-term stadium plans, and the move to George M. Steinbrenner Field as a temporary postseason home

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram and X @Tablesetterspod for exclusive content, real-time updates, and thoughtful baseball coverage all season long.

Devin and Steve return with a comprehensive breakdown of 2025 MLB All-Star Week where tradition, innovation, and controversy collide under the Atlanta lights.

We begin with the unveiling of the final All-Star rosters, then turn to the storyline sparking the most buzz: Rafael Devers’ quiet snub of Giants icon Will Clark. Devers was scheduled to participate in a symbolic first-base tutorial with Clark, but his no-show sparked discussion across the baseball world about professionalism, legacy, and perception.

From there, we shift focus to the most significant technological debut of the year: the ABS (Automated Balls and Strikes) Challenge System will make its first official appearance in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. What does this hybrid system mean for the future of umpiring, and how did fans respond to it during spring training? We dig into the implications.

Then it’s on to MLB Draft Week, where we spotlight the most impactful prospects in the 2025 class from Ethan Holliday to Kade Anderson, Eli Willits, Jamie Arnold, and more. Who’s rising, who fits where, and how might this class shape the next era of baseball?

Also in this episode:

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Devin and Steve are back with Episode 91 with a thoughtful look at a week of meaningful developments around the league, starting with the official reveal of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game starters. From Francisco Lindor’s return to form to rookie Jacob Wilson earning a surprise fan-vote nod, we explore what this year’s selections say about the state of the game and where it’s headed.

In Miami, the Marlins are playing their best baseball of the season, stringing together wins and disrupting the National League picture. We take a closer look at what’s working and whether their recent surge signals a deeper turnaround.

Meanwhile in Houston, the Astros are dealing with significant injuries to both Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña. As the lineup thins out, we ask how much strain their depth can withstand  and whether their grip on the AL West is starting to loosen.

Also in this episode:

Clayton Kershaw approaches 3,000 strikeouts, a quiet milestone that underscores one of the most consistent careers of his generation

Kevin Pillar retires and offers candid reflections on team culture and longevity in the game

Tarik Skubal continues to pitch at a Cy Young level, showing once again that his success is built on steady, sustained excellence

A new round of “Who Says No?”, featuring trade proposals that reflect real needs — and real risk

Our weekend watchlist, including the Subway Series and other games that could impact the postseason picture

Finally, we take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Dave Parker, reflecting on his playing career, his role in baseball history, and what he meant to the city of Pittsburgh and beyond.

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Welcome to Episode 90 of Tablesetters, where the game’s biggest stories collide with scorching heat, late-June pressure, and postseason implications already beginning to brew.

We begin in Omaha, where the LSU Tigers didn’t just win their eighth College World Series — they secured their place as the defining force in modern college baseball. From the dynasty built by Skip Bertman to the edge honed by Jay Johnson, LSU’s legacy now spans three decades, multiple eras, and a standard no one else in the sport has matched.

Then we shift west, where the Padres and Dodgers turned a simmering rivalry into a full-blown powder keg. Benches cleared, stars got plunked, and managers were tossed in a four-game series that saw eight hit batters and more bad blood than baseball. This wasn’t just a tense series — it was personal. And the aftermath could define the rest of the NL West race.

In New York, the Mets and Braves meet again — both clubs in search of clarity and consistency as they open a four-game set under the oppressive Queens heat. Atlanta may have swept New York last week, but both teams are still trying to find themselves in a season that keeps asking questions they can’t quite answer. From Chris Sale’s injury to Frankie Montas’ high-stakes return, we break down what’s at stake in a pivotal series.

We also head to Cincinnati, where the Reds are turning the page — and turning to fire. Chase Burns, one of the most hyped pitching prospects in recent memory, will make his major league debut against the Yankees. With the rotation in tatters and the Reds hovering around .500, this isn’t just a call-up — it’s a bet on the future. We unpack Burns’ meteoric rise, what makes his arsenal electric, and why his debut feels like a potential franchise reset.

Elsewhere around the league, big names are coming and going.

We close with a look at the surging and the slumping — a segment spotlighting players heating up or going ice cold. And in the AL MVP race, Cal Raleigh’s historic first half behind the plate has Mariners fans fired up — but Aaron Judge is quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career. Who has the edge as July approaches?

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Welcome to Episode 89 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back with a loaded show covering the biggest headlines across the baseball world. We open with the shocking trade that sent Rafael Devers from Boston to San Francisco — what it means for the Red Sox’s direction, why the Giants finally stepped up, and whether Boston just repeated the Betts mistake all over again.

Then: Shohei Ohtani returns to the mound for the first time since elbow surgery — we break down the stuff, the mechanics, and why one inning was enough to get excited again.

Also on tap:

Plus, we check in on the Sub-2.00 ERA club — featuring Senga, Skenes, Skubal, and more.

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Welcome to Episode 88 of Tablesetters! Today’s guest is one of the most insightful and articulate voices in baseball media today. Jack McMullen is a radio broadcaster for the Miami Marlins and the Director of Podcasting and Host at Just Baseball, where he’s played a key role in building one of the most forward-thinking platforms in the sport.

Whether he’s breaking down a top prospect’s swing mechanics, calling dramatic walk-off wins in the big leagues, or guiding nuanced conversations about the future of the game, Jack brings a rare blend of clarity, passion, and storytelling that resonates across generations of fans.

We dive into:

– The origins and evolution of Just Baseball, and how Jack’s role has shifted since joining the Marlins broadcast team

– What it was like calling Paul Skenes firsthand in Triple-A

– The wild start to his MLB career with three walk-offs in four days

– Inside perspective on Sandy Alcantara’s struggles, Eury Pérez’s return, and how the Marlins are building around elite pitching

Then we get into the big-picture questions:

– Is there a future face of the franchise among the position player group?

– How has Peter Bendix’s vision reshaped Miami’s roster philosophy?

– What’s the outlook for bats like Kyle Stowers and Agustín Ramírez in Miami’s long-term plans?

– Could complementary pieces like Dane Myers or Cal Quantrill be moved quietly at the deadline?

Plus:

And we wrap it all with Jack’s thoughtful advice to the next generation of broadcasters trying to break in—plus a few behind-the-scenes gems from his journey through the minors to the big leagues.

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Welcome to Episode 87 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Bryce Whitlow, the creator of the wildly popular Instagram account @mlbhallofgood, a page dedicated to honoring baseball’s most criminally underrated legends. With sharp humor, heartfelt nostalgia, and a deep love for the game, Bryce has built a digital shrine to the players who may not be in Cooperstown, but who will always have a place in fans’ memories.

We dive into how the Hall of (Pretty) Good came to life, who qualifies for induction, and why the page has resonated so strongly with baseball fans across generations. Bryce shares stories of players reacting to their surprise enshrinement, talks about his first pitch with the Portland Sea Dogs, and updates us on the growing movement to buy the Pittsburgh Pirates.

We also get into current MLB storylines:

Plus:

This one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and a genuine love for the guys who made baseball feel personal — even if they didn’t make the Hall of Fame.

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Welcome to Episode 86 of Tablesetters, where Devin and Steve return to unpack a week that offered a little bit of everything: momentum shifts, breakout performances, and the early rumblings of trade season.

The Detroit Tigers have become the first team to 40 wins this year. It’s not a mirage. The offense is firing on all cylinders, the rotation has a clear leader, and the numbers back it all up. Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson, and Riley Greene are rewriting the franchise’s history books, and for the first time in years, the question isn’t “what’s the ceiling?”—it’s “how far can this team go?”

Meanwhile, the most-watched Sunday Night Baseball in seven years drew 2.7 million viewers for Dodgers-Yankees, a clear reminder that when baseball is presented the right way, fans show up. And yet, this moment lands like a farewell. With ESPN’s flagship baseball broadcast set to disappear after 2025, MLB’s relationship with legacy media feels like a story slipping into the rearview. The demand is still there. But has the sport moved too far from the stage that helped define it?

Injuries and transactions are starting to shape the middle third of the season. The Yankees lose a trusted bullpen arm in Luke Weaver, and must now juggle roles behind Devin Williams. Out west, the Dodgers continue to wait on Tyler Glasnow, whose recovery isn’t progressing as hoped. Add in Mike Trout’s return to form and the Brewers riding an eight-game heater, and it’s clear the playoff picture is already shifting.

San Diego is reportedly targeting Jarren Duran to fix their revolving door in left field, while Boston faces tough decisions with a crowded outfield and Roman Anthony waiting in the wings. And speaking of new faces: Jac Caglianone has officially arrived in Kansas City. Forget the noise—this call-up wasn’t reckless, it was earned. And if the bat plays like we think it can, the Royals just added a middle-of-the-order anchor.

College baseball’s road to Omaha is heating up. The SEC stumbled through regionals, while the ACC thrived, and programs like Coastal Carolina, UTSA, and Murray State are flipping the script. It’s a field full of dangerous underdogs and future pros, and the chaos has only just begun.

As the episode wraps, we spotlight a few players scorching hot (hello Jeremy Peña), others in deep funks (Jarren Duran, Luis Severino), and take your mailbag questions—from New York’s ultimate superteam to the biggest surprises and letdowns of 2025 so far.

Whether you’re watching the playoff races, following prospect call-ups, or just here for the best stories in the game—we’ve got you covered.

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Welcome to Episode 85 of Tablesetters, where Devin and Steve guide you through another compelling week in the world of baseball — from postseason pushes in college ball to standout performances in the majors.

We begin with the NCAA Tournament field, where the headlines may favor the SEC, but the most intriguing stories lie elsewhere. Programs like East Carolina, Northeastern, UC Irvine, and Kansas State enter the regionals with proven track records in tough environments — built not on hype, but on experience and resilience. Campbell’s near-comeback against Charleston in the CAA Tournament is just one example of how postseason grit can’t be measured by seeding.

In the majors, it was a week defined by contrast. Tarik Skubal delivered a complete-game gem, striking out 13 on just 94 pitches — a rare blend of power and efficiency that continues to elevate his standing among the game’s best arms. Meanwhile, we discuss the broader picture across the league: win streaks gaining momentum, lineups showing life, and a few clubs that may be entering make-or-break territory.

The Rays have quietly turned a corner, stacking wins and finding consistency in a temporary home. On the other end of the spectrum, one franchise’s struggles could lead to a historically low win total by the end of June.

We also spotlight a top prospect making a strong first impression in Triple-A — and explore what his rise could mean for a club looking for answers.

As always, we close the show with Red Hot/Ice Cold, our weekly picks for players and teams on the move, and Coming Around 3rd, where we highlight what we’ll be watching closely in the days ahead.

Whether you follow the game through a fantasy lens, root for your team through every pitch, or just want to stay informed on the stories that matter — you’re in the right place.

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Let’s set the table.

Welcome to Episode 84 of Tablesetters, where Devin and Steve break down a loaded week across the baseball landscape.

We open with the Subway Series, which gave us tension, star power, and plenty of narrative fuel. Juan Soto made his much-anticipated return to Yankee Stadium — and the reaction was loud. Devin and Steve unpack how the series played out, from Soto’s quiet weekend at the plate to Max Fried’s dominance and Cody Bellinger’s statement performance. The Yankees took two out of three, but the bigger story was what this matchup revealed about where both New York teams stand in 2025.

Then we go around the league:

We also dig into the Sub-2.00 ERA club, debate the results of our Twitter poll on breakout players, run through this week’s Red Hot/Ice Cold picks, and wrap with what we’re watching next in Coming Around 3rd.

Whether you’re locked in on the pennant races or already dreaming about October, we’ve got your baseball conversation covered.

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Let’s set the table. ⚾️