The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast

By The Athletic

What's The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast about?

Get the award-winning strategies, insight and analysis you need to win your league, every week. From high-stakes secrets to deep dynasty maneuvers, and everything in between, The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast has you covered with the analysis of Derek VanRiper, Nando Di Fino, Michael Beller, Ian Kahn and Al Melchior.

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The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast episodes:

01.31.2023
A Programming Update for 2023
Derek VanRiper shares the changes coming to The Athletic's fantasy baseball podcasts for the 2023 season. Join us in the expanding Rates & Barrels feeds using the links below, or wherever you enjoy podcasts! Apple: bit.ly/AppleRandB Spotify: bit.ly/SpotifyRandB YouTube: bit.ly/YTRandB Learn more about your ad...
12.08.2022
Under the Radarrrrrr Series Finale
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Aaron Judge's return to the Bronx with a nine-year deal that paves the way for him to remain a career Yankee, the frenzy of activity around this year's Winter Meetings, how varying front-office strategies, like...
10.12.2022
Putting a Bow on the 2022 Fantasy Baseball Season
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss the end of a very successful 2022 fantasy baseball season, and a few takeaways from things that ultimately went right, before going on hiatus during the playoffs. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow...
09.28.2022
Late Loopholes, Navigating the Endgame & Staying Patient
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a variety of topics including a potential late-season loophole in keeper leagues, a pair of rapidly-rising pitchers in the minors, trying to navigate the final days of the season while chasing a championship, Josh Jung,...
09.27.2022
Takeaways From the 2022 Fantasy Baseball Season
DVR and Al share their takeaways from the 2022 fantasy baseball season. The steady stream of prospect promotions was one of the distinguishing features of this season, and DVR and Al consider whether this is now a lasting part of...
09.23.2022
The Final Waiver Wire Show for 2022
For the last time during the 2022 season, DVR and Al take a look at the waiver wire options for the coming weekend. They discuss how much recent callups Ezequiel Tovar and Jordan Diaz could help fantasy managers, and they...
09.21.2022
Late-Season Surprises, Tipping the Cap, Eloy's Ceiling & Feats of Judge
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a few late-season surprises -- including Bubba Thompson's massive contributions as a source of stolen bases -- the incredible Adolis García follow-up, Eloy Jiménez's ceiling and 2023 appeal, gut reactions on 'liking v. not liking'...
09.20.2022
Making Sense of 2022's Hitter Barrel Rate Risers and Fallers
DVR and Al take a look at the hitters who had the largest year-to-year increases and decreases in their barrel rates. Among the top risers discussed are Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Christian Walker, while Ronald Acuña...
09.16.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 25
DVR and Al break down the FAB options on this penultimate waiver wire episode. They discuss recent callups Josh Jung and Mark Vientos, as well as the Rockies' possible callup for Ezequiel Tovar. They also discuss Elvis Andrus' remarkable comeback...
09.16.2022
The General Has Mark Kotsay's Back!
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss rebelling relievers, George Washington taking the side of Mark Kotsay, growing excitement for the playoffs, Michael Harris II's soaring stock, tightly clustered wins, the growing case for working with a co-manager, and another gem from...
09.13.2022
Making Sense of 2022's Hitter Strikeout Rate Risers and Fallers
DVR and Al look into the hitters who saw the largest surges and drops in their strikeout rates from 2021, and they see if those changes could make any difference in their 2023 fantasy value. Among the strikeout rate fallers...
09.09.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 24
DVR and Al discuss where fantasy managers should add a pair of Rangers callups -- top prospect Josh Jung and 24-year-old catcher Sam Huff. They also talk about Triston Casas' fantasy appeal, the chances for a rebound from Yoán Moncada...
09.07.2022
Lewis Brinson in San Francisco, a Late Push for Abrams & Avoiding the Top Prospect Chase
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Lewis Brinson's opportunity with the Giants, Felix Bautista's soaring long-term value, the benefits of the O's decision to move back the fences in left field, Juan Soto's missing power since being traded to San Diego,...
09.06.2022
A Recap of the 2022 Rookie Pitcher Class
DVR and Al look back (and a little bit ahead) on the 2022 seasons produced by rookie pitchers. They focus on Spencer Strider, George Kirby and Shane Baz as starters who could be fantasy aces in the near future, and...
09.02.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 23
Are there waiver options to target beyond Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson? DVR and Al discuss the bevy of players who are worth pursuing in the coming weekend's FAB bidding, and they also talk about whether Carroll or Henderson would...
09.01.2022
A Recap of the 2022 Rookie Hitter Class
DVR and Al take a look at this season's still-evolving class of rookie hitters. They consider the case to be made for Julio Rodríguez and Bobby Witt Jr. as 2023 first-round picks and look into the future fantasy value of...
08.31.2022
Back at Full Strength (That's Debatable!)
Nando is back with Ian and DVR to discuss Hunter Brown's late-season opportunity with the Astros, a thinning pool at second base -- differing expectations for Nolan Gorman in Year 2 -- premiums for positional scarcity, and the best owner...
08.30.2022
Corbin Carroll's Debut and A Final Prospect Roundup for 2022
DVR and Al discuss the major league debuts of Corbin Carroll, Garrett Mitchell and Cade Cavalli and assess their fantasy appeal for the remainder of this season and for the longer term. They also take their final look at prospects...
08.26.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 22
DVR and Al consider whether it's worth stashing Orioles infield prospect Gunnar Henderson, now that it's anticipated that he will make his debut sometime this season, and they discuss whether it's still worth adding Manuel Margot, Lars Nootbaar, Albert Pujols...
08.25.2022
Lessons Learned With Drafting Saves and Steals
DVR and Al revisit their strategies for drafting saves heading into the 2022 season and ask whether targeting elite closers like Josh Hader and Liam Hendriks was worth it. They also consider some emerging candidates for saves for 2023. DVR...
08.24.2022
Choosing Luxury in Roster Construction, Story's Slide & Tough In-Season Pitching Decisions
Ian and DVR discuss choosing a luxury -- elite catchers v. elite closers -- in the roster construction process, disagreement about the 2023 expectations for Trevor Story, a big step forward from Jordan Montgomery to begin his time in St....
08.24.2022
Gunnar Henderson's Promotion Chances Plus Double-A Standouts
DVR and Al consider whether Gunnar Henderson and Josh Jung are likely to join Corbin Carroll as top prospects who could be due to make a major league debut late this season. They also discuss the recent promotions of Brett...
08.19.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 21
Al and Eno react to the report that Corbin Carroll is expected to get called up this season and discuss the fantasy appeal of some recently promoted prospects, including Brett Baty, Estevan Florial and Oswaldo Cabrera. They also consider who...
08.18.2022
Players We've Largely Ignored in 2022
DVR and Al talk about several players who have come up infrequently on previous episodes this season. They kick off their discussion of pitchers by trying to solve a puzzle regarding Corbin Burnes' recent trends, and they move on to...
08.17.2022
Long-Term Expectations with Short-Term Implications
Ian and DVR discuss Ian's final Dynasty Rankings update for 2022 including Julio Rodríguez atop the list -- the implications of long-term shifts in value on the 2023 redraft landscape, how the Fernando Tatis Jr. suspension impacts his outlook, Michael...
08.16.2022
Vaughn Grissom Gets The Call Plus A Low-A Roundup
On this Prospect Tuesday episode, DVR and Al discuss whether they see CJ Abrams' move to the Nationals as a positive for him, and they also consider what Ryan Pepiot's role with the Dodgers will likely be over the remainder...
08.12.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 20
DVR and Al assess the waiver options for the coming weekend, starting with Braves prospect Vaughn Grissom. They also consider where fantasy managers should target Aledmys Díaz, Nick Gordon, Lars Nootbar and several other hitters. DVR and Al differ on...
08.11.2022
Players With Surprising Second-Half Trends
DVR and Al spend this episode highlighting players who have performed in ways that are inconsistent with their track records in the second half so far. From Corey Seager's reduction in strikeouts to Ryan McMahon's stolen base binge to Reid...
08.11.2022
Approaching the Final Third of the Season
Ian and DVR discuss their approach to the final-third of the season, including players to pursue in long-term leagues on the waiver wire. Plus, the recent struggles of Josh Hader, playing for the future in trade, long term expectations for...
08.09.2022
Trade Deadline Follow-Up and a High-A Roundup
DVR and Al follow up on some of the prospects dealt before last week's trade deadline, including C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell III, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Logan O'Hoppe. They also discuss some recently promoted prospects, such as Michael Massey...
08.05.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 19
DVR and Al sort through a potentially busy week of FAB bidding, as they look into recent callups, like Miguel Vargas, Michael Massey and Tommy Henry, as well as players such as Jose Siri, Donovan Solano and Tucker Davidson, who...
08.04.2022
A Post-Trade Deadline Depth Chart Dive
DVR and Al comb through several major league rosters, identifying which players stand to gain the most fantasy value by filling vacancies left by players dealt at the trade deadline. Among several situations, they look at how the Reds could...
08.03.2022
Reviewing a Very Busy Trade Deadline w/Patrick Davitt of Baseball HQ
Ian and DVR are joined by Patrick Davitt of Baseball HQ -- the voice of HQ Radio -- to discuss a very busy MLB Trade Deadline including the fallout from the blockbusters made by the Padres, the clear opportunity for...
08.02.2022
Noelvi Marte and Other Prospects Who Moved In Deadline Deals
It's a prospects edition of the podcast, but with a trade deadline twist. DVR and Al discuss a number of the prospects on the move as a result of deals occurring just before the trade deadline, including Noelvi Marte, Esteury...
07.29.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 18
DVR and Al look into players who could benefit from player movement at the trade deadline and discuss whether fantasy managers should speculate on Corbin Carroll and Shea Langeliers, even with the uncertainty around their potential promotions. They also look...
07.28.2022
Speculating on Trade Deadline Speculation
The trade deadline is upon us, and what's more fun than speculation on moves that might be made? Speculating on that speculation! Let Al and Beller explain on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow...
07.27.2022
Pitchers Fade Fast, Moving for Márquez & Buying Tyler Glasnow for 2023?
Ian and DVR take a quick trip back to 2018 and consider how quickly pitchers can fade. Will Blake Snell ever recapture his Cy Young level form? Are there any older pitchers that could have a surprising late-career renaissance. Is...
07.26.2022
JJ Bleday and Nick Pratto Debut Plus a Triiple-A Roundup
DVR and Al consider the fantasy relevance of JJ Bleday, Nick Pratto and Ethan Small, all of whom recently got the call to the majors. They also discuss whether Edward Cabrera and Triston Casas should be on the radar of...
07.22.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Week 17
Beller and DVR discuss a few intriguing waiver-wire considerations for the weekend and including the once-again healthy Evan Longoria, who continues to post a career-high barrel rate, glimmers of hope for Joey Bart, Trayce Thompson's intriguing underlying numbers, a chance...
07.21.2022
One Last Check on Closers Before the Trade Deadline
Relievers are always hot commodities at the trade deadline. Who will be on the move this season? And, more importantly in the fantasy world, who will scoop up the saves those traded players leave behind? Greg Jewett joins Al and...
07.20.2022
New Prospects, Dynasty Expiration Dates, Juan Soto, New Fantasy Ohtani Rules and Xander Bogaerts' Missing Homers
Ian and DVR are joined by Ariel Cohen (the real Ariel, not Ian playing the role of Ariel) to discuss when first-year player draft players should become available in keeper/dynasty leagues, why multi-year leagues always have an expiration date, the...
07.19.2022
Max Meyer's Arrival, Futures Game Standouts and a 2022 MLB Draft Review
DVR and Al review Max Meyer's debut for the Marlins and find some positives in a mixed outing. They also consider the short- and long-term fantasy appeal of Freddy Tarnok and Taj Bradley, given their recent promotions to Triple-A. DVR...
07.15.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Fantasy Week 16
DVR and Al have some mixed feelings about how aggressively to pursue Esteury Ruiz in FAB bidding, and they also consider their level of interest in Matt Carpenter, Jose Miranda and Akil Baddoo. Max Meyer headlines this week's pitching options,...
07.14.2022
Wrapping up the First Half with our Fantasy All-Star Teams
The looming All-Star Break provides a nice opportunity to look back at the first half of the season. Al and Beller do just that on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast by building their fantasy All-Star Teams. Follow Beller...
07.13.2022
Trusting Tork, Late-Blooming Leody & Trashy Two-Start Pitchers
Nando, Ian and DVR discuss another intriguing prospect on the rise in San Diego, whether it's time to target Spencer Torkelson, their interest in Nolan Jones, Leody Taveras and Josh Smith, the triumphant return of Reid Detmers to the Angels'...
07.12.2022
Thoughts on Brayan Bello's Debut and A Futures Game Preview
DVR and Al consider the takeaways from Brayan Bello's and Nolan Jones' major league debuts, and they check in on a few prospects who are trending in fantasy leagues, including Shea Langeliers and Jackson Chourio. They also take a look...
07.08.2022
Waiver Wire Options for Fantasy Week 15
DVR and Al discuss whether Nathaniel Lowe's rising roster rate needs to climb even higher, and they consider where Guardians outfield prospect Nolan Jones should be added, now that he has been called up for his major league debut. Nick...
07.07.2022
Taking the Fantasy Baseball Temperature of the Rangers, Diamondbacks and Guardians
It's a Beat Writer Day on The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast. Levi Weaver (Rangers), Zach Buchanan (Diamondbacks) and Zack Meisel (Guardians) join Beller and Al to break down their teams from a fantasy perspective. Follow Levi (Rangers) on Twitter: @ThreeTwoEephus Follow Zach...
07.06.2022
Searching for Stolen Bases & Sneaky Good First-Half Performances
Ian and DVR discuss potential sources of stolen bases currently waiting for an opportunity in the upper levels of the minors, Nomar Mazara’s encouraging turnaround with the Padres, Jose Trevino’s case to remain the Yankees’ primary catcher (and path to...
07.05.2022
Here Come Brayan Bello and David Villar Plus a Double-A Roundup
DVR and Al consider where to roster some of the latest prospect callups, including Brayan Bello, Darick Hall, David Villar and Garrett Hill. They also ponder whether to drop Josh Lowe and Vidal Bruján and if they should speculate on...

What's The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast episodes:

A Programming Update for 2023

Under the Radarrrrrr Series Finale

Putting a Bow on the 2022 Fantasy Baseball Season

Late Loopholes, Navigating the Endgame & Staying Patient

Takeaways From the 2022 Fantasy Baseball Season

The Final Waiver Wire Show for 2022

Late-Season Surprises, Tipping the Cap, Eloy's Ceiling & Feats of Judge

Making Sense of 2022's Hitter Barrel Rate Risers and Fallers

Waiver Wire Options for Week 25

The General Has Mark Kotsay's Back!

Making Sense of 2022's Hitter Strikeout Rate Risers and Fallers

Waiver Wire Options for Week 24

Lewis Brinson in San Francisco, a Late Push for Abrams & Avoiding the Top Prospect Chase

A Recap of the 2022 Rookie Pitcher Class

Waiver Wire Options for Week 23

A Recap of the 2022 Rookie Hitter Class

Back at Full Strength (That's Debatable!)

Corbin Carroll's Debut and A Final Prospect Roundup for 2022

Waiver Wire Options for Week 22

Lessons Learned With Drafting Saves and Steals

Choosing Luxury in Roster Construction, Story's Slide & Tough In-Season Pitching Decisions

Gunnar Henderson's Promotion Chances Plus Double-A Standouts

Waiver Wire Options for Week 21

Players We've Largely Ignored in 2022

Long-Term Expectations with Short-Term Implications

Vaughn Grissom Gets The Call Plus A Low-A Roundup

Waiver Wire Options for Week 20

Players With Surprising Second-Half Trends

Approaching the Final Third of the Season

Trade Deadline Follow-Up and a High-A Roundup

Waiver Wire Options for Week 19

A Post-Trade Deadline Depth Chart Dive

Reviewing a Very Busy Trade Deadline w/Patrick Davitt of Baseball HQ

Noelvi Marte and Other Prospects Who Moved In Deadline Deals

Waiver Wire Options for Week 18

Speculating on Trade Deadline Speculation

Pitchers Fade Fast, Moving for Márquez & Buying Tyler Glasnow for 2023?

JJ Bleday and Nick Pratto Debut Plus a Triiple-A Roundup

Waiver Wire Options for Week 17

One Last Check on Closers Before the Trade Deadline

New Prospects, Dynasty Expiration Dates, Juan Soto, New Fantasy Ohtani Rules and Xander Bogaerts' Missing Homers

Max Meyer's Arrival, Futures Game Standouts and a 2022 MLB Draft Review

Waiver Wire Options for Fantasy Week 16

Wrapping up the First Half with our Fantasy All-Star Teams

Trusting Tork, Late-Blooming Leody & Trashy Two-Start Pitchers

Thoughts on Brayan Bello's Debut and A Futures Game Preview

Waiver Wire Options for Fantasy Week 15

Taking the Fantasy Baseball Temperature of the Rangers, Diamondbacks and Guardians

Searching for Stolen Bases & Sneaky Good First-Half Performances

Here Come Brayan Bello and David Villar Plus a Double-A Roundup