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, join DVR and Eno as they unpack baseball in ways you’ve never heard before, endeavoring to figure out all they can about a sport that’s constantly changing. Alongside contributors Britt Ghiroli, Trevor May and Jed Lowrie, the Rates & Barrels crew breaks down all the latest MLB news through an analytical lens, feeding your unhealthy addiction to numbers, while helping you master your fantasy baseball GM skills. But wait, there's more: come back for Saturday mornings in Starkville, where Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville talk to some of the most important players, coaches, and thought leaders in the league.
Starkville | The Voices of Baseball: Tom Hamilton and Len Kasper Join Starkville
Saturday, October 3, 2026 • Duration 47:39
Tom Hamilton and Len Kasper join Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug sit down with the longtime voices of the Red Sox and White Sox to discuss the matchup between two teams that have taken different paths but built their success the right way. They break down why America needs this series, whether any non-playoff teams could surprise everyone and make the postseason next year, and the emergence of José Ramírez, Chase DeLauter and other young players making their mark. They also discuss the early injury chaos, the contrasting pitching staffs, and the importance of trust when managing new coaches and young players. Plus, Jayson and Doug highlight players who deserve more attention, including Brayan Rocchio, Joey Cantillo, Tristan Peters and Sam Antonacci. And in Strange But True, the guys explore the Pope factor and his unexpected influence on the action in the field.
Rundown:
03:36 Am I Wrong?
05:41 Losing Left Handed Leverage
08:35 UP NEXT
09:04 Tom and Len Visit Starkville!
12:04 Why America Needs This Series
19:48 The Game of Predicting Playoffs
24:46 Chase Delauter and Parker Messick
27:11 Crazy First Inning Injuries
28:19 Contrast Between Pitching Staffs
31:15 Role of Trust in the Game
36:37 Players We Should Know Better
42:19 The Pope Factor In This Series
46:21 UP NEXT
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Braves Have a Dodgers Problem & Padres-Brewers Could Be a Classic
Friday, October 2, 2026 • Duration 56:55
The NLDS is here. DVR and Eno preview Braves-Dodgers and Padres-Brewers, breaking down the pitching matchups, lineup weaknesses, bullpen advantages and X-factors that could decide both National League Division Series.
Can Atlanta find a way to slow down the Dodgers? The Braves took five of six from Los Angeles during the regular season, but the postseason pitching staffs look very different. DVR and Eno examine how Chris Sale could be deployed, why J.R. Ritchie could become a surprise weapon for Atlanta and how the Dodgers’ collection of high-velocity arms could attack one of the Braves’ biggest offensive weaknesses.
The Dodgers finished among MLB’s leaders in 95+ mph fastballs, while Atlanta posted a .295 wOBA against those pitches during the regular season. Which Braves hitters can handle premium velocity? Plus, how healthy and effective will Shohei Ohtani be, and can Freddie Freeman bounce back after a difficult September?
Then it's Padres-Brewers. Milwaukee owns the top seed, but San Diego enters the NLDS after a huge second half and a Wild Card Series win over the Cubs. DVR and Eno dig into Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Milwaukee’s pitching plans, Mason Miller and the battle between two deep bullpens.
The Brewers' offense might also be more dangerous than its reputation suggests. Milwaukee combines on-base ability, bat speed and aggressive baserunning, while both the Brewers and Padres finished among MLB's best teams against 95+ mph fastballs. Could that become a major factor against Misiorowski and San Diego's power bullpen?
Finally, it's time to Close the Tab on the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies. After another disappointing October exit, DVR and Eno discuss how the Bryce Harper era should be evaluated, an aging roster, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, Andrew Painter and whether Philadelphia should keep pushing its chips in for another championship run.
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MLB Wild Card LIVE: Day 3: Recap & Reactions
Friday, October 2, 2026 • Duration 01:00:31
The MLB Wild Card round comes down to one final elimination game — and Rates & Barrels is going LIVE for Phillies-Braves Game 3.
Join DVR and Eno starting in the 7th inning as Philadelphia and Atlanta battle for a spot in the NLDS. We’ll react LIVE to the biggest moments, pitching decisions and late-game strategy as the final Wild Card series is decided.
Then we turn our attention to the American League Division Series.
The ALDS matchups are set:
⚾ Yankees vs. Rays
⚾ White Sox vs. Guardians
How do the Yankees match up with Tampa Bay after advancing through the Wild Card round? Can the White Sox keep their surprising postseason run going against Cleveland? Which rotations, bullpens and lineup matchups could ultimately decide each series?
We’ll break down both ALDS matchups, identify the biggest players and X-factors to watch, and get you ready for the next round of the 2026 MLB Playoffs.
Bring your questions and reactions to the LIVE chat as we watch the end of Phillies-Braves and turn the page to the Division Series.
Like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any of our LIVE postseason coverage!
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First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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The 2026 MLB Wild Card Day 1 is in the books and what a day it was— Rates & Barrels will be back with you LIVE to break down everything from Day 2 of the Wild Card Series.
Join DVR and Eno during the 7th inning of the final game of the day as they recap all four Wild Card matchups, react to the biggest performances and turning points, and break down what's next for each series.
Which teams put themselves in position to advance? What did we learn from the pitching matchups? Which decisions could shape the rest of the Wild Card round? And what should we be watching when the teams get back on the field Thursday?
Bring your questions and reactions to the chat as we recap Day 2 and get you ready for Day 3 of the MLB postseason.
Like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss our LIVE Wild Card coverage Wednesday and Thursday.
MLB Wild Card Recap: Yankees & Padres Dominate + Braves, White Sox Win Game 1
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 54:26
The 2026 MLB Playoffs are underway — and Rates & Barrels went LIVE to break down a wild Day 1 of the Wild Card Series.
DVR and Eno recap all four Wild Card Game 1s, reacting to the biggest performances, turning points and decisions that shaped the opening day of the MLB postseason.
Austin Riley delivered a huge three-run homer to lift Atlanta past Philadelphia, the White Sox knocked off Houston, the Yankees shut out Boston in the Bronx, and Michael King dominated as San Diego rolled past the Cubs.
What did we learn from the pitching matchups? Which Game 1 performances are sustainable? And what adjustments do the Phillies, Astros, Red Sox and Cubs need to make with their seasons now on the line?
DVR and Eno break it all down and preview Wednesday’s four Game 2 matchups.
Bring your questions and reactions to the chat, and make sure to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our LIVE Wild Card coverage Wednesday and Thursday.
MLB Playoffs: Breaking Down Every Wild Card Matchup
Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 49:54
The 2026 MLB Wild Card Series is here.
DVR and Eno break down all four Wild Card matchups before Tuesday's postseason quadruple-header, digging into the key stats, pitching matchups and tactical advantages that could decide each best-of-three series.
Can the Phillies finally get their offense going against Chris Sale and the Braves? Philadelphia had to push all the way through the final day of the regular season, leaving its pitching plan complicated for Game 1.
The surprising White Sox head to Houston to face an Astros team with plenty of October experience — but major questions in its starting rotation. Could the power in these two lineups turn White Sox-Astros into the highest-scoring series of the Wild Card round?
The Yankees and Red Sox renew their rivalry in the Bronx. Boston brings one of the most left-handed pitching staffs we've seen in the postseason, creating fascinating lineup decisions for New York — while Aaron Judge's availability remains one of the biggest questions entering the series.
Finally, the Cubs travel to San Diego for a rematch of last year's Wild Card Series. Chicago has one of the best offenses in the postseason field, while the Padres counter with an elite bullpen and a lineup that could run directly into one of the Cubs' biggest defensive strengths.
Plus, DVR and Eno make their picks for all four Wild Card Series and look ahead to what the winners could face in the Division Series.
And join Rates & Barrels LIVE Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday! We'll go live during the seventh inning of the final game of the night to recap the day's Wild Card action and preview what's coming next.
Like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any of our postseason coverage.
First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
2026 MLB Playoff Preview: Breaking Down All 12 Teams + World Series Picks
Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 01:34:48
The 2026 MLB Playoffs are set! DVR and Eno break down all 12 postseason teams, examining the strengths, weaknesses, pitching staffs, offenses and underlying numbers that could determine who survives October.
The Milwaukee Brewers enter as the NL's No. 1 seed after a franchise-record 103 wins, but will their lack of home-run power matter in October? The Los Angeles Dodgers are chasing a third straight World Series title with another loaded roster, while the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies round out a fascinating National League playoff field.
In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays earned the No. 1 seed behind elite run prevention, speed and roster depth. The Cleveland Guardians once again bring pitching and contact to October, while the Houston Astros somehow won the AL West at 81-81 despite major questions behind Hunter Brown in their rotation.
The New York Yankees may have the most imposing starting rotation in the AL, but Aaron Judge's availability looms over their Wild Card matchup against the Boston Red Sox. Boston counters with a deep bullpen and a healthier lineup, while the surprising Chicago White Sox bring legitimate power — and plenty of questions about how their young pitching will handle October.
Finally, DVR and Eno make their first postseason predictions: AL champion, NL champion, World Series winner and World Series MVP.
Who are you picking to win the 2026 World Series?
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First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Starkville | Pat Murphy Visits Starkville
Saturday, September 26, 2026 • Duration 55:50
Pat Murphy joins Starkville! This week, Jayson and Doug sit down with the Brewers manager to talk about Milwaukee’s home run philosophy, the team’s secret sauce for October, navigating tough roster conversations, and his unique leadership style. Murphy also discusses Jacob Misiorowski’s rapid ascendance, the impact a Brewers championship could have beyond Milwaukee, and why mentoring players is one of the best parts of the job.
Plus, Jayson and Doug debate the American League LVPs, including Cal Raleigh and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and make the case for what makes a true “winner” in baseball. And in Strange But True, the Brewers clinch the division in a particularly Brewer way.
Rundown:
0:00 Today’s Lineup
00:48 Welcome to Starkville
07:31 LVP Awards
14:18 UP NEXT
14:22 Pat Murphy
15:13 Maintaining Pitching Continuity
17:35 Brewers and Home Runs
20:29 Winning In October
24:40 Tough Conversations
26:16 Leadership Style
27:33 Not Satisfied Yet
29:41 “No One Believes in Us” Tactic
32:54 Jacob Misiorowski’s Ascendance
38:41 Impact Outside of Milwaukee?
41:09 Passion for Mentorship
45:36 Pocket Pancakes
46:58 UP NEXT
47:07 Strange But True
Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social
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E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com
The Fantasy Baseball Picks That WON Leagues in 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026 • Duration 01:14:34
Which players actually won fantasy baseball leagues in 2026?
DVR and Eno look back at the biggest fantasy baseball values of the season and build their 2026 All-ROI Team — highlighting the late-round draft picks, waiver-wire additions and overlooked players who dramatically exceeded expectations.
The guys also revisit their fantasy draft strategies and the lessons they’ll take into 2027. When should you prioritize floor over ceiling? Is “skills over roles” still the best way to find late-round breakouts? And can this year’s success actually help us identify the next Pete Crow-Armstrong or Jacob Misiorowski?
Niv Shah joins the show to examine the most profitable players in Ottoneu, including PCA’s enormous return, the difficult keeper decisions coming this offseason and whether there’s a blueprint for finding 2027’s breakout stars.
Plus, it’s the final Taste the Majors review of 2026! The Philly Dog gets put to the test, and the crew has some ideas for how MLB’s ballpark hot dog series can take another step forward next season.
Before Fantasy Friday begins, DVR and Eno break down the final weekend of the MLB regular season. The Phillies are still fighting to secure their playoff spot, their offense ranks near the bottom of MLB, and using Zack Wheeler on Sunday could complicate their Wild Card rotation.
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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: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Can You Actually Build a Winning Team for Coors Field?
Friday, September 25, 2026 • Duration 01:06:23
The Colorado Rockies are headed toward a fourth consecutive 100-loss season — but for the first time in a while, there are signs that the organization may actually be moving in the right direction.
DVR, Eno Sarris and Trevor May close the tab on the 2026 Rockies and examine Colorado's emerging roster-building philosophy. The Rockies dramatically reduced their hitters' strikeout rate, added more contact-oriented bats and began changing how their pitchers attack hitters at Coors Field. But what would an organization truly built to exploit baseball's most unusual environment look like?
Trevor uses his experience pitching at Coors to explain which traits could actually work at altitude, while Eno digs into pitch design and whether velocity, gyro sliders, splitters and different types of changeups could provide Colorado with a sustainable pitching strategy.
Before that, it's time to close the tab on the Miami Marlins. Miami could finish with a positive run differential for the first time in a full season since 2010, while players such as Otto Lopez have emerged from an extremely inexpensive roster. But does Miami have enough impact talent to take the next step?
Plus, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is facing criticism over comments about his massive Blue Jays contract following a disappointing 2026 season. The guys discuss what Vlad meant, the timing of his comments, his injuries and why baseball's salary structure makes the situation more complicated than the reaction suggests.
00:00 Vlad Jr., Marlins & Rockies
00:38 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Faces Criticism
01:33 Did Vlad Jr.’s Comments Go Too Far?
07:52 Comparing Vlad Jr. to Miguel Cabrera
08:38 Did Injuries Derail Vlad’s Season?
10:55 Why Aren’t the Reds the Brewers?
11:34 Is Reds Ownership Part of the Problem?
17:37 Why Some Small-Market Teams Keep Falling Behind
20:41 Marlins Preview
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