Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball
The Athletic
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 27, 2026 • 47min
Brewers Explode for 8 Runs in World Series Game 3 +Game 4 Preview
Milwaukee moves one win from its first championship after an eight-run, two-out rally in Game 3. Jackson Chourio delivers a historic four-hit performance, while Robert Gasser dominates with six scoreless innings. The discussion covers Tampa Bay’s defensive, baserunning and lineup decisions, Milwaukee’s confidence and opposite-field attack, plus the pitching possibilities for a potential clincher.
Oct 25, 2026 • 36min
Brewers STUN Rays With 4-Run Comeback! | How Can Tampa Bay Turn Things Around?
Milwaukee storms back from a 4-0 deficit to stun Tampa Bay and seize a 2-0 World Series lead. The comeback features Cooper Pratt’s redemption, Sal Frelick’s unlikely tying homer, and Aaron Ashby’s high-leverage brilliance. Tampa Bay’s bunt call, baserunning blunder, and defensive miscues come under scrutiny, while the discussion looks ahead to bullpen strategy and Milwaukee’s pitching depth in Game 3.
Oct 24, 2026 • 47min
Brewers Survive Game 1 CHAOS! Can the Rays Even the World Series?
Milwaukee’s World Series opener had everything: a replay reversal after fireworks, a tense ninth-inning escape, record-breaking velocity and spectacular defense. William Contreras starred on both sides of the ball, while Tampa Bay’s lineup choices and aggressive baserunning sparked debate. The matchup shifts to Drew Rasmussen and Logan Henderson for a pivotal Game 2.
Oct 22, 2026 • 1h 4min
World Series Preview: Brewers vs. Rays — Who Has the Pitching Edge?
Trevor May, a former MLB relief pitcher turned baseball analyst, joins a deep dive into the Brewers-Rays World Series pitching battle. They compare Jacob Misiorowski’s evolving arsenal with Drew Rasmussen’s durability, examine Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour’s bullpen roles, and explore Logan Henderson’s deceptive fastball-changeup pairing. The discussion closes with championship, series-length, and MVP predictions.
10 snips
Oct 21, 2026 • 1h 9min
World Series Preview: Brewers vs. Rays Hitting Matchups & X-Factors
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay bring similar on-base, speed-driven offenses to the Fall Classic, but with sharply different identities. The matchup spotlights Junior Caminero’s fearsome bat speed, Jackson Chourio’s battle with high sinkers, and breakout seasons from Brice Turang and Jake Bauers. Yandy Díaz’s all-fields consistency, Chandler Simpson’s game-changing speed, and a bold Brewers prediction round out the preview.
9 snips
Oct 21, 2026 • 1h 4min
Rays Beat Guardians to Reach World Series! What's Next for Cleveland?
Tampa Bay reaches the World Series after a dramatic win over Cleveland, setting up a clash with Milwaukee. The discussion covers Freddy Peralta’s transformation, Kevin Cash’s bullpen strategy, Junior Caminero’s unforgettable celebration, and why the Rays and Brewers thrive as innovative small-market teams. Cleveland’s payroll, Steven Kwan’s future, and Cade Smith’s workload come under scrutiny, while the Padres consider a blockbuster pursuit of Tarik Skubal.
Oct 19, 2026 • 59min
Rays ONE WIN From World Series! Can Guardians Survive Game 6?
Tampa Bay takes a 3-2 ALCS lead as Chandler Simpson’s speed, Drew Rasmussen’s dominance and Cleveland’s pitching chaos shape the series. The Guardians face a patchwork Game 6 staff while the Rays weigh Freddy Peralta’s role. Plus, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s eye surgery, Teruaki Sato’s MLB move, Shohei Ohtani’s 2027 pitching plans and major offseason news.
Oct 16, 2026 • 1h 20min
Brewers SWEEP Dodgers to Reach World Series! Is LA's Dynasty Over?
Stephen Nesbitt, The Athletic’s MLB writer and analyst, joins the discussion after Milwaukee’s historic sweep of the Dodgers. They explore the Brewers’ comeback, dominant bullpen, homegrown roster, and Jake Bauers’ stunning resurgence. The conversation also covers Cleveland’s surprise postseason heroes, October bullpen strategy, and whether Los Angeles needs youth, pitching upgrades, and a new plan for Shohei Ohtani’s two-way future.
Oct 15, 2026 • 1h
MLB Playoff Pitching Has Gone WILD | Bullpen Fatigue
Trevor May, former MLB relief pitcher and baseball analyst, joins a lively breakdown of October’s extreme pitching workloads. The discussion explores bullpen fatigue, lost command, Blake Snell’s late collapse, Milwaukee’s push past Los Angeles, and strategies for handling William Contreras. They also examine Atlanta’s rotation health, Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Chris Sale, and the Braves’ long-running shortstop dilemma.
5 snips
Oct 14, 2026 • 1h 8min
MLB Championship Series Preview: Can the Dodgers & Rays Respond?
Jed Lowrie, a former MLB infielder and switch-hitting standout, joins a deep dive into the Championship Series. The discussion covers Jake Bauers’ pivotal 12-pitch walk, Brewers baserunning, Freddy Peralta’s fastball dominance, elite defensive reads, and Game 3 pitching strategies. The conversation closes with the White Sox’s young core, strikeout concerns, and their need for rotation help.
