Why Teams Give Near-MLB Prospects Guaranteed Millions

Eno, DVR, and Britt discuss a pair of eight-year extensions for two yet-to-debut shortstops -- Seattle's Colt Emerson and Milwaukee's Cooper Pratt -- before looking back at Roki Sasaki's first start of 2026 and digging into why the lofty expectations around him are unlikely to fall anytime soon. Plus, Andrew Baggarly joins the show to for our (belated, blame DVR) Giants season preview. Rundown1:50 Colt Emerson Gets Eight-Year Extension from Mariners9:33 Cooper Pratt Gets Eight-Year Extension from Brewers19:19 Examining Roki Sasaki’s First Start of 202625:45 The Weight of Expectations on Roki 33:15 Justin Verlander’s Return to the Tigers41:04 An Immaculate Inning From Michael Soroka42:43 2026 Giants Preview with Andrew Baggarly43:39 Overall Impressions of Tony Vitello Early in Year 146:03 Luis Arraez’s Long-Term Future at Second Base50:13 The Buster Posey Era: Is This Team Better Now Than It Was A Year Ago?55:32 Assessments of Landen Roupp, Tyler Mahle & Adrian Houser59:21 The Bullpen Comes Into Focus1:04:54 PECOTA’s 82-Win Projection: Too Hot, Too Cold, or Just Right?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.socialFollow Baggs on Bluesky: @andrewbaggarly.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt Ghiroli & Andrew BaggarlyEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR look back at the first weekend of the 2026 MLB season, which featured immediate ABS drama in several games and plenty of excitement at the ballpark, Plus, they discuss an extension for Nico Hoerner, as the Cubs secure another long-term part of their core, before answering mailbag questions about limiting challenges to critical counts, and what 'A' and 'B' bullpens are. Finally, they explain their process for making some of their toughest decisions for the week, and takeaways from a messy weekend in several bullpens. Rundown0:21 The Crowd Goes Wild, For ABS!: Loud Roars & the First Ejection!7:41 Righting the Wrongs: Can Aaron Judge Become Even Better with ABS? 8:57 Coming Soon: Challenge Timers & Lights? 12:42 The Cubs Extend Nico Hoerner: Six-Year, $141 Million Deal Adds to Core20:03 Jacob deGrom Scratched From Weekend Start (Neck Stiffness): Could Return This Week21:02 Will Teams Limit Challenges Based on Count?25:30 How Do Stuff+ Updates Drop on FanGraphs?27:51 Jake Irvin, Emerson Hancock & Randy Vásquez Surprise36:05 What Are ‘A’ and ‘B’ Bullpens?40:40 How We Make Our Most Difficult Lineup Decisions50:14 Pickups & Panics: Messy Bullpens & Eno’s FOMO DropRelated Reading ($)"Inside MLB’s new ABS challenge system: Which umpires, teams and players thrived and struggled" by Johnny Flores Jr.:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7156691"Payback time for Yankees’ Aaron Judge? ABS could mean revenge after years of bad calls" by Brendan Kuty:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7153125Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR look back at a great Opening Day packed with impressive rookie performances, and several aces showing up in the first start of the year. Plus, they walk through their process of keeping up with a season that regularly features 15 games per day, while trying to manage a combined 30 fantasy baseball teams. Rundown2:45 Tips & Tricks: How Do You Manage So Much In-Season Information?5:41 Box Score Junkies: Digging in Every Corner for Details12:57 Where Does Eno Go for His Box Scores?18:07 Will the Pirates Remain Patient with Oneil Cruz’s Defense?22:32 Big Days for Carson Benge & Brandon Lowe26:15 Joe Ryan & Trevor Rogers Shine29:59 Andrew Abbott, LODEM King31:55 Kevin McGonigle’s Four-Hit Debut; Skubal Rolls33:16 Cristopher Sánchez’s Gem35:09 A Wild Sixth Inning in St. Louis42:46 A Geraldo Perdomo Homer From the Ump Cam!49:39 Chase DeLauter & Dominic Canzone Have Two-HR Games55:27 Cam Schlittler’s Evolution: Adding Fastballs, Throwing More Breakers to Improve Stuff1:00:08 Our Guys 2026: The Players We Drafted the Most Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR celebrate Opening Day with a draft -- focusing on pitchers they believe are primed to exceed expectations this season. Plus, they discuss a rough first night for Logan Webb against the Yankees, Netflix's baseball debut, and what they're looking for as the first series of the season unfolds over the course of the weekend. Rundown0:28 Happy Opening Day!2:00 Jackson Chourio to the IL with Fractured Hand3:50 Logan Webb’s Tough Outing & Overall 2026 Expectations9:45 The San Francisco Opener: Netflix’s MLB Debut, Throwing a Big Party17:06 Mic’d Up Players in Games That Count21:40 Silver Linings for Giants24:12 Plus-Minus Draft: Which Pitchers Will Exceed Projections in 2026?53:53 What Are We Watching For in First Series?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, DVR, and Britt discuss an extension for Pete Crow-Armstrong with the Cubs, more red flags at Ilitch Sports & Entertainment, and Kevin McGonigle's arrival on the Tigers' Opening Day roster, before taking a spin through the American League to predict division winners, Wild Card teams, and award winners for the 2026 MLB season. Rundown0:34 Pete Crow-Armstrong: Gets Extension with Cubs6:14 More Red Flags at Ilitch Sports & Entertainment12:00 Kevin McGonigle Makes the Tigers' Opening Day Roster16:57 AL East Breakdown36:41 AL Central Breakdown53:14 AL West Breakdown1:13:14 AL Rookie of the Year Predictions 1:15:15 AL Cy Young Award Predictions1:17:11 AL MVP PredictionsFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt Ghiroli Editor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss another injury to the Atlanta rotation with Spencer Strider going on the IL with an oblique injury before taking a spin through the National League to predict division winners, Wild Card teams, and award winners for the 2026 MLB season. Rundown0:39 Spencer Strider: Placed on IL with Oblique Injury5:12 NL East Breakdown18:34 NL Central Breakdown40:04 NL West Breakdown59:00 NL Rookie of the Year Predictions 1:01:25 NL Cy Young Award Predictions1:04:52 NL MVP PredictionsFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss Cristopher Sánchez's new deal with the Phillies and Konnor Griffin falling short of the Pirates' Opening Day roster before sharing their bold predictions for the upcoming season. Rundown0:40 Cristopher Sánchez: Gets Extension w/Phillies3:22 Konnor Griffin: Assigned to Minor League Camp7:49 Trivia! Three Qualified Hitters Age-21 or Younger in 202510:18 It’s Bold Predictions Time!12:45 Eno’s Bold Predictions: 1. Wyatt Langford Goes 30-3016:24 DVR’s Bold Predictions: 1. Yordan Alvarez Wins AL MVP
20:32 Eno’s Bold Predictions: 2. The Number of Pitchers with Multiple Changeups Will Double This Year25:41 DVR’s Bold Predictions: 2. The Marlins Will Have a Top-Five Rotation
30:00 Eno’s Bold Predictions: 3. The Braves Miss the Playoffs (Again)35:55 DVR’s Bold Predictions: 3. The A’s Lead the League in Runs Scored43:08 Surprising Roster Decisions: Dylan Crews & Jasson Domínguez Sent to Triple-A52:08 Pitching Job Battles: Mick Abel Wins Rotation Spot Over Zebby Matthews56:47 Sticking for Opening Day: Justin Crawford & Carson BengeFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR provide their second-annual 'cram session' as the busiest weekend of fantasy baseball drafts is here. They discuss a few players they've avoided this season, tier drop-offs across several positions, how they're approaching the top rookies in redraft leagues, and more.Rundown1:35 Zack Wheeler Progressing Toward Minor League Game5:17 DVR’s Plan in H2H Roto, Tout Wars Champions League12:43 Grayson Rodriguez Dealing with ‘Dead Arm’15:59 Trey Yesavage: Headed to the IL (Shoulder Impingement)18:35 Carson Willams: Could Open Season as Starting Shortstop20:24 Players We’ve Avoided This Draft Season31:15 Finding the Tier Drops At Every Position36:00 The Shape of First Base39:25 The Long Tail at Second Base42:32 Shortstop Still Has Plenty of Depth46:29 Surprisingly Sharp Falls at Third Base53:10 The Outfield: Using Care With Drafting Too Many Early?1:00:34 Buying Any Rookie Position Players at Late-March Draft-Day Cost?Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss a few spring news items including Gerrit Cole's return to game action with his first outing for the spring, plus updates on Seiya Suzuki, José Ramírez, and Zach Neto. Plus, they host their ever 'Plus-Minus Draft', selecting their favorite hitters primed to exceed their projections during the upcoming season. Rundown2:31 Gerrit Cole Makes Spring Debut5:41 Seiya Suzuki: PCL Strain; Opening Day Status TBD9:50 Updates: José Ramírez & Zach Neto10:33 The 2026 Hitter Projections Draft13:02 DVR Takes Acuña at 1.1; Was That a Mistake?28:04 Jed’s Case for Wyatt Langford Being Underprojected31:52 Mike Trout?! In This Economy?40:15 Banking Heavily on Youth43:51 Andy Pages & Jed’s Emphasis on Defensive Value46:02 Eno Targets Evan Carter & Matt McLain48:11 Surprised that Jed Added Rafael Devers?49:53 James Wood & Colton Cowser to DVR53:37 Have We Underrated Colson Montgomery’s Debut?56:13 Shopping in the Low WAR Projection Bin: Cam Smith1:04:29 Notable Omissions From This DraftFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss Venezuela's thrilling win over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic Final on Tuesday including the impressive outing from Eduardo Rodríguez, an incredibly close play on Javier Sanoja's ninth-inning steal of second base, and a swing from Eugenio Suárez that will have a permanent place in Venezuelan baseball history. Plus, Lance Brozdowski joins the show to discuss his recent pitching development survey, teams that appear to be headed in the right direction for the future, and a few prospects on the rise including potential keeper and dynasty league sleepers. Rundown0:13 Venezuela Brings Home Its First WBC Title12:20 A Great Celebration of Baseball17:13 Mark DeRosa's Future as Manager & Tactical Limitations for Tournament21:43 About That Lack of Joy From Team USA25:23 Lance Brozdowski Joins the Show! (Lance's Survey: https://lancebroz.substack.com/p/2026-mlb-pitching-development-rankings-acqusition-lance-brozdowski-best-pitching-organizations-coaches-executives-survey)26:19 Best Organizations for Pitching Development & Acquisition 29:11 How Much Did Past Reputation Influence Guardians’ & Rays’ Rankings?31:59 Varying Timelines in Pitching Development36:40 How Quickly Can Teams Improve Their Development?39:44 Is Alignment Underrated In Organizational Success?49:45 What Results Do You Look at to Measure Minor League Success?55:13 Who Will Likely Move Up In These Rankings in the Near Future?57:48 The Marlins Are Doing Things Their Way1:04:44 Can the Cardinals Improve Faster Than Expected?1:09:25 A Few of Lance’s Favorite Pitching Prospects Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.socialFollow Lance on Bluesky: @lancebroz.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor May & Lance BrozdowskiEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.