The offseason really planted its flag this week, and Episode 123 of Tablesetters is loaded. The Dodgers doubled down on their super-team bullpen by landing Edwin Díaz on a record-setting three-year deal, instantly changing the late-inning landscape and raising the bar yet again on what an all-in contender looks like. In the same tier of aggression, the Phillies are keeping their tone-setter at home, re-signing Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150 million pact while also locking in Rob Thomson through 2027 to extend the most successful run of Phillies baseball in a decade. We dig into how Díaz’s contract reshapes the relief market, what it says about the Dodgers’ willingness to blow past every financial line on the board, and how the Mets’ choice to pivot to Devin Williams looks now that their former star closer is in L.A. From there, we shift to Philadelphia: why Schwarber’s deal breaks every “rule” for 33-year-old DHs, what it means for the rest of the power market, how Thomson’s extension fits their “job’s not done” mentality, and what the Phillies still have to solve with J.T. Realmuto, the outfield, and the rotation. It hasn’t been a quiet week in Queens, either. Pete Alonso is back on the open market, talking to teams at the Winter Meetings while reports out of Orlando suggest the Mets are hesitant to go beyond three guaranteed years. We break down why Alonso’s profile is so polarizing in today’s game, why a reunion feels more like a late-offseason outcome than a sure thing, and how his market ties back into Schwarber’s deal, Cody Bellinger’s next move, and the first-base/DH shuffle across the league. On the future side of things, the Chicago White Sox win the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery and secure the No. 1 overall pick, with the Rays and Twins right behind them. We walk through how the lottery rules shaped this year’s order, why the Giants and Royals come out as surprise winners, which clubs slid down the board, and how names like Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson, and Justin Lebron could shape the next few years. And in Cooperstown news, Jeff Kent finally gets the call from the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee. We talk about his case as the most powerful second baseman ever, why he stalled out with the writers, and what the new Era Committee rules mean for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield, and the rest of the PED-era lightning rods going forward. We close by zooming in on Boston, where the Red Sox are kicking the tires on Eugenio Suárez as they hunt for impact power at third base and possibly first/DH. We get into what Suárez brings at this stage of his career, how his strikeout and chase issues complicate the fit, what it signals about their Plan A with Alex Bregman, and how Masataka Yoshida’s situation could dictate where the Sox go next. Steve and Devin are taking you through every angle — the signings, the extensions, the Hall of Fame fallout, the draft lottery results, and how all of it ties together as the hot stove finally starts to cook. ⚾️ Superteams loading up, power bats getting paid, futures being rewritten — the offseason is officially in full swing. 📱 Follow @Tablesetterspod on Instagram and X for full offseason coverage, instant reactions, and breakdowns all week long.
The league is not easing into the Winter Meetings. Everything is already moving. Episode 122 opens with a full preview of the Winter Meetings in Orlando, where front offices, agents, and scouts spend four days accelerating conversations that normally take weeks. We lay out what the schedule looks like, why teams such as Seattle, the Mets, the Dodgers, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Boston are positioned to act, and note that the Rule 5 Draft is on deck as part of the week’s business. It’s the annual checkpoint that pushes stalled talks forward, and this year the trade market is already hinting at a few possible flashpoints. From there, we break down the Mets’ big bullpen addition. New York lands Devin Williams on a 3-year, $51 million deal, giving them a late-inning anchor regardless of what happens with Edwin Díaz. We look at why the Mets felt comfortable betting on the underlying metrics, what Williams still does at an elite level, and how his arrival gives the front office multiple paths through the rest of the winter. It’s a stabilizing move before the Meetings even begin. We also get into Baltimore’s signing of Ryan Helsley, who might be one of the most interesting rebound bets of the offseason. The Orioles see fixable issues — pitch tipping, sequencing predictability, fastball shape — and believe their pitching infrastructure can get him back to All-Star form. With Félix Bautista recovering, Baltimore needed a legitimate ninth-inning option, and Helsley arrives with both the stuff and the track record to fill that role immediately. Two international signings hit the board as well: Anthony Kay to the White Sox and Cody Ponce to the Blue Jays. Both reinvented themselves overseas, both return with new arsenals, and both deals reflect MLB’s growing willingness to invest in pitchers who rebuild their value in the KBO and NPB. Kay gives Chicago a stabilizing piece in a flexible rotation, while Ponce becomes another power arm in what might be the deepest starting group in baseball. We also look at Sonny Gray, who hasn’t thrown a pitch for Boston yet but already leaned into the rivalry by taking a swipe at the Yankees. His comments added instant juice to a tense dynamic between the two clubs, and Boston paid real prospect capital to get him. We walk through the rotation fit, the motivation behind the deal, and the early messaging coming out of Fenway. To close things out, we propose one trade that feels realistic heading into the Meetings — a move that fits the market, the needs on both sides, and the competitive timelines without getting speculative. Think of it as the early favorite to become this year’s headline move once executives settle into Orlando. Steve and Devin walk through each signing, the market context, the roster ripple effects, and the trade to watch as the Meetings begin. Two major reliever signings. Two international additions. One rivalry story. One trade prediction going into baseball’s busiest week. Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for full Winter Meetings coverage with updates, reactions, and everything happening out of Orlando.
Welcome to Episode 121 of Tablesetters — and today we’re joined by one of the most essential voices in global baseball storytelling. Jim Allen, longtime NPB writer, analyst, historian, and the force behind jballallen.com and its weekly newsletter, sits down with us for a deep, far-reaching conversation about the heartbeat of Japanese baseball and its growing impact on MLB. For decades, Jim’s reporting has been the bridge that helps English-speaking fans understand not just NPB players, but the culture, structures, and histories that shape them. From the posting system to player development pathways, from extra-inning philosophy to editorial norms, and from national identity to modern pitch-design trends, Jim brings context you simply can’t find anywhere else. And with Tatsuya Imai, Munetaka Murakami, Kona Takahashi, and others drawing MLB attention — all while Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki redefine the top of the sport — this is the perfect moment to have him on. In our conversation, Jim takes us inside how the posting system actually works: the incentives that guide both leagues, how timing and leverage shape negotiations, and why the 2013 reforms solved some issues while pushing others into new territory. We break down Imai’s rise into a front-line starter, why his growth feels so intentional, and what parts of his profile give him the best chance to translate quickly to MLB. Jim also helps untangle the narrative around Murakami’s 56-homer “Japanese-born record,” how it’s framed against Balentien’s 60, and what American fans need to understand about how that story was built and why it stuck. We dig into the philosophical gap between MLB’s open-ended extra innings and NPB’s 12-inning limit, what that says about pace, workload, and cultural logic, and how that contrast resurfaced when Yamamoto appeared in the World Series on almost no rest. From there, we look at Japan’s relationship with the WBC — Ohtani’s commitment, the national pride attached to the tournament, and how fans weigh those responsibilities against MLB club preferences. Jim also breaks down why narrow milestones and highly specific statistical labels catch fire so quickly in Japanese media, and what American audiences often miss about that editorial tradition. We explore how public sentiment in Japan has shifted regarding stars leaving for MLB, from the tension-filled Matsuzaka era to today’s more normalized wave of early departures. And we close with a look ahead: the next generation of NPB names to know, plus Jim’s thoughts on Anthony Kay’s breakout season and Trevor Bauer’s polarizing stint in Japan. It’s one of our most wide-ranging episodes yet — part baseball, part culture, part analytics, part history — and Jim guides all of it with clarity, nuance, and generosity. 🎧 Subscribe and follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for bonus clips, analysis, and offseason storytelling all winter long. Tablesetters — where the game on the field meets the stories that define it.
The offseason didn’t take a warm-up lap — it jumped straight into real movement. Episode 120 starts with two Blind Rankings games: Devin puts together eight random free-agent tag teams, pairing two available players who would be a fun combo for any club to sign together, while Steve works through eight free-agent ballpark fits to see which hypothetical landing spots match the player’s style, strengths, or vibe the best. No context, no reshuffling — just reaction. We also dig into the Nimmo–Semien trade, one of the more surprising one-for-one swaps in recent years. The Mets send Brandon Nimmo (plus $5M) to Texas for Marcus Semien, reshaping both teams in a pretty direct way. We look at why Nimmo approved the deal, how the Rangers shift their outfield with Carter and Langford, and why Semien fits exactly what the Mets want to emphasize — defense, reliability, and a more balanced lineup. It also raises real questions about New York’s infield picture, from Jeff McNeil’s role to Brett Baty to how soon Jett Williams forces his way into a spot. From there, we get into Sonny Gray’s move to the Red Sox — a deal that accelerates Boston’s push toward a stabilized, playoff-ready rotation — and Toronto’s massive swing for Dylan Cease, handing out a franchise-record seven-year, $210 million contract to anchor the next era of the Jays’ staff. And then there’s Hal Steinbrenner, who stirred the week even further by suggesting the Yankees didn’t turn a profit in 2025 and that reducing payroll would be “ideal.” We break down why those comments landed poorly, how they contrast with the Yankees’ global financial footprint, and what it means for their offseason strategy. Once the trade, signing, and ownership reaction breaks wrap, it’s Blind Rankings time: Devin’s Free Agent Tag Teams: Two random free agents at a time, paired together like a package deal — who makes the best duo a team could sign this winter? Steve’s Free Agent Ballpark Fits: Eight different free agents matched with eight different ballparks — which pairing feels right, and which ones fall flat? We close things out by talking about how this early wave of moves — the Nimmo–Semien blockbuster, Sonny Gray to Boston, the Cease mega-deal, and Hal’s payroll posture — might shift the broader free-agent picture, especially for hitters like Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker, and Cody Bellinger. 🎙 Steve and Devin are live walking through the trade, the immediate roster fallout, the Hal discourse, and both Blind Rankings boards. ⚾️ Two ranking games. A major trade. Two big signings. A Yankees ownership storyline. Plenty of early-winter movement. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for coverage all week — breakdowns, reactions, and everything else as the offseason starts to take shape.
Welcome to Episode 119 of Tablesetters—and today we’re joined by one of the most influential minds in modern baseball analysis. Eno Sarris, Senior MLB Writer at The Athletic, co-host of Rates & Barrels, creator of Stuff+, and a driving force behind how the sport understands pitching, pitch design, and player value, sits in with us for a conversation that spans the future of baseball, the state of analytics, and everything reshaping the game this offseason. Eno’s work sits at the intersection of curiosity and clarity—where a question about a fastball’s shape becomes a study of deception, intent, biomechanics, and why certain pitches outperform their “stuff.” His concepts—Stuff+, seam-shifted wake, pitch-shape modeling, bat-speed evaluation—have filtered through front offices, pitching labs, broadcast booths, and fantasy baseball communities. If you’ve ever wondered why a pitch works, Eno is probably the person who has already built the model explaining it. This winter he broke down the smartest value buys in free agency, explaining why Tatsuya Imai’s fastball could be the next elite NPB translation, why Alex Bregman’s aging curve is misunderstood, what actually caused Ryan Helsley’s 2025 volatility, and how Cody Ponce rebuilt himself into a meaningful big-league option. He also delivered the clearest analytical breakdown of the Emmanuel Clase gambling scandal—quantifying exactly how six intentionally thrown pitches affected win probability, cost Cleveland real financial value, and altered the organization’s multi-year roster plan. On top of that, his postseason analysis reframed how we think about October baseball—from the rise of contact + damage, to the surge in TOOTBLANs, to the drag on starters pitching on short rest, to the explosion of splitter usage across elite arms. And all of this happens as MLB enters a brand-new distribution era. ESPN absorbs MLB.TV. NBC returns to Sunday Night Baseball. Netflix enters live baseball with Opening Night, the Home Run Derby, and the 2026 Field of Dreams game. Few people can contextualize these shifts the way Eno can, and today we dig into how this realignment reshapes the fan experience and hints at where the sport is heading. We also get into Eno’s offseason rhythm—how he unwinds (or doesn’t), how his fantasy season went, and how his models continue evolving behind the scenes. From data to storytelling, from pitch design to media rights, from free-agent value to playoff trends, this is one of the most wide-ranging and illuminating conversations we’ve had on Tablesetters. 🎧 Subscribe and follow us @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for bonus content, interviews, and analytics-driven breakdowns all offseason long. Tablesetters — where the stories behind the numbers shape the future of the game.
Welcome to Episode 118 of Tablesetters. The offseason opened with a major move, as Josh Naylor signed a five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners, immediately reshaping the first-base market. His return reinforces Seattle’s lineup core and removes one of the most dependable bats from free agency. We break down why the deal came together quickly, why other teams never seriously entered the mix, and how his signing affects clubs still searching for first-base or middle-of-the-order help. Midway through the live show, the conversation shifted when news broke that the Orioles traded Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward. Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season with arm injuries, but the Angels are betting on the upside he showed before the setbacks. Ward, under control through 2026, gives Baltimore a steady right-handed bat and immediate outfield stability. We break down how the trade fits each team’s broader offseason plan and what it suggests about their priorities moving forward. The episode also covers one of the most unusual qualifying-offer cycles since the system’s creation. Four players accepted the QO — Trent Grisham, Gleyber Torres, Shota Imanaga, and Brandon Woodruff — marking the first time more than three players have taken it in the same offseason. Grisham’s decision is the most surprising, coming off a breakout 34-homer season in a thin outfield market. His acceptance raises the Yankees’ payroll above the third luxury-tax tier and signals a calculated one-year bet on himself. Torres returns to Detroit looking for a healthier 2026 after playing through a sports hernia. Imanaga chose a reset with Chicago after a late-season downturn, and Woodruff accepted as expected as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. On the other side, nine players rejected the QO — Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, Bo Bichette, Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, Edwin Díaz, Zac Gallen, and Michael King — a group largely expected to pursue multi-year deals despite draft-pick compensation. Their decisions, combined with Grisham coming off the board, further thin the center-field market and shift clubs toward potential trade options. This QO cycle reflects a winter shaped by uncertainty around future labor conditions, stricter tax penalties, and mixed performances from several major free agents. In San Diego, the Padres’ ownership evaluation remains ongoing. The Seidler family is formally exploring a potential sale while working through internal disputes and long-term financial considerations. The front office maintains a “business as usual” stance, but the review introduces real questions about payroll strategy and organizational stability heading into 2026. Award season added another layer to a busy week. Shohei Ohtani earned another unanimous MVP, and Aaron Judge secured his third after a tightly contested race. On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal won his second straight AL Cy Young Award, and Paul Skenes captured the NL honor just a year after winning Rookie of the Year — a rare progression that underscores how quickly he has become one of the league’s most impactful pitchers. In Washington, the Nationals introduced Drew Butera as their new manager, making him the youngest skipper in Major League Baseball in more than 50 years. His development-focused background aligns with the organization’s larger reset under Paul Toboni. The 2026 Hall of Fame ballot was also released, featuring returning candidates such as Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones along with first-time names including Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp. 🎙 Steve and Devin break down the Naylor signing, the Rodriguez–Ward trade, the Qualifying Offer outcomes, the Padres’ ownership situation, the MVP and Cy Young results, Washington’s managerial hire, and the early shape of the Hall of Fame ballot — and how each story frames the first stage of the offseason. ⚾️ A major signing. A notable trade. An unusual QO cycle. Ownership uncertainty. Award season clarity. The winter has officially begun. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for continued coverage, instant reactions, and weekly breakdowns.
Welcome to Episode 117 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Will Klein, one of the breakout stars of the 2025 postseason and a pitcher whose performance will be remembered as a defining moment in Dodgers history. A fifth-round pick out of Eastern Illinois in 2020, Klein’s path to the majors was anything but straightforward — marked by perseverance, steady development, and belief in his own process. After stops in Kansas City, Oakland, and Seattle, he found his footing in Los Angeles, where preparation met opportunity in the biggest possible way. That moment came in Game 3 of the World Series — an 18-inning epic that pushed both teams to their limits. With the Dodgers down to their final bullpen arm, Klein threw four scoreless innings, struck out five, and helped shift the entire momentum of the series. The Dodgers went on to capture their second consecutive championship, and his performance instantly became part of franchise lore. We dive into Will’s remarkable story and his reflections on that defining night, including: – When he realized he was getting the call in Game 3 – How he stayed composed with the season on the line – What it revealed about his preparation and competitive edge – The emotions behind that final strikeout and Dave Roberts’ “unsung hero” praise – The moment it hit him that he’s a World Series Champion Plus, we explore: • The Dodgers’ clubhouse culture and what makes their development model elite • How guidance from the team helped unlock his command • What it’s like sharing a clubhouse with Shohei Ohtani and witnessing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MVP run • Lessons from bouncing between three organizations before finding a home in Los Angeles Will also discusses his offseason focus areas, how he resets after a championship run, and what it means to know that when his moment came — he was ready, and he delivered. 🎧 Subscribe and follow us @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for all the content and exclusive takes all offseason long.
Welcome back to Tablesetters, your home for deep-dive baseball conversation and analysis. Steve and Devin are here, and we’re thrilled to welcome back Keith Raad, the play-by-play broadcaster for the New York Mets on WCBS 880, returning to the show for the first time since Episode 37. Keith works alongside Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose, bringing fans every pitch, every rally, and every unforgettable moment of Mets baseball. You can follow Keith on X @keithraad and hear him live all season long on the Mets’ broadcast. In this episode, we take a hard look at one of the most compelling—and confounding—teams in baseball. The 2025 Mets went from owning MLB’s best record through mid-June to missing the postseason entirely, a collapse defined by bullpen fatigue, record-setting pitching turnover, and a clubhouse tested by adversity. Keith offers firsthand insight from the booth, breaking down what made the first-half magic so special, how Carlos Mendoza held the group together through the storm, and what lessons the team can carry forward into 2026. From there, we dig into the offseason storylines dominating Queens: the opt-outs of Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, what their market value truly looks like, and whether David Stearns can retain both without compromising the organization’s flexibility. We explore the reported “culture reset” and the trade chatter around Jeff McNeil, assessing how the front office might reshape this roster’s identity around its long-term superstar core. Then we turn to the rotation and a rumor with real traction: Tarik Skubal. The 2024 AL Cy Young winner has been linked to the Mets amid uncertainty over his future in Detroit, and Ken Rosenthal recently called New York “the obvious team” if the Tigers can’t extend him. Keith breaks down how that potential pursuit could affect the Mets’ 2026 plans and whether Stearns might resist handing out long-term deals this winter to keep the door open for Skubal next year. Of course, the conversation also highlights the organization’s young foundation—Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and arms like Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, and Jonah Tong—and what their continued growth could mean for a rotation in transition. Keith offers sharp in sight on Vientos’ long-term potential, and how Soto’s arrival has redefined the team’s competitive identity. We close by revisiting a landmark moment in franchise history—the retirement of David Wright’s No. 5—and hearing Keith’s reflections on what that night symbolized for the organization and for a fanbase that still sees Wright as its moral compass. Finally, Keith shares what it means to be the voice behind a franchise now firmly entering the Juan Soto era, and what he hopes to deliver to Mets fans in 2026 and beyond. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Grab your headphones, settle in, and enjoy a conversation that captures the emotion, intelligence, and future of Mets baseball—right here on Tablesetters, where every inning tells a story and every pitch sets the stage for the game’s greatest moments. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @tablesetterspod for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive fan polls. We want to hear from you!
MLB free agency has officially opened, and Steve and Devin are back with Episode 115 for one of Tablesetters’ most anticipated offseason events — The Free-Agent Match Draft. Each host enters with a secret 15-pick draft board, predicting where the biggest names in baseball will sign and what their contracts will look like. Every correct destination earns points, but the real intrigue lies in how each prediction reveals the pulse of the market — where logic meets instinct, and every choice tells a story about how front offices think. This year’s free-agent class is loaded with possibility: superstars ready to shift the balance of power, steady contributors who complete contenders, and intriguing bounce-back bets looking for the perfect fit. As the draft unfolds, Steve and Devin break down how teams across the league are positioning themselves — from the spenders to the sleepers, and everyone in between. By the end, two draft boards paint a portrait of the entire offseason before it even begins — ambition, strategy, and the ever-evolving art of roster building. Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for full draft boards, live scoring updates, and exclusive offseason coverage all winter long.
Steve and Devin went live for Episode 114 as the 2025 World Series reached its epic conclusion — an all-time classic that saw the Los Angeles Dodgers repeat as champions after an 11-inning thriller in Toronto. The Dodgers outlasted the Blue Jays 5–4 in Game 7 at Rogers Centre, capturing their second straight World Series title and becoming baseball’s first repeat champions since the 2000 Yankees. Will Smith provided the decisive swing, crushing a solo home run in the top of the 11th off Shane Bieber to put L.A. ahead for good. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, pitching on zero days’ rest, recorded the final five outs to secure the championship — his third win of the series and fifth of the postseason. Toronto struck first behind Bo Bichette’s three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in the third inning, but the Dodgers clawed back. Max Muncy’s solo blast in the eighth made it 4–3, and Miguel Rojas tied the game in the ninth with one of the most dramatic home runs in World Series history — a 357-foot shot off Jeff Hoffman that silenced the sold-out Rogers Centre. From there, both teams traded blows. Toronto’s defense shined, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. turning a critical 3–6–3 double play and Andy Pages making a collision catch to save the game in the ninth. But the Dodgers’ relentlessness proved too much. Smith, who caught every inning of the series — 1,054 pitches in total — came through in the 11th, cementing his place among postseason legends. Yamamoto’s performance closed the door on a postseason for the ages: 5–0 with a 1.63 ERA. The Dodgers, deep, disciplined, and battle-tested, once again found the right answers when it mattered most. Steve and Devin also broke down the incredible October run of Ernie Clement — whose 30 hits set a new single-postseason record — and the historic implications of Yamamoto joining Randy Johnson (2001) as the only pitchers in the last 57 years to win three games in one World Series. Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for full championship reactions, offseason breakdowns, and exclusive Dodgers-Blue Jays Game 7 analysis all week.
Steve and Devin went live for Episode 113 as the World Series reached Los Angeles with the series tied 1–1. Through two games, it’s been everything you’d expect from two balanced, well-prepared teams. Toronto took Game 1 by sticking to their plan — long at-bats, traffic on the bases, and patience that wore Blake Snell down early. Addison Barger’s pinch-hit grand slam, the first in World Series history, broke the game open and set the tone for how the Blue Jays want to play. The Dodgers answered in Game 2 behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw a complete game while allowing just one run and no walks. His command and tempo completely reset the series before it shifts to Dodger Stadium. Now it’s 1–1, and both teams have shown what they do best. Toronto creates pressure and forces mistakes, while Los Angeles controls pace and leans on execution. The rest of the series will come down to which approach holds up longer. Steve and Devin also discussed Tony Vitello leaving Tennessee to manage the Giants, Bryce Harper’s frustration with trade speculation, and Rob Manfred’s comments on MLB’s ongoing gambling investigations. Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for full World Series coverage, reactions, and analysis all week.
The stage is finally set. The Los Angeles Dodgers are back in the World Series, looking to defend their crown and become baseball’s first repeat champion in 25 years. Standing in their way are the Toronto Blue Jays, back in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1993 when Joe Carter sent an entire country into celebration. This matchup has everything. The Dodgers have been steady, efficient, and in control from start to finish. The Blue Jays have been resilient and relentless, finding ways to win close games and rising to every challenge in October. It’s experience against emotion. Power against contact. The sport’s most complete team against one that has played its best baseball when it matters most. Game 1 is Friday night in Toronto. The Rogers Centre will be loud, the moment will feel heavy, and both teams have earned their place here. 🎙 Steve and Devin are live right now, previewing the 2025 World Series. They’ll look at how each team reached this point, what could decide the series, and why this matchup captures the state of modern baseball better than any in recent memory. ⚾️ Two teams built differently. One chance to define a season. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for live coverage, reactions, and full World Series breakdowns all week.
What a weekend for baseball. We went live Sunday night for Episode 111 to unpack a remarkable few days, from Shohei Ohtani’s historic performance in Los Angeles to Toronto’s season-saving win and a major development in San Francisco. On Friday, Ohtani delivered one of the most complete postseason performances in recent memory. He hit three home runs, struck out ten, and threw six shutout innings as the Dodgers swept the Brewers to clinch another National League pennant. Los Angeles continues to set the standard for sustained excellence, blending star power and player development in a way that few teams can match. It also raised one of the biggest questions we tackled on the show: are the Dodgers good for baseball, or are they proof of how wide the gap has grown between organizations that invest in winning and those that do not? By Sunday, the spotlight shifted to Toronto, where the Blue Jays refused to let their season end. In front of a roaring Rogers Centre crowd, they defeated the Mariners 6–2 to force a Game 7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his outstanding postseason with his sixth home run, tying José Bautista and Joe Carter for the most in franchise playoff history. Rookie Trey Yesavage rose to the occasion with seven strikeouts in just under six innings, while Toronto’s defense turned three double plays, including two with the bases loaded. The Blue Jays played crisp, confident baseball, taking advantage of Seattle’s mistakes and controlling the game from start to finish. Meanwhile, out west, reports surfaced that Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello is finalizing a deal to become the next manager of the San Francisco Giants. If confirmed, it would make him the first college coach to step directly into a major league managerial position. It is a forward-thinking move from Buster Posey’s front office, emphasizing leadership, communication, and culture over traditional experience. From Ohtani’s brilliance and the Dodgers’ continued dominance to Toronto’s resilience and San Francisco’s bold step into the future, this weekend captured everything that makes October baseball special. 🎙️ Steve and Devin went live Sunday night to break down every storyline and discuss what it all means as the World Series approaches. 📱 Follow @tablesetterspod on Instagram and X for highlights, analysis, and full postseason coverage.
October baseball is delivering everything fans could ask for. Blake Snell’s masterpiece — eight innings, one hit, ten strikeouts — set the tone as the Dodgers took control of the NLCS. In the American League, Jorge Polanco and Julio Rodríguez continue to fuel Seattle’s push toward the franchise’s first World Series appearance. The energy and emotion of October are in full swing. From there, the focus shifts to Detroit, where the Tigers’ dream season ended in heartbreak. Fifteen innings in Seattle, eight total runs in five games, and another postseason exit that raised difficult questions about what comes next. In Episode 110 of Tablesetters, Steve and Devin welcome back Jordan Hall, host of Eat ’em Up: A Detroit Tigers Podcast, for an in-depth look at the offseason’s defining storyline: Tarik Skubal’s future. After a Cy Young caliber season with 195⅓ innings pitched, a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and a .677 win rate in his starts, Detroit faces a pivotal decision. Should they extend their ace, explore a trade, or wait and risk free agency in 2026 with Scott Boras leading negotiations? The answer could shape the franchise for years to come. The conversation also examines A.J. Hinch’s leadership, Detroit’s late season collapse, and the continued growth of Riley Greene and Kevin McGonigle as key pieces in the club’s next chapter. 🎧 This episode blends strategy, storytelling, and perspective, capturing everything that makes October baseball unforgettable — from Snell’s dominance and Seattle’s rise to the hard choices facing Detroit’s front office. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for exclusive postseason content and behind the scenes coverage.
Welcome to Episode 109 of Tablesetters — a live October edition packed with drama, heartbreak, and the pulse of postseason baseball. Devin and Steve were on-air during the crucial moments of Game 5 between the Tigers and Mariners, breaking down the action in real time while unpacking a wild week across the baseball world. The headlines are brutal but fascinating: The Blue Jays ended the Yankees’ season with a decisive 3–1 ALDS victory, exposing every flaw in New York’s October formula and reigniting the debate about whether stability has become stagnation in the Bronx. Aaron Judge did everything possible — a batting title, 53 home runs, MVP-level brilliance — but Toronto’s contact-first offense proved too balanced, too relentless, and maybe even too modern for the Yankees’ aging approach. Over in Los Angeles, the Phillies’ season ended in stunning fashion, on a throw that sailed high and sealed their fate. The Dodgers moved on — again — with calm precision, behind Tyler Glasnow’s dominance, Roki Sasaki’s breakout, and the quiet intensity of Shohei Ohtani’s first postseason run in Dodger Blue. The dynasty question looms: is this simply sustained excellence, or has L.A. become the model every franchise is now chasing? Meanwhile, in Arizona, the next generation is already announcing itself. Prospects like Sebastian Walcott, Rhett Lowder, and others are redefining the future in the Arizona Fall League, each representing a story of either precocious dominance or long-awaited redemption. The desert has rarely felt this alive — fastballs touching 102, teenagers owning at-bats, and front offices taking notes on baseball’s evolution in real time. From postseason heartbreak to developmental rebirth, Episode 109 covers it all — live reactions, tactical breakdowns, and raw emotion from a night that had everything October baseball can offer. 🎙️ Hosted by Devin and Steve 📸 Instagram + 🐦 X: @TablesettersPod 💬 Join the conversation and sound off in the comments — who impressed you most this postseason, and what’s next for the teams that fell short?
Welcome to Episode 108 of Tablesetters, a live special edition devoted to the theater of October baseball. The Wild Card round delivered everything that makes this game irresistible — drama, heartbreak, and the sudden swing of fortune that only a short series can bring. The Yankees shut out the Red Sox to punch their ticket. The Dodgers swept past the Reds to set up a heavyweight showdown. The Cubs outlasted the Padres in a tense decider at Wrigley, while the Tigers endured a familiar divisional foe in Cleveland to keep their dream alive. With the chaos of the Wild Card behind us, the stage is now set for the Division Series — where the stakes climb higher and every mistake, every moment of brilliance, lingers longer. The Yankees and Blue Jays meet in their first-ever postseason clash, an AL East rivalry sharpened by Toronto’s defensive mastery and New York’s reliance on overwhelming power. In Seattle, the Mariners’ long-awaited division crown is tested by a Tigers club leaning on Tarik Skubal’s ace-level dominance. The Phillies and Dodgers bring star power on a scale rarely seen in a Division Series — Harper, Ohtani, Schwarber, Freeman, Yamamoto, and more — a matchup destined to echo beyond October. And then there’s Brewers–Cubs, a postseason rivalry finally realized, where speed, bullpen arms, and one timely swing could tilt the balance of history. This weekend promises tension, legacy, and the defining moments of the postseason’s middle act. We’ll walk through the fallout of the Wild Card round, preview every Division Series matchup, spotlight the players poised to shape the story, and consider what each battle means on the long road to the pennant. Join us live on Twitter and YouTube, and catch the full episode on all audio platforms after the fact. And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive postseason coverage.
Welcome to Episode 107 of Tablesetters! The MLB postseason has finally arrived, and we are diving deep into all four Wild Card matchups, exploring the stakes, storylines, and keys that could determine who advances. We begin in the Bronx with Yankees against Red Sox, a rivalry that has defined October baseball for decades. These two have met six times in the postseason since 1999, and Boston has claimed victory in the last three. This time New York counters with Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and the most powerful lineup in the game. The question is whether Boston’s bullpen and the brilliance of Garrett Crochet can once again swing the balance in their favor. Next comes Padres against Cubs, their first postseason encounter since 1984. San Diego brings elite strikeout arms and perhaps the strongest bullpen in baseball, while Chicago leans on depth, defense, and the unshakable energy of Wrigley Field. This series could turn entirely on who controls the late innings. In the Central, it is Guardians against Tigers, a matchup that feels transformed from their earlier meetings. Cleveland enters October riding one of the hottest Septembers in recent memory, while Detroit boasts the ace of the year in Tarik Skubal. It is a contest between momentum and sustained excellence. Out West we find the underdog story: Reds against Dodgers. The defending champions return armed with Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman, but Cincinnati has a blueprint of its own with Hunter Greene’s overpowering fastball and Terry Francona’s postseason expertise. The real question is whether the Reds can strike early and rewrite the script. Throughout the episode we cover what truly decides these short series: rotation matchups, bullpen sequencing, defensive sharpness, and the single swing that can turn a season. October baseball is defined by chaos, and the Wild Card round is the first spark. Follow us on Instagram and X @tablesetterspod, subscribe to the show, and share with your baseball circle. The road to the World Series begins now.
Welcome to Episode 106 of Tablesetters. Steve and Devin break down a week where baseball’s future, present, and past all collided. MLB has approved a challenge system for balls and strikes beginning in 2026, officially bringing robo-umps into the big leagues in a way that could change strategy and pacing forever. At the ownership level, the Rays sale was approved, ending the Sternberg era but leaving all the familiar ballpark questions behind. On the field, collapses define September. The Mets’ fade feels like history repeating itself, while the Tigers are flirting with a collapse of historic proportions. Meanwhile, the AL MVP race has turned into a showdown: Judge’s all-around dominance vs. Raleigh’s power surge and pursuit of 60 homers. It was also a week of milestones and goodbyes as Mike Trout hit his 400th career homer, Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement after 18 seasons, and the first wave of teams punched postseason tickets. And for fun, we ask: if NFL stars had MLB equivalents, who matches the power, disruption, and impact we see every Sunday? Episode 106 is about the changing shape of the game, the weight of September, and the legends who still define baseball’s story.
The Mariners haven’t led the AL West this late in a season since 2001 and Cal Raleigh is rewriting baseball history in the process. On Episode 105 of Tablesetters, we welcome back Brady Farkas, host of the Refuse to Lose Mariners podcast and writer for Roundtable Sports. Brady last joined us on Episode 39 before the season began, and now he returns as Seattle’s wild ride hits its peak. From Raleigh smashing Mantle’s record and tying Griffey Jr. to Josh Naylor’s free agency price tag, Bryan Woo’s playoff case, and Dan Wilson's composure, Brady takes us inside the clubhouse pulse of a team chasing its first division crown in 24 years. We also hit on: 🔥 The bullpen trust tree: Bazardo’s glue, Jackson’s rise, and October arms to bank on 🔥 Colt Emerson’s rocket rise through the minors and how soon he factors into the core 🔥 Seattle’s road struggles vs. home dominance: what must travel to seal the West 🔥 Playoff path clarity: chasing a first-round bye or bracing for a Wild Card series 🔥 League-wide storylines and Brady’s World Series pick If you’re a Mariners fan (or just love meaningful baseball conversation), this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Follow us on Instagram and X @Tablesetterspod for bonus content, updates, and more. Subscribe and join us each week; Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.
Welcome to Episode 104 of Tablesetters. Devin and Steve are back to capture the drama, joy, and heartbreak of a September week that revealed everything we love and fear about baseball. In Los Angeles, the Phillies turned fatigue into fuel, clinching their second straight NL East crown in a game that began after a sleepless night of travel and ended in extra innings with Bryce Harper’s fist-pumping eighth-inning home run and J.T. Realmuto’s sacrifice fly. When the champagne popped, it wasn’t just about celebration — it was about perspective. Garrett Stubbs made sure Harper could join the party with apple juice, and Harrison Bader’s mantra rang through the room: “What a gift.” For a club that has known nothing but heartbreak since 2022, that phrase has become the soul of the team: gratitude, joy, and belief that this year can be different. Contrast that spirit with the Bronx, where Anthony Volpe has been grinding through a partially torn labrum since May, hitting just .197 with his defense slipping. Brian Cashman insists this is merely a “tough stretch,” but José Caballero’s hot bat and steady glove have complicated the conversation. Caballero is hitting .314 since mid-August, and his emergence is forcing Aaron Boone to consider whether loyalty to Volpe is holding the team back. North of the border, the Blue Jays found a new reason to believe. Trey Yesavage, their top prospect, debuted with nine strikeouts in five innings, a franchise record, his splitter producing an absurd 11 whiffs on 14 swings. His 19 total whiffs put him in Kevin Gausman territory, and for a team already leading the AL East, his arrival feels less like the future and more like a weapon for right now. Toronto hasn’t won a World Series since 1993, but Yesavage’s debut makes that drought feel vulnerable. The Giants are also leaning into youth, promoting Bryce Eldridge, a 20-year-old, 6-foot-7 slugger ranked the No. 15 prospect in baseball. With 25 homers across Double-A and Triple-A and elite exit velocity numbers, Eldridge is being thrown straight into the fire of a Wild Card chase, where San Francisco sits just 1 ½ games back. With their first basemen producing a meager .614 OPS, Eldridge isn’t just a curiosity — he’s an immediate solution. In Detroit, fear gave way to relief when Tarik Skubal, the frontrunner for the AL Cy Young, exited his last start with side tightness. Initial panic subsided after imaging revealed no structural damage, and he’s slated to pitch Thursday against Cleveland. His numbers speak to his dominance: 13–5, 2.26 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 224 strikeouts in 185 innings. In a franchise that hasn’t seen an ace like this since Hal Newhouser, Skubal is the difference between a quick October exit and a run that could echo through history. Out in Arizona, the Diamondbacks are embracing the stars — literally. Blaze Alexander’s joke about undergoing a “horoscope” on his bruised elbow became a clubhouse rallying cry, and suddenly the D-backs are aligning at the right moment. Zac Gallen notched his 1,000th career strikeout, joining Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb, while a six-run sixth inning powered them to an 8–1 win over San Francisco. With Jordan Lawlar’s RBI double, Geraldo Perdomo’s five times on base, and James McCann’s homer, Arizona is playing like a team that refuses to fade. In Milwaukee, the Brewers clinched their own ticket to October in a celebration filled with laughter and tenderness. After the fireworks and walk-off, manager Pat Murphy read aloud a letter he pretended came from the late Bob Uecker. Players laughed at the imagined line about being God’s “third catcher,” but the tribute brought misty eyes too. Christian Yelich captured the moment perfectly: enjoy it, but don’t forget — the job isn’t done. And then there’s Juan Soto, whose brilliance continues to collide with the Mets’ collapse. His 40th home run put him in Barry Bonds and Jeff Bagwell’s company with a 40–30–100 season, the first of its kind in Mets history. He is the ninth player to hit 40 for different teams in consecutive years, joining legends like Griffey, A-Rod, and Ohtani. Yet while Soto shines, the Mets stumble, 21–30 in the second half, their Wild Card lead slipping away. His season is a masterpiece, but without October, it may be remembered as a monument to wasted potential. From Philadelphia’s “what a gift” mantra to Soto’s historic swing in Queens, from rookies Yesavage and Eldridge redefining futures to Skubal and Gallen reminding us of aces past and present, Episode 104 is the story of September baseball. It’s belief, heartbreak, and joy — colliding night after night as October looms. Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod, and join us as we set the table for another unforgettable week in the game we love.