Episode 130 of Tablesetters is a concept-driven mini episode built around roster construction, positional value, and decision-making under real constraints, as Steve and Devin each attempt to build a complete MLB lineup using nothing but a random team generator. The episode opens with a straightforward but demanding premise. Each host takes turns hitting a random MLB team generator. When a team comes up, that host must select one player from that franchise to fill a specific roster spot. Once a position is filled, it is locked for the rest of the build. By the end of the exercise, both hosts must complete a full roster that includes a catcher, all infield and outfield positions, a designated hitter, a starting pitcher, and a closer. From there, the discussion quickly becomes about strategy rather than luck. With players restricted to positions they have actually played, every choice forces a tradeoff between talent, positional scarcity, and long-term flexibility. Do you secure a premium shortstop or center fielder early before options narrow? Do you prioritize an ace-level starter while the board is still deep? Do you wait on DH knowing it offers the most flexibility but still carries opportunity cost? Each pick reshapes the rest of the lineup. As the draft unfolds, Steve and Devin explain their reasoning in real time, walking through how randomness creates pressure, exposes weaknesses in roster planning, and reveals different philosophies about how a team should be built. Certain teams present obvious advantages, while others force difficult decisions that test how well each host can adapt on the fly. Once both rosters are complete, each host sets a full batting order from one through nine, explaining lineup balance, run creation, and how their team would function over a full season or in a postseason series. The episode closes with a direct comparison of rotations and closers, followed by the central question that frames the entire exercise: whose team is actually better? The final verdict is left to the audience, with both completed lineups shared for a fan vote after the episode drops. ⚾️ One random draw at a time, real roster constraints at every position, and a full lineup built from scratch. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X to see the lineups, vote on the winner, and join the conversation.

Episode 129 of Tablesetters is a mini reaction episode focused on two developments that highlight how teams are navigating an offseason where certainty has become increasingly expensive. The episode opens in Chicago, where the Cubs land right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Marlins, sending outfielder Owen Caissie and infield prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon to Miami. While the deal resembles a familiar exchange of pitching for position-player depth, it reflects a deliberate pivot toward upside as the Cubs address rotation needs amid a thinning pitching market. Cabrera had been on Chicago’s radar since last summer’s trade deadline. When rotation concerns resurfaced in October and elite starters quickly came off the board this winter, the Cubs turned to a pitcher whose ceiling is difficult to find outside the top tier of the market. The Cubs acquire Cabrera after the most complete season of his career. In 2025, he posted a 3.53 ERA across 26 starts with 150 strikeouts in 137⅔ innings. From early May through early August, he recorded a 2.22 ERA, pitching like a frontline starter over a sustained stretch. That performance was driven by a dominant changeup, elite swing-and-miss breaking balls, and meaningful improvement in his control. The risk remains part of the profile. Fastball inconsistency and durability questions persist, and the Cubs are not acquiring a finished product. They are betting that the gains are real and that their development infrastructure can push the profile further. The episode then shifts to Philadelphia, where the Phillies have scheduled a meeting with Bo Bichette. The discussion centers on why the fit exists now, how Bichette’s flexibility reshapes the infield picture, and what a potential move would mean for the Phillies’ payroll and roster construction. Episode 129 examines two different paths to the same question. When certainty is expensive, how far are teams willing to lean into upside? TableSetters is where roster decisions, front office thinking, and the business of winning meet. 🎧 Listen to Episode 129 now 👍 Like the episode 📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop 🗣️ Share it with someone who actually cares about roster construction Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for clips, debates, and listener polls, and join the conversation.

Episode 128 of Tablesetters is a mini reaction pod focused on a pivotal stretch of the offseason where one signing, one trade market, and one free agent begin to reshape how teams are positioning themselves for 2026. We open in Toronto, where the Blue Jays officially make their long-anticipated breakthrough in the Japanese market by signing Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract just ahead of the expiration of his 45-day posting window. The deal is a straight four-year agreement with no opt-outs, structured as a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary in 2026, and $16 million salaries in each of the final three seasons, with Okamoto represented by the Boras Corporation. To create a 40-man roster spot, Toronto designated right-hander Paxton Schultz for assignment. MLB Trade Rumors ranked Okamoto 19th on its top 50 free agents list and projected a four-year, $64 million deal, putting the final terms right in line with expectations. The signing also triggers a $10.875 million posting fee to the Yomiuri Giants under the NPB–MLB posting system. From there, we break down what Okamoto’s arrival does to the Blue Jays’ roster construction. The 29-year-old projects as Toronto’s regular third baseman, while also bringing experience at first base and in the outfield. His versatility creates ripple effects across the lineup, including a likely platoon with Addison Barger at third base, more consistent second base work for Ernie Clement, and a positional shift that moves Andrés Giménez from second base to everyday shortstop. We also examine how the picture changes if Bo Bichette re-signs, and how crowded things could become if Toronto lands another rumored target like Kyle Tucker. The signing adds another layer to an offseason for a Blue Jays team that came within two outs of winning Game 7 of the World Series, following earlier pitching additions like Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers. It also effectively closes the door on pursuits of Alex Bregman and Yoán Moncada unless Toronto makes the unconventional decision to deploy Okamoto primarily in the outfield. Next, we shift to the trade market, where Edward Cabrera has emerged as one of the most consequential arms potentially available. The Yankees are actively engaged in discussions with the Marlins while also remaining involved on Freddy Peralta, with the Mets and Cubs also expressing interest in Cabrera. We break down why Cabrera’s 2025 season, his power profile, his remaining club control through 2028, and his projected $3.7 million arbitration salary make him such an attractive target. We also examine the injury concerns that complicate his value, the Yankees’ urgent rotation needs with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón set to open the year on the injured list, and why Cabrera’s affordability matters for both New York and Chicago as they juggle payroll, roster needs, and other offensive pursuits. For the Mets, we look at how their rotation has remained largely untouched despite major position-player turnover, and why their collection of young infield talent could factor into any serious push for pitching. We close with the expanding market for Cody Bellinger, as the Cubs check in and join a group that already includes the Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Angels, Blue Jays, and Phillies at various points this offseason. We discuss why Chicago’s interest reads as due diligence rather than a clear pivot, how Bellinger fits their roster, and why prospect timelines complicate any reunion. From there, we focus on the Yankees, where Bellinger remains the top offseason priority and negotiations have escalated to a second formal offer. We break down the roster logjam his return would create, how it impacts Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones, and why a Bellinger deal could directly intersect with New York’s pursuit of Edward Cabrera. Steve and Devin connect the dots across international markets, trade leverage, payroll pressure, and roster math, focusing less on h

Episode 127 of Tablesetters is a mini reaction pod, breaking down one of the winter’s most surprising pitching moves and what it immediately tells us about how teams are positioning themselves for 2026. We open with the Houston Astros signing Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract that can reach $63 million through performance incentives, finalized just ahead of his January 2 posting deadline. The deal includes opt-outs after each season, giving Imai the flexibility to bet on himself at the major league level. Despite interest from the Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Phillies, and Orioles, Houston emerged as an unexpected but strategic landing spot. We examine why the market shifted from early long-term projections, how the deal structure balances risk and upside, and why the Astros felt comfortable moving decisively here. From there, we focus on who Imai is now, not the pitcher he was early in his career. After command issues and a difficult 2020 season that briefly pushed him to the bullpen, Imai rebuilt his profile beginning in 2021 and went on a dominant four-year run from 2022 through 2025. During that stretch, he established himself as one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s most effective starters, culminating in a 1.92 ERA season with elite strikeout rates, improved control, and exceptional home-run suppression. We break down his mid-to-upper-90s fastball, deep secondary mix, and why evaluators see a higher ceiling than his early-career reputation suggested. The conversation then shifts to Houston’s rotation outlook in a post-Framber Valdez era. With Valdez expected to depart in free agency, Imai slots in behind Hunter Brown, who broke out as one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025. We project the Astros’ 2026 rotation featuring Brown, Imai, Cristian Javier, Mike Burrows, and A.J. Blubaugh, while evaluating the importance of depth pieces such as Lance McCullers Jr., Spencer Arrighetti, Brandon Walter, J.P. France, Nate Pearson, Colton Gordon, Miguel Ullola, and others after a season defined by injuries. We close by connecting the dots between Houston’s missed postseason in 2025, their recent rotation instability, and why this signing represents a calculated pivot rather than a headline-chasing move. At roughly $18 million per year with workload-based incentives and annual opt-outs, the Imai deal gives the Astros a legitimate one-two punch at the top of the rotation while preserving long-term flexibility. For Imai, it’s both an opportunity and a leverage play. For Houston, it’s a bet on development, velocity, and upward trajectory in the next phase of their competitive cycle. ⚾️ A rapid-response look at a market-shifting signing with long-term implications. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for daily offseason breakdowns, polls, and reactions.

Episode 126 of Tablesetters breaks down a stretch of offseason moves that didn’t rely on shock value, but clearly revealed how several teams are positioning themselves for 2026. We open with Tatsuya Imai nearing the end of his MLB posting window with a January 2 deadline and, by his own admission, far less clarity than expected. Despite an elite résumé in Japan and interest from multiple clubs, firm offers have yet to materialize. We examine why interest hasn’t translated into action, which teams remain involved, the importance of family and contract structure in his decision, and what it means if Imai ultimately returns to Seibu. From there, we move to Baltimore, where the Orioles re-sign Zach Eflin on a one-year deal. We break down what Eflin realistically provides coming off an injury-filled season, where he fits alongside Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, and Shane Baz, and why this move stabilizes the rotation without removing the Orioles from the frontline starter market. The Athletics make their clearest long-term statement by locking up Tyler Soderstrom. We dig into how his extension reshapes the lineup, why his move to left field mattered after Nick Kurtz’s arrival, and how a core featuring Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, Shea Langeliers, Jacob Wilson, and Jeff McNeil gives the A’s one of the deeper young offenses in the league as they build toward Las Vegas. Cincinnati’s pivot away from the Luis Robert trade market brings the bullpen into focus. We break down the additions of JJ Bleday and Dane Myers, the pitching depth lost along the way, and why the Reds’ roster decisions align with Nick Krall’s stated priority of fixing a relief group that quietly became one of the team’s biggest concerns. We close the Meat of the Order in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates sign Ryan O’Hearn to the largest free-agent position-player deal in franchise history. We discuss why O’Hearn fits PNC Park, how he complements Spencer Horwitz and Brandon Lowe, and why Pittsburgh’s recent aggression has created legitimate momentum — including growing buzz around Kazuma Okamoto. Steve and Devin connect the dots across international markets, roster math, and team-building philosophy, focusing less on headlines and more on what these moves tell us about how clubs believe games will be won next season. ⚾️ Deadlines approaching, cores taking shape, and priorities becoming clear. 📱 Follow @Tablesetterspod on Instagram and X for daily offseason breakdowns, polls, and reactions.

The offseason continues to take shape, and Episode 125 of Tablesetters brings together a week where the market didn’t explode — but it definitely shifted. We open with Munetaka Murakami landing with the White Sox, a short-term signing that reflects how teams are weighing upside against risk and flexibility. It’s a move that raises questions about fit, timeline, and what both sides are really betting on as Murakami makes the jump to MLB. From there, the trade market comes into focus. Brandon Lowe heads to Pittsburgh, a deal that signals intent without locking the Pirates into long-term risk. At the same time, Baltimore adds Shane Baz, continuing to behave like a team that believes its competitive window is very real — and very open. Those moves create ripple effects elsewhere. The Rays once again load up on future assets, the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks monitor the Alex Bregman market, and San Diego opts for continuity, keeping Michael King in the fold while adding Sung-Mun Song. We also touch on Kansas City’s bullpen move, another reminder of how aggressively teams are trying to solve late-inning depth. We wrap with listener interaction, breaking down the latest USA First Base debate, where the results were decisive — and revealing in terms of how our audience value upside, age, and track record heading into the next international cycle. Steve and Devin connect the dots across signings, trades, and market behavior, keeping the focus on process over headlines as the offseason continues to evolve. ⚾️ Measured bets, shifting leverage, and trade dominoes starting to fall — winter baseball is officially underway. 📱 Follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for reactions, breakdowns, and daily offseason coverage.

Welcome to Episode 124 of Tablesetters, and today’s conversation goes well beyond wins, losses, and box scores. We’re joined by Dominic Leone, a former Major League reliever who pitched professionally from 2012 through 2024, navigating more than a decade inside big league clubhouses during one of the most transformative periods in modern baseball. His career unfolded during the rise of Statcast driven evaluation, the reshaping of bullpen usage, and an era where flexibility, churn, and uncertainty became defining features of roster construction. Leone’s path was never linear, requiring constant adjustment just to remain employed in a role where reliability and replaceability are often separated by a handful of outcomes. What makes this episode different and necessary is Leone’s willingness to speak openly about the human cost of that reality. Since stepping away from the game, he has been candid about mental health, identity, fatherhood, and the emotional weight of building a career without long term security. From going undrafted out of high school to earning trust at Clemson in a postseason elimination game that sent the Tigers to the College World Series, from adapting through injury to teaching himself a cutter by studying Mariano Rivera simply to survive, Leone’s story is defined by self direction, resilience, and constant reinvention. Across this conversation, we explore when mental health stopped being background noise and became something requiring intentional care, the invisible strain of bullpen life and living year to year without certainty, and the routines and personal rituals that helped him stay grounded during the season. We talk about baseball as identity and what happens when that identity begins to loosen, how fatherhood reshaped his relationship with pressure and failure, and why he ultimately chose to speak publicly about mental health and life after baseball when those conversations were rarely normalized inside clubhouses. We also dig into the razor thin margins that define relief pitching, the emotional reality of modern free agency, and how bullpen roles have fundamentally changed as teams prioritize depth, flexibility, and short term solutions. Leone offers perspective on clubhouse culture and whether winning creates chemistry or chemistry enables winning, what fans often misunderstand about the waiting and uncertainty of free agency, and what looming 2026 labor uncertainty means for players without guaranteed security. He reflects on what it is like to step away from a world where every pitch is tracked and judged, and what he understands now about baseball’s structure, culture, and economics that simply was not visible while living inside it day to day. We close by looking ahead, what Leone is focused on now, where listeners can follow and support what he is building, his favorite offseason signing, and a lighter moment as he reflects on the one strikeout that still stands out above all others. It is one of our most thoughtful and human conversations yet, a reminder that baseball careers are not just built on talent, but on adaptability, mental endurance, and the ability to redefine yourself when the game eventually moves on. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and follow @TablesettersPod on Instagram and X for bonus clips, analysis, and offseason storytelling.

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 sea

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.