Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

Pete Rose & Shoeless Joe Reinstated Posthumously, Yankees Erupt Offensively, & Cardinals Catch Fire | 82

Welcome to Episode 82 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve dive into a loaded week of MLB headlines, starting with Commissioner Rob Manfred’s historic decision to remove Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and others from baseball’s permanently ineligible list. What does this mean for Hall of Fame eligibility and the legacy of the game?
We also break down:
The Yankees’ offensive tear: Judge is hitting .414, Grisham mashes his 12th homer, and New York leads the league in runs
Oswaldo Cabrera’s injury scare and DJ LeMahieu’s return
Rafael Devers says no to first base—and responds by raking
Evan Longoria signs a one-day deal to retire as a Ray
Manager firings in Pittsburgh and Colorado — who’s next?
Ronald Acuña Jr. begins rehab, Jordan Lawlar gets the call, and Brandon Woodruff hits another setback
The Cardinals' 9-game win streak and how they’ve surged into the NL Central race
Plus:
A Twitter stat deep-dive on the 40+ Quality Starts Club since 2023
The growing list of sub-2.00 ERA arms—who’s legit and who might come back to earth?
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for extra content, polls, and all your weekly MLB breakdowns!
 

Devin Williams Implodes, the Athletics Won’t Go Away, & Stars Drop Like Flies | 81

Welcome to Episode 81 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back with a fast-moving, stat-packed dive into a wild week across Major League Baseball.
We start in the Bronx, where the Yankees handed the game over to Devin Williams with a 3-0 lead in the 8th… and he handed it right back. Two outs, then chaos—after a hit and two walks, Luke Weaver gave up back-to-back two-run hits to cough up the lead entirely. Williams blamed the rain, but his ERA now sits above 10, and Yankee fans are losing patience.
The Padres continue their surge despite losing both Fernando Tatis Jr. and manager Mike Shildt to ejections—they’ve now rattled off six straight wins. Over in Queens, the Mets are falling apart: AJ Minter (1.64 ERA) is out for the season with a lat tear, Danny Young needs Tommy John, and Jesse Winker’s oblique strain will sideline him 6–8 weeks. Brett Baty’s back, and Genesis Cabrera joins the pen—but the depth is running thin.
And how about the Athletics? With a walk-off win over Seattle, they’ve gone 7-3 in their last 10 and sit just one game out of first place at 20-16. The Royals are also heating up, led by Cole Ragans, who returned from a minor groin issue and struck out 11 in his comeback start. KC has won three straight and is right in the AL Central mix.
We also dive into a brutal round of IL stints across the league—Trout, Yordan, Imanaga, Jazz, Glasnow, Buehler, Casas, and Teoscar all out. We debate which loss is the toughest to absorb.
Elsewhere:
Bret Boone is now the hitting coach in Texas
Jake Burger sent to Triple-A
Leody Taveras claimed by the Mariners
Evan Carter gets the call back
Lance McCullers makes his first start since the 2022 World Series
Plus, the Sub-2 ERA Crew continues to deal: Yamamoto (0.90), Max Fried (1.01), Mahle (1.19), Senga (1.38), Brown (1.67), Luzardo (1.94), and Kris Bubic (1.98) are all under 2.00.
And in Take a Pitch/Swing Away, we take our swings at three big topics:
Is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s hot start sustainable?
Could Aaron Judge actually chase a .400 Triple Crown?
Is Sandy Alcantara’s trade value completely shot with an 8.42 ERA?
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Guest: Jack Wilson (Former MLB SS) | Jacob Wilson’s Rookie Surge, Coaching the Next Generation, & His Lasting Bond with Pittsburgh | 80

Welcome to Episode 80 of Tablesetters! Today we’re joined by Jack Wilson — former All-Star shortstop, 12-year MLB veteran, and one of the most respected infielders of the 2000s. He anchored the Pirates through a key stretch in the franchise’s history and now brings that same passion to coaching the next generation as the manager of the Greeneville Flyboys in the Appalachian League.
But Jack’s baseball story doesn’t stop there — it continues through his son, Jacob Wilson, who’s off to a phenomenal start in his rookie season with the A’s. We talk about what it’s like watching his son succeed on the biggest stage, how their games compare, and the moment Jack knew Jacob was built for the big leagues.
Jack also shares his approach to coaching today’s players, what he looks for in great infielders, and how player development has changed since his days in the Pirates and Cardinals systems. And we look back at his time in Pittsburgh — the teammates, the fans, and what it would take for the organization to truly move forward under Bob Nutting’s leadership.
This episode is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about baseball’s past, present, and future and the powerful role family plays in all of it.
Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for bonus clips, updates, and more. Subscribe and join us each week — Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Guest: Ben Weaver (Skippers View & Tomahawk Talk) | Braves Turnaround, Pitching Questions, Trade Deadline Outlook | 79

Welcome back to Tablesetters for Episode 79! Devin and Steve are here with a packed episode, and tonight they’re joined by a special guest — Ben Weaver from Skippers View and Tomahawk Talk — to dive deep into all things Atlanta Braves.
We start with Ben’s story: how he began covering the Braves and what he’s learned covering the team daily. From there, we break down all the major storylines, including:
The fallout from the Jared Kelenic-Ronald Acuña-Brian Snitker drama
The Braves' 0-7 start and what fueled their recent turnaround
Spencer Schwellenbach’s rise and growing concerns about the pitching staff
Chris Sale’s struggles and Raisel Iglesias' rough start at the back end of the bullpen
Whether the Braves are feeling the absence of a leader like Ron Washington
What Alex Anthopoulos might need to address at the trade deadline
And Ben’s picks for his Mount Rushmore of Atlanta Braves
We had a great conversation with Ben — make sure to follow him on X @weaver_cards for more Braves coverage.
Stay connected with us for more baseball conversations and updates: 📸 Instagram: @TablesettersPod 🐦 Twitter: @TablesettersPod
If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share — every inning brings a new story, and every pitch sets the stage for baseball’s best moments. Let’s play ball!

Acuña Jr. vs. Snitker, 5 Top Prospects Called Up, & AL ROY Race Gets Crowded | 78

In Episode 78 of Tablesetters, the pressure’s rising — and not just in the standings.
We begin in Atlanta, where the Braves were riding a four-game win streak but dealing with tension off the field. After Jarred Kelenic was thrown out for not hustling, Ronald Acuña Jr. took to social media with a since-deleted post suggesting he wouldn’t have gotten the same leniency. The moment revealed cracks beneath the surface — a team starting to win games, but juggling injuries, double standards, and clubhouse dynamics.
That sets the stage for a bigger conversation around leadership and accountability — one echoed in Pittsburgh, where Paul Skenes didn’t hold back after another wasted gem. His words? “We owe something to the city.” The fans responded in kind, chanting “Sell the team!” at PNC Park — and maybe, just maybe, the culture is starting to shift.
Elsewhere, the future is arriving fast: five top prospects made their MLB debuts this week — Nick Kurtz, Luke Keaschall, Agustín Ramírez, Edgar Quero, and Chandler Simpson. From high-profile sluggers to chaos creators on the basepaths, these call-ups aren't just placeholders — they're impact pieces with staying power.
Meanwhile, in Queens, the Mets are red hot, powered by a resurgent Francisco Lindor and breakout pitcher Tylor Megill, who’s become one of the best stories in the league. Add in the Marlins' Max Meyer’s historic 14-K performance, Hunter Brown’s extended scoreless streak, and a growing list of starters under a 2.00 ERA — and suddenly, there’s a wave of young arms reshaping the power structure.
We also dive into the crowded AL Rookie of the Year race, where Kristian Campbell, Jackson Jobe, Jacob Wilson, and Kameron Misner have emerged as early leaders in what may be the most competitive rookie field in years.
And yes, the Twins might already be cooked. We'll explain why Minnesota's collapse is worse than it looks.
Plus: – Who’s real in the Sub-2.00 ERA Club – Red Hot: Who's scorching? – Ice Cold: Which players are struggling? – And a fiery “Take a Pitch / Swing Away” debate: Is the NL’s dominance bad for baseball?
Follow us on Instagram and X @TableSettersPod — and let us know which story has you more intrigued.

Captain Judge Leads Team USA, Crochet Dominates, Hunter Greene Could Be Best in Bigs & Cubs Lose Steele | 77

Aaron Judge is officially bound for the 2026 World Baseball Classic — and he’ll be doing so as the newly appointed captain of Team USA. In this episode of Tablesetters, Devin and Steve reflect on the significance of Judge’s commitment, the symbolism of Mike Trout’s endorsement, and what this leadership role says about Judge’s evolving legacy in the game.
The conversation then turns to a week filled with standout performances and sobering setbacks. The Cubs suffer a major blow as Justin Steele is ruled out for the season with a flexor tendon injury, raising real questions about how Chicago can sustain its strong start without its ace. Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet nearly no-hits his former team, striking out 11 White Sox over 7 1/3 innings — continuing a dazzling breakout that’s reshaping expectations in Boston.
Jung Hoo Lee continues to command attention with a breakout series in the Bronx, helping the Giants win the series at Yankee Stadium. Michael King tosses his first career complete-game shutout as the Padres continue their dominant stretch at home, while Hunter Greene extends his scoreless innings streak and is suddenly making a real case as one of the top arms in the league.
The Dodgers drop their third consecutive series, while Pete Crow-Armstrong shines for the Cubs, flashing star potential and drawing early contract extension buzz. Spencer Strider is now set to return for his first start in over a year, after undergoing internal brace surgery on his UCL, and with the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) deadline officially passed, we ask: why are so many top young players still stuck in the minors?
We wrap with our Red Hot / Ice Cold picks, and share what we’re watching as the week unfolds in Coming Around 3rd.
Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod, subscribe wherever you listen, and join us as we continue to explore the stories shaping the season ahead.

Vladdy Gets Paid, Soderstrom Surges, Will the O’s Join MLB’s Extension Trend? & Tragedy in the DR | 76

Welcome to Episode 76 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are back at the mics to bring you everything happening across the baseball landscape — from monster contracts and rising stars to organizational missteps and real-life tragedy.
We begin with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s jaw-dropping 14-year, $500 million extension — the third-largest contract in MLB history — and discuss what it means not just for the Blue Jays, but for a league that’s fully leaning into early-career investments. With extensions this past week for Garrett Crochet, Ketel Marte, Jackson Merrill, Cal Raleigh, and Kristian Campbell, it’s clear that locking in young stars is the model. Which leads us to a central question: Will the Orioles follow suit? With talent like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday blossoming, it’s time for Baltimore to decide whether it wants to ride the wave — or get caught chasing it later.
Next up, we pivot to injuries shaping the early season. Key arms and contributors are already shelved, including Blake Snell, Spencer Arrighetti, Zach Eflin, Reynaldo López, and Victor Robles. We assess the impact of those absences and who might rise to fill the void.
From there, we spotlight the scorching start of Sacramento’s Tyler Soderstrom, who’s tied with Aaron Judge atop the MLB home run leaderboard. His success is forcing a conversation about top prospect Nick Kurtz, who’s dominating Triple-A. The Athletics may have a good problem on their hands — but one that demands a creative solution soon.
We also cover two sobering off-the-field stories. First, the resignation of Tigers Assistant GM Sam Menzin following serious allegations of misconduct — a reminder of the cultural accountability still needed in front offices. And second, the devastating nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo, which claimed 66 lives, including beloved figures from both music and baseball: Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Rubby Pérez, and Nelsy Cruz.
In one of the week’s most powerful and human moments, Jarren Duran opened up about a suicide attempt he survived during a dark period in his career. His story, shared in a Netflix docuseries, is raw, courageous, and a vital reminder of the mental health challenges facing athletes today.
And we close out with a look at Chase Dollander’s MLB debut — 5 innings, 6 strikeouts, and his first career win — and Zac Veen’s red-hot start in Triple-A. Colorado might not contend this year, but the future is taking shape.
Plus, we take a few quick swings in Take a Pitch/Swing Away — including jersey etiquette at games, Kyle Tucker’s potential contract value, and whether Mets players should be publicly name-dropping Sandy Alcantara.
All that and more in this week’s episode. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @TablesettersPod, subscribe wherever you listen, and keep the conversation going — we’re just getting warmed up.

Opening Weekend Reactions: Yankees’ Torpedo Bat Power Surge, Roki Struggles, & Devers Slumps | 75

Welcome to Tablesetters! Episode 75 kicks off with a full breakdown of Opening Weekend across Major League Baseball—and we’ve got a ton to cover. Devin and Steve dive into the biggest stories making headlines just three games into the 2025 season.
The Yankees stormed out of the gate with a 3-0 sweep of the Brewers, launching 15 home runs and tying an MLB record in the process. Behind their record-setting start? The debut of the much-hyped “Torpedo Bat,” designed by an MIT-trained physicist to increase barrel contact and reduce weak hits. Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are all in on the new tech—but Giancarlo Stanton is already on the IL, and speculation is swirling about whether his elbow issues could be linked to this unique bat design.
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani threw a bullpen session for the first time in over a month, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says there’s still no clear timeline for his return to pitching. With L.A.’s stacked rotation, the club has the luxury of taking it slow—but how long will that last?
Roki Sasaki, one of the most hyped international signings in years, is also drawing attention—but for the wrong reasons. Through his first two MLB starts, he’s walked nine batters in under five innings, with fewer than 50% of his pitches going for strikes. We break down what’s going wrong and why it may just be part of the growing pains.
The Mets’ offense was one of the biggest disappointments of Opening Weekend—just five total runs and 12 hits in a sweep by the Astros. Francisco Lindor is still hitless, and the lineup looks completely out of rhythm despite the addition of Juan Soto.
And in Boston, Rafael Devers made unwanted history by becoming the first player in MLB history to strike out 10 times in his team’s first three games. He’s now 0-for-16 with 12 Ks through four games as the full-time DH—and Red Sox fans are already holding their breath.
We also look at the biggest surprises across the league: the Cardinals and Padres sweeping the Twins and Braves, respectively, and which winless team—Atlanta, Minnesota, Detroit, or Milwaukee—should be most concerned. Plus, injury updates on Max Scherzer, Josh Lowe, and Gleyber Torres, and what we’ll be keeping an eye on heading into Week 2.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod.

Guest: Ryan Bass (FanDuel Sports Network Sun) | Rays’ 2025 Outlook, McClanahan Injury, Caminero’s Ceiling & Tampa’s Stadium Saga | 74

Welcome to Episode 74 of Tablesetters! We’re joined by a multi-platform voice in Tampa sports—Ryan Bass, who covers the Rays for FanDuel Sports Network Sun, reports nationally for NewsNation, and hosts with the Orlando Magic.
We dive into everything shaping the 2025 Tampa Bay Rays season, starting with the unfortunate injury to Shane McClanahan and what it means for the Opening Day rotation. Ryan gives us the latest on McClanahan’s status, clubhouse morale, and how the Rays plan to pivot.
We explore the emergence of Curtis Mead after a scorching spring, Junior Caminero’s slow start (despite the power), and whether the Rays will pursue a long-term extension for this potential cornerstore. Plus, Ryan breaks down Drew Rasmussen’s comeback, Joe Boyle’s upside, and the futures of Chandler Simpson and Carson Williams.
We also step back to assess the AL East: Who’s the team to beat? How do the Rays stack up against the Yankees, Orioles, Jays, and Red Sox in what may be baseball’s most brutal division?
From the front office’s prospect-heavy trades to ongoing ballpark drama and ownership tensions, Ryan offers behind-the-scenes insight into a franchise at a crossroads. And we close with a fun one—Ryan’s Mount Rushmore of Tampa Bay athletes, with some surprises in the mix.
Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, polls, and extended content. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation—this is TableSetters, where every pitch sets the stage.

2025 MLB Predictions: Postseason, Awards & World Series Picks! | Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo | Who Shines in October? | 73

The 2025 MLB season has arrived, and Episode 73 of Tablesetters delivers our full postseason and award predictions—breaking down the road to October glory and who takes home the biggest individual honors.
We start with Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo, a global event filled with intrigue: Shohei Ohtani’s emotional homecoming, a Dodgers debut that could shape their season, and an early battle between two World Series contenders. But L.A. had a rocky start—Mookie Betts sat out due to an unspecified illness after losing 15 pounds, and Freddie Freeman was a late scratch. Should Dodgers fans be concerned?
Then, we put the entire postseason picture under the microscope, bringing together everything from our divisional previews to predict the full playoff bracket:🏆 Who punches their ticket to October?⚔️ Which teams are built for a deep postseason run?💥 Who could emerge as this year’s biggest surprise?🔥 What’s the dream World Series matchup?👑 And who raises the trophy as the 2025 champion?
But the season isn’t just about teams—it’s about the stars who define it. We dive into our award predictions:🌟 MVP Favorites – Can a new face take the throne, or will a superstar cement their legacy?🔥 Cy Young Battle – Is there a clear-cut ace, or will an under-the-radar arm dominate?⚡ Rookie of the Year Watch – Which highly anticipated prospect is ready to make an immediate impact?
With bold predictions, key X-factors, and some hot takes that just might come true, we’re setting the stage for an unforgettable season.
The journey to a champion starts now. Let’s talk about it. 🎙️⚾
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👀 Who’s YOUR pick for MVP and the 2025 World Series champion? Drop your predictions in the comments!