Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

Giants Trade Deadline Rumors Heat Up, Yankees Separate from the AL Field, Why the Cardinals Keep Winning, Playoff Hope or Pull the Plug? & MCWS Set | 172

Episode 172 of Tablesetters is LIVE!
We open with one of the biggest questions looming over the trade deadline: are the Giants preparing for a major roster shakeup? With reports suggesting San Francisco is willing to listen on several high-profile veterans, we examine what a potential selloff could look like, which players would generate the most interest around baseball, and whether there are any stars the organization simply can't afford to move.
From there, we turn our attention to the American League's best team. The Yankees continue to pile up wins despite significant injuries, and the numbers suggest they may be separating themselves from the rest of the AL. We break down what makes this club so dangerous, why their recent road trip mattered, and whether anyone is currently built to challenge them.
We also tackle one of the season's biggest mysteries: the St. Louis Cardinals. They don't dominate headlines, they don't lead the league in many major categories, and yet they just keep winning. We dive into the roster-wide contributions, breakout performers, and under-the-radar strengths that have turned St. Louis into a legitimate contender.
Plus, it's time for another edition of Pull the Plug. We go team-by-team through clubs currently sitting outside the playoff picture and decide whether there's still reason to believe or if it's time to start looking toward the future. Which teams still have a path back into the race, and which organizations should already be planning for 2027?
We also head back to Omaha for a full Men's College World Series update. North Carolina has punched its ticket to the championship series, Oklahoma looks like the hottest team in the country, and Georgia is fighting to keep its season alive. We break down the biggest performances, emerging stars, and what could be shaping up as a fascinating finish to the college baseball season.
And of course, we wrap things up with another edition of Red Hot & Ice Cold, highlighting one hitter and one pitcher who are carrying their clubs right now, along with a pair of veterans who simply can't buy a big hit or a big out.
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White Sox First-Place Surge, Bryce Eldridge’s Historic Walk-Off, Ronald Acuña Jr. Back on IL, Drew Rasmussen’s Cy Young Case & College World Series Picks | 171

Episode 171 of Tablesetters is LIVE!
We open with the first place Chicago White Sox, who suddenly sit atop the AL Central at 36-31 after starting the season 6-13. We break down whether this surge is actually sustainable, how Chicago has gone 29-17 since April 18, why their top-five offense has changed the entire outlook, and how Munetaka Murakami, Colson Montgomery, Miguel Vargas, Davis Martin, and top prospect Braden Montgomery have turned the White Sox into one of baseball’s best stories.
From there, we dive into Bryce Eldridge’s unbelievable signature moment in San Francisco. Just two days after striking out with a chance to tie the game, the 21-year-old rookie launched an ultimate grand slam in the bottom of the ninth to complete an 11-10 Giants comeback over the Nationals. We discuss the Giants erasing a 9-1 deficit, Eldridge becoming the youngest player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam, Matt Chapman’s monster game, and one of the most improbable wins in franchise history.
We also discuss Ronald Acuña Jr. landing back on the injured list with another Grade 1 left hamstring strain, what it means for the Braves, and the bigger question of whether he is still a superstar. Acuña’s 2023 MVP résumé is undeniable, but with two IL stints this season, multiple major injuries since 2021, and current numbers below his usual standard, the conversation has shifted from talent to availability.
Plus, Drew Rasmussen dominates the Red Sox with a career-high 13 strikeouts over seven shutout innings, Max Scherzer reaches 3,500 career strikeouts while his season-long struggles continue, the Athletics and Brewers turn Las Vegas Ballpark into a launching pad, Dalton Rushing’s villain reputation grows after another controversial slide, and we make our official Men’s College World Series picks with Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, West Virginia, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Troy all fighting for Omaha.
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MLB Salary Cap Battle Begins, Super Regional Chaos, Aaron Judge's Injury Mystery, Corbin Carroll's Barry Bonds-Type Run & Shohei Ohtani's 0.74 ERA | 170

Episode 170 of Tablesetters is LIVE!
We open with Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association officially beginning negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, including MLB's proposal for a hard salary cap and salary floor, the union's immediate opposition, and what this means for the future of player salaries, competitive balance, and the possibility of another labor showdown.
From there, we dive into one of the wildest opening weekends of the NCAA Tournament in recent memory. No. 1 overall seed UCLA, No. 2 Georgia Tech, Florida State, Florida, and Arkansas were all eliminated before Super Regionals. We break down Georgia and North Carolina emerging as the new favorites, Oklahoma stunning Georgia Tech, Kansas taking down Arkansas twice, Troy eliminating Florida, St. John's shocking Florida State, and preview every Super Regional matchup on the road to Omaha.
We also discuss growing concern surrounding Aaron Judge's rib and shoulder injury situation after additional testing was ordered, Shohei Ohtani lowering his ERA to 0.74 with six scoreless innings while reaching base five times, and Cristopher Sánchez's historic 50 2/3-inning scoreless streak coming to an end after setting both a Phillies franchise record and the longest scoreless streak ever by a left-handed pitcher.
Plus, why Corbin Carroll is putting up the best left-on-left numbers since Barry Bonds, Max Meyer's long-awaited breakout season with the Marlins, Statcast's unluckiest hitters, Jeff Passan's case for the Braves to pursue Tarik Skubal, Sub-2 ERA Crew updates, red-hot and ice-cold players of the week, polls, debates, and everything else happening across Major League Baseball.
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Cristopher Sánchez Breaks 115-Year-Old Phillies Record, Billy Goat Curse Returns?, Astros Throw Combined No-Hitter, Murakami’s MVP Push & MLB’s Crotch Chop Controversy | 169

Episode 169 of Tablesetters is LIVE!
We open with Cristopher Sánchez breaking Grover Alexander’s 115-year-old Phillies franchise record with a 44 2/3 inning scoreless streak and discuss where his dominant run now stands among baseball’s best pitching stretches in recent years.
From there, we break down the Cubs becoming only the second AL/NL team ever to record two 10-game winning streaks and a 10-game losing streak in the same season despite their win today, Houston’s combined no-hitter led by Tatsuya Imai and MLB debutant Alimber Santa, and Nick Kurtz’s 48-game on-base streak finally coming to an end.
We also discuss whether Carlos Mendoza is becoming the face of the Mets’ collapse, Munetaka Murakami’s legitimate AL MVP case after surpassing the rookie pre-June home run record, and baseball’s growing “let the kids play” culture clash after the Brewers and Giants’ viral celebration controversies.
Plus, Sub-2 ERA crew talk, red-hot and ice-cold players of the week, polls, debates, and everything else happening across Major League Baseball.
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Misiorowski vs. Sánchez for NL Cy Young, Are the White Sox & Nationals the Best Offenses in Baseball?, Acuña & Cole Return & Tarps Off Takes Over MLB | 168

Episode 168 of Tablesetters is LIVE!
We open with one of the wildest NL Cy Young races in years as Jacob Misiorowski, Cristopher Sánchez, Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, and Mason Miller all build completely different cases for pitching supremacy. Misiorowski’s triple-digit velocity and historic strikeout pace are redefining what overpowering stuff looks like, while Sánchez is turning refinement, workload, and elite underlying metrics into arguably the most complete résumé in the league.
From there, we get into the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Gerrit Cole, plus whether the White Sox and Nationals have legitimately become the best offenses in baseball. Chicago’s lineup-wide power surge, Miguel Vargas’ breakout through massive bat-speed gains, and Washington leading MLB in runs scored despite sitting around .500 all force a much bigger conversation about which offensive breakouts are actually sustainable.
We also discuss the Royals’ aggressive baserunning mistakes and why Kansas City may not realistically have another offensive identity right now, Royce Lewis being sent to Triple-A for the first time in his career, and why the Mets creating a Gary Carter jersey-number controversy during Nick Morabito’s debut became such an avoidable story.
Plus, Tarps Off officially becomes a baseball movement, our Sub-2 ERA crew conversation, red-hot and ice-cold players of the week, polls, debates, and everything else happening across Major League Baseball.
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Cal Raleigh’s Freefall, Yankees Panic Meter Rising?, Ohtani Searching for Timing, Padres Defying the Numbers & Rays Taking Over the AL | 167

Episode 167 of Tablesetters is LIVE!
We open with the surprising division leaders in the West as the San Diego Padres and Athletics continue leading their divisions despite major flaws on paper. The Padres rank near the bottom of baseball offensively but keep winning close games through late heroics, while the Athletics remain atop the AL West despite a 4.45 ERA and inconsistent pitching. We discuss Jackson Merrill leading off, Nick Castellanos delivering a huge homer after borrowing a bat from Fernando Tatis Jr., and the strange state of both West divisions.
From there, we dive into the shocking struggles of Cal Raleigh after his 60-homer season in 2025. Raleigh entered Tuesday with a 43-plate appearance hitless streak and one of the biggest OPS drops in baseball. We break down the hard-hit decline, timing concerns, mechanical changes, and whether fatigue from last season’s massive workload could be contributing to the collapse.
We also discuss the growing noise around the New York Yankees despite their solid start. Is the 1-8 record against teams above .500 actually meaningful this early? Plus, Max Fried exits with elbow soreness, José Caballero lands on the IL, and Anthony Volpe returns to the majors after shoulder surgery.
We get into MLB and the MLBPA officially beginning CBA negotiations, the growing conversation around a salary cap and floor system, and the financial imbalance highlighted by the Dodgers’ projected $550 million combined payroll and luxury tax spending.
The Braves continue looking dominant, and Michael Harris II is putting together the best offensive start of his career after major swing and approach adjustments against fastballs.
In “What’s the Word?” we focus on timing with Shohei Ohtani struggling through one of the worst offensive stretches of his career while the Dodgers continue searching for answers offensively.
We also discuss Kyle Schwarber homering in five straight games as the Phillies continue surging under Don Mattingly, and close with the Tampa Bay Rays looking like the best team in the American League behind the resurgence of Shane McClanahan.
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John Sterling Remembered, Skubal Shocker, Matt Olson’s MVP Run, Cubs Feel Special & the NL East Is Shifting Fast | 166

Episode 166 of Tablesetters is about separation, pressure, and the early signs that some of baseball’s biggest storylines may already be changing the shape of the season.
We open by remembering legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, who passed away at 87 years old. From “Theeeee Yankees win!” to the unforgettable home run calls that became part of baseball history, Sterling’s voice defined generations of Yankees baseball and served as the soundtrack of summer for fans across decades. We reflect on his impact, the importance of appreciating great broadcasters while they are still here, and the overwhelming reaction from around baseball following his passing.
From there, we shift into one of the biggest stories of the season so far as Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery sends shockwaves through Detroit and the rest of the league. We break down what the injury means for the Tigers’ playoff hopes, why Detroit’s rotation suddenly looks fragile, and how this could completely reshape Skubal’s upcoming free agency. We also touch on the Astros continuing to battle injuries after Carlos Correa suffered another setback, adding even more pressure to a roster already trying to survive major absences.
The Braves are forcing a much bigger conversation right now, and we dig into whether the NL East race is already starting to slip away from the Mets and Phillies. Matt Olson is playing like the best hitter in baseball, Atlanta’s offense feels terrifyingly familiar to 2023, and the Braves suddenly look like the team everyone else in the National League is chasing again. We also discuss Bryce Elder’s resurgence and why Atlanta’s hot start feels far more real than fluky.
We also dive into Nick Kurtz’s strange sophomore season. The power numbers are down, the opposite-field damage has disappeared, and the strikeouts remain concerning, but the underlying metrics somehow look even better than his rookie year. Is this actually a slump, or are we watching the setup for another monster breakout?
Plus, the Cubs are starting to feel legitimately dangerous after winning 13 straight games at Wrigley Field and seven overall. We break down why Craig Counsell’s group suddenly feels deeper, tougher, and more resilient than just a normal hot team, and why Wrigley is becoming a serious advantage again.
Around the league, we discuss the bizarre Pirates-Reds game where Pittsburgh tied an MLB record by drawing seven straight walks in one inning, the Yankees somehow owning the best record in the American League despite getting historically poor production from the leadoff spot, and the benches-clearing tension between the Tigers and Red Sox after Framber Valdez drilled Trevor Story following back-to-back homers.
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Cora & Thomson Fired, Bazzana Debuts, Elly’s Breakout, Rays Stay Scrappy, Schlittler Looks Frontline & Mason Miller IS Human | 165

Episode 165 of Tablesetters is about early-season pressure, real breakouts, and figuring out which April storylines have staying power.
We start with the managerial shakeups in Boston and Philadelphia, where Alex Cora and Rob Thomson are both out after rough starts from teams that expected much more. The bigger story is not just that both managers were fired, but how quickly both organizations decided they could not wait for things to fix themselves.
From there, we get into Travis Bazzana’s debut and what his arrival says about a loaded 2024 draft class that is already producing big league regulars. We also dig into Elly De La Cruz and whether this is just a hot stretch or the beginning of the true superstar breakout everyone has been waiting on.
The Rays are also forcing a bigger conversation. Even after their six-game winning streak ended, Tampa Bay’s identity is starting to look real: scrappy, balanced, and dangerous when games get tight.
Around the league, Cam Schlittler is pitching like a frontline arm for the Yankees, Trey Yesavage’s return shows why adaptability matters, and Mason Miller’s scoreless streak ending only adds more context to how dominant he has been.
We also hit the red-hot and ice-cold names of the week, plus our usual debates, polls, and what we’re watching next.
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Nico Hoerner’s MVP Case, Murakami Heating Up, Mets’ Losing Streak, Can Wheeler Spark the Phillies?, & Dodgers Depth Showing Out | 164

Episode 164 of Tablesetters is really about figuring out what’s actually real right now. We’re only a couple weeks in, but you can already start to see which trends are sticking and which teams are just kind of drifting without an identity.
We start with the New York Mets, and this has gone way past a rough stretch. When you zoom out, the profile tells you everything. This isn’t just a team going through a cold streak, this is a lineup that isn’t creating pressure, isn’t doing damage, and isn’t giving itself any margin for error. The approach has slipped, the power isn’t there, and the at bats feel disconnected from inning to inning. That’s why the losses keep stacking the same way. They hang around early, they don’t extend anything, and eventually the structure breaks. Until the approach changes, the results aren’t going to.
That conversation carries into Philadelphia, where the issue isn’t just one thing you can fix, it’s everything showing up at once. The talent is there, but the execution hasn’t been, and that’s why the results look the way they do. The difference here is there’s still belief internally that this can turn, and Zack Wheeler coming back is a big part of that. Not as a full solution, but as something that can stabilize one area and start to shift the overall rhythm of the team.
From there, you get a completely different picture with the Dodgers. This is what it looks like when a lineup has depth and rhythm. Dalton Rushing and Max Muncy are driving a lot of that right now, but it’s bigger than just two players. The lineup doesn’t have a break. Guys are getting on, passing it along, and doing damage when they get their pitch. It’s not forced, it’s just consistent. And when that’s paired with steady pitching, it gives them a level of control most teams just don’t have early in the season.
That same idea of control shows up individually with Nico Hoerner, and at this point, it’s fair to start asking the question. This isn’t just a hot start. It’s a player impacting the game in every way. He’s putting the ball in play constantly, producing in key spots, creating pressure on the bases, and playing elite defense. When you combine that with even a little bit of power showing up, the profile shifts. It stops being about being a solid all-around player and starts becoming something much bigger.
Munetaka Murakami fits into that same conversation in a different way. He’s not easing into anything. The power is real, the patience is real, and the impact shows up immediately. There’s swing and miss in the profile, but it’s balanced by control of the zone and the ability to do damage when pitchers make mistakes. And when that balance is working, it forces the entire game to adjust to him, not the other way around.
Around the league, you’re starting to see which teams are actually breaking through. Cincinnati is a good example of that shift. They’ve been winning without the offense fully showing up, and then you finally get a game where it clicks. That’s where it changes. When the baseline is already strong and the offense starts to catch up, it raises the ceiling quickly.
And then you have teams like San Diego, where the identity is already clear. They’re winning with pitching, controlling games, and showing they can beat you in different ways. That’s why the question about keeping pace with the Dodgers is real. Because right now, it’s not just results, it’s how they’re getting them. The challenge is sustaining that over time, especially against a team with as much built-in margin as the Dodgers.
That’s really what this episode comes back to. It’s not just who’s winning or losing. It’s who has structure, who has a plan, and who is actually showing something that can hold. And even this early, you can start to see that gap forming.
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Mets Offense in Freefall, Imai Can’t Adjust, Twins’ Discipline Paying Off, Rice Usage Under Fire, & Detroit Bets Big Early | 163

Episode 163 of Tablesetters is really about figuring out what’s actually real right now. We’re only a couple weeks in, but you can already start to see which trends are sticking and which teams are just kind of drifting without an identity.
We start with the New York Mets, and this is well past the point of calling it a slump. They’ve lost seven straight, they’re not scoring, and more than anything, the at bats just don’t feel connected. It’s not one issue you can point to and fix. It’s everything showing up at once. Situational hitting isn’t there, the late game approach falls apart, and the overall execution just isn’t good enough. Carlos Mendoza said it directly, they’re chasing, and you can see it play out in real time. They’re pressing, trying to fix everything with one swing instead of slowing the game down and building at bats. That’s why the reaction to Steve Cohen’s comments hit the way it did. It’s not that people don’t want optimism, it’s that it doesn’t match what’s happening on the field. The frustrating part is they’re in these games. They’re right there. But they keep losing them the exact same way, and until the approach changes, nothing else is going to.
That idea of rhythm and approach carries right into Houston with Tatsuya Imai, just from a completely different angle. He basically said he hasn’t adjusted to life here yet, not just baseball but everything around it. Travel, routines, even how the day is structured. It sounds small until you connect it to performance. For a pitcher, routine is everything. When that routine is off, your body doesn’t feel right. When your body doesn’t feel right, your command goes. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing. This isn’t about ability. It’s about trying to find consistency in an environment that’s completely different from what he’s used to.
And that’s what makes what the Minnesota Twins are doing stand out even more. They’ve clearly found that rhythm. They’re not just hot, they’re controlled. They’re taking pitches, getting on base, and then doing damage when they get something to hit. The power you’re seeing isn’t random, it’s coming from winning at bats first. When you watch them, the difference is obvious. There’s a plan, there’s patience, and there’s a level of consistency that a lot of teams just don’t have right now.
That contrast shows up again with the Yankees, where the issue isn’t rhythm at the plate, it’s how the roster is being used. Aaron Boone says one thing publicly, but the way at bats are actually being handed out tells a different story. It’s a roster construction issue that’s already bleeding into decision making, and you can feel the frustration building because it’s not really about performance. It’s about how the pieces fit together, or in this case, how they don’t.
On the mound, that same idea of control and consistency shows up in the most extreme way with Mason Miller and the San Diego Padres. This isn’t just a good stretch. It looks unfair. Late innings don’t feel competitive. Hitters aren’t adjusting because there isn’t really anything to adjust to. At this point, there’s no reason to complicate it. This is exactly what he should be doing, and it’s exactly how he should be used.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a different kind of approach with Edwin Díaz, and it still ties back to the same idea. It’s about being intentional. He hasn’t faced his former team yet, not because of the moment, but because they’re trying to get him right. The velocity isn’t quite there, so instead of forcing it, they’re building him back up. It’s a reminder that early in the season, some teams are reacting while others are thinking a step ahead.
Detroit fits into that second group. The Detroit Tigers didn’t wait. They made a decision early on their young core and committed to it. It’s a bet on traits that tend to hold over time, and it tells you exactly how they see their future. They’re not reacting to what’s happening now, they’re planning for what they believe this is going to become.
Across the league, you’re starting to see which pitchers are bringing that same level of stability, and guys like Jeffrey Springs are a good example of it. He’s not overpowering hitters, but he’s consistent, efficient, and reliable. And right now, that might matter just as much as anything else.
That’s really what this episode comes back to. It’s not just who’s winning or losing. It’s who has a plan, who’s adjusting, and who’s still trying to figure it out. And even this early, you can start to see that gap forming.
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