Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

Juan Soto’s $765MM Deal with the New York Mets, Record-Breaking Numbers, Opt-Out Details & More | 45

Welcome to Episode 45 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve are here to break down the deal that has sent shockwaves through baseball: Juan Soto’s record-shattering 15-year, $765MM contract with the New York Mets. In a move that will be talked about for decades, the Mets have outbid the Yankees and Red Sox to secure one of the game’s most transcendent hitters, forever changing the course of their franchise. We dive deep into the stunning details of the deal—no deferrals, a massive $75MM signing bonus, and the unique opt-out clause that could push this contract to an unprecedented $805MM. How did Steve Cohen’s Mets pull this off, and what went wrong for the Yankees, who let Soto slip away after he helped lead them to an AL pennant? For a franchise that has spent years chasing its next title, losing out on Soto may be a bitter pill to swallow, and we explore what this means for the Yankees' future plans. But this moment is about Soto’s greatness—a generational hitter whose elite plate discipline and all-around excellence make him a once-in-a-lifetime talent. At just 26 years old, Soto’s already legendary career enters its prime in Queens, where he joins Francisco Lindor to form a lineup that could rival the league’s very best. Is this the Mets’ version of Soto and Judge 2.0, and can this duo push New York’s other team to its first title since 1986? We also look ahead: the Mets aren’t done yet. With questions surrounding Pete Alonso’s free agency, needs in the starting rotation, and a bullpen to address, Steve Cohen’s war chest is still open for business. What happens next, and how does the rest of the league—especially the Yankees—respond to this monumental shift in power? It’s a franchise-altering deal, a crushing blow for their crosstown rivals, and the beginning of a new era for the Mets. Don’t miss this can’t-miss emergency episode. Follow us for exclusive content, breaking updates, and more:
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Guest: Anthony DiNardo (North Shore Nine Podcast) | Pirates Offseason Plans, Rotation Talk, O'Neill Cruz's Transition to CF, & the Future of Bryan Reynolds | 44

Welcome to Episode 44 of Tablesetters, your go-to podcast for all things baseball! Hosts Devin and Steve are thrilled to be joined by Anthony DiNardo, lifelong Pirates fan and host of the North Shore Nine podcast, for a deep dive into the latest developments surrounding Pittsburgh baseball.
In this episode, we break down the non-tendering of Bryan de la Cruz and Connor Joe, the Pirates' promising pitching rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones, and the future of O'Neill Cruz as he transitions to center field. We also discuss Bryan Reynolds' rumored move to first base, the crowded catcher situation with Henry Davis, Joey Bart, and Endy Rodríguez, and the potential impact of recent roster decisions on the team's future. Plus, Anthony shares his take on the growing calls for Bob Nutting to sell the team.
Join us for an insightful conversation on what the Pirates need to do in the offseason to compete for the division and take the next step toward playoff contention in 2025.
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MLB’s Golden At-Bat Rule, Blake Snell’s Dodgers Deal & Rays Stadium Uncertainty, Soto’s Free Agency & More | 43

Welcome to Episode 43 of Tablesetters! Devin and Steve kick things off with MLB’s new Golden At-Bat rule proposal, which could radically change the game’s strategy. This potential rule allows teams to bring up a batter of their choosing in key moments, even if that player isn’t due up yet—would this be a benefit to shake up late-game scenarios? We also dive into Blake Snell’s massive new deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cy Young winner has signed a five-year, $182 million contract, adding major firepower to the Dodgers’ already impressive rotation. What does this mean for LA’s World Series repeat hopes? Next, we take a close look at the ongoing stadium saga for the Tampa Bay Rays. After the team’s latest letter to Pinellas County, could the Rays be on the brink of leaving Tampa Bay? We break down the situation and what this uncertainty means for the team’s future. Plus, we cover the latest on Juan Soto’s free agency, with several major teams still vying for his services, and the Mets’ addition of Frankie Montas to their pitching staff as they continue to build for 2025. All that and more in this packed episode—don’t miss out! Follow us for exclusive content: 📸 Instagram: @TablesettersPod 🐦 Twitter: @TablesettersPod

Red Sox Push for Soto | Blind Rankings: Worst Trade Hypotheticals | Kikuchi to Angels | Royals-Reds Trade | 42

Welcome to Episode 42 of Tablesetters! Before we dive in, a quick note: this episode was recorded before Blake Snell signed a 5-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers on Tuesday night, so we’ll save our thoughts on that blockbuster for next time!
This week, Devin and Steve break down the Red Sox’s aggressive offseason plans. Boston is making a strong push for Juan Soto, while also targeting top free agents like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, and considering a potential infield shuffle with Willy Adames. The Sox are serious about competing in 2025, but will Soto be their cornerstone? Devin has fun with the drama, pointing out how Soto is trolling the baseball world with cryptic moves.
We then dive into a major trade between the Royals and Reds, with Kansas City sending Brady Singer to Cincinnati for Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer. The Reds strengthen their rotation, while the Royals get two young, versatile players to help fuel their rebuild. We also discuss the Angels' signing of Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million deal, hoping the lefty can stabilize their rotation for a 2025 playoff push.
In other news, we look at notable non-tenders like Dylan Carlson and Nick Madrigal, who could be looking for fresh opportunities. Meanwhile, Walker Buehler turns down interest from the A’s, citing concerns over their temporary home in Sacramento.
We also talk about KBO star Hyeseong Kim, who’s set to enter the MLB market via the posting system, drawing attention for his elite contact skills, speed, and defense.
For a fun twist, Devin and Steve tackle some of the worst trade ideas they've seen on Twitter in this week's Blind Rankings. And speaking of wild ideas, we discuss whether the 4th of July could become baseball’s version of Thanksgiving—an annual tradition to make baseball the go-to sport for America’s birthday.
Plus, we answer mailbag questions on budget free agents and when the first domino of the offseason will fall, and reflect on what we’re thankful for in the baseball world this year.
Don’t miss this jam-packed episode—grab your headphones and join the conversation!
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Guest: Chase Solesky (Washington Nationals Prospect), AFL Success, Harrisburg Reflections, Pitching Labs, & 2025 Goals | 41

Welcome to Episode 41 of Tablesetters, your ultimate destination for all things baseball! Hosts Devin and Steve are back with an exciting episode featuring a can’t-miss guest: Chase Solesky, a rising star on the mound and one of the top prospects in the Washington Nationals system.
Chase joins us fresh off a dominant showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he fanned 20 batters while issuing just one walk in six appearances, all while helping his team secure the AFL Championship. We break down his incredible performance, how he thrived against elite competition, and what it meant to earn a spot on the AFL All-Star team.
Looking back on Chase’s standout 2024 season with the AA Harrisburg Senators, we explore his 3.02 ERA over 17 games, the impact of working under manager Delino DeShields, and his seamless transition into the Nationals’ system after leaving the White Sox. Chase also opens up about his time in the Atlantic League and how it fueled his impressive comeback.
We dive deeper into Chase’s remarkable journey, from the highs of AAA Charlotte to the challenges of independent ball and his relentless drive to keep pushing after being released in 2023. Chase shares eye-opening insights into the Nationals’ pitching philosophy, his experiences with cutting-edge pitching labs, and his thoughts on the surge of elbow injuries plaguing pitchers today.
Before wrapping up, we hear about Chase’s goals for the 2025 season, including sharpening his pitches and preparing for the next big step in his career. And just for fun, we squeeze in a quick question about his alma mater, Tulane, and their potential shot at the college football playoffs.
This episode is packed with inspiration, in-depth analysis, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of baseball’s brightest young talents. Tune in now—you won’t want to miss it!
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Blind Rankings: Ballparks/Free Agents & Tag Teamin’ Stars, 2025 Hall of Fame Ballot, Skenes & Gil Win ROY, Burnes & Soto Rumors | 40

Welcome to Episode 40 of Tablesetters!   This week, Devin and Steve bring their baseball smarts to the forefront with a thrilling game of Blind Rankings. From ranking free agents with randomly assigned ballparks to creating dynamic MLB “tag teams,” this segment is a wild ride packed with unpredictability, quick thinking, and plenty of laughs. Think you’ve got better rankings in mind? Tune in and see if you can outsmart our hosts!   Before diving into the ranking madness, we kick things off with our self-imposed 10-minute pitch clock to cover the hottest topics around the league. Leading the charge is the newly announced 2025 Hall of Fame ballot, with first-time candidates Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Dustin Pedroia stealing the spotlight. And as Billy Wagner enters his final year on the ballot, we ask the big question: Is this the year he punches his ticket to Cooperstown?   We also celebrate the 2024 Rookie of the Year winners, Paul Skenes and Luis Gil, and discuss their incredible seasons. Skenes’ historic debut with the Pirates and Gil’s emergence in the Yankees’ rotation have set the stage for bright futures in the big leagues.   On the free agency front, the buzz around Corbin Burnes and Juan Soto is heating up. The Orioles and Dodgers are reportedly leading the race for Burnes, but could another team make a surprise move? Meanwhile, Soto’s potential suitors now include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Dodgers, and even the Mets, who are said to be planning an aggressive pursuit. Will his destination be decided by fit, money, or an unexpected twist?   To wrap up the news, we break down trade rumors, like the Royals and Reds discussing a Brady Singer-for-Jonathan India swap, and surprising moves, such as the Mets acquiring Jose Siri and the Cubs designating Adbert Alzolay for assignment. We also weigh in on Minute Maid Park’s rebranding to Daikin Field and the growing uncertainty around the Rays’ stadium deal.   Whether you’re here for Hall of Fame debates, rookie reflections, or free agency drama, this episode has something for every baseball fan. Don’t miss out—grab your headphones and join the conversation!   Follow us for exclusive content and updates:
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Guest: Brady Farkas (Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation, Refuse to Lose- a Seattle Mariners Podcast), Mariners 2025 Outlook, Cal Raleigh’s Future, Pitching Trades, & Offseason Moves | 39

Welcome back to Tablesetters, your ultimate destination for all things baseball! Steve and Devin are here, and we’ve got a fantastic guest joining us for today’s episode. We’re thrilled to welcome Brady Farkas, a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation, the host of The Brady Farkas Show, and the voice behind the Refuse to Lose Mariners Podcast. With nearly a decade of experience in sports talk radio and a deep understanding of the game, Brady is here to give us the inside scoop on the Seattle Mariners heading into the 2025 season. In this episode, we dive into a range of topics about the Mariners and their future. We start by hearing about Brady’s background—what led him to podcasting and writing about the Mariners, and how his experience in sports talk radio has shaped his coverage of the team. We also reflect on the Mariners’ 2024 season, including their impressive lead over the Astros and what ultimately went wrong during that stretch. The Mariners made a major managerial change in August, parting ways with Scott Servais and bringing in Dan Wilson. Brady shares his thoughts on whether it was the right time for a change and what Wilson brings to the table. We also talk about one of the team’s shining stars, Cal Raleigh, and whether there’s a chance the Mariners extend him before his arbitration years come to an end. From there, we dive into the Mariners’ pitching staff, which has long been the strength of the team. Brady gives his take on whether the Mariners should consider trading a pitcher for offensive help, and which pitcher in the rotation has the highest ceiling. We also discuss Jerry DiPoto’s tenure as GM, and whether the team’s direction is sustainable heading into 2025. Looking ahead to the offseason, Brady shares his ideal moves for the Mariners and some realistic predictions for what they’ll actually do. We also talk about some of the under-the-radar prospects who could make a surprise impact in the near future, and what’s next for Julio Rodríguez as he looks to bounce back. Finally, we take a look at the AL West and the Mariners’ chances of winning the division in 2025, as well as the ongoing discussions around Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki. Brady wraps up by sharing his hopes and expectations for the Mariners in the coming seasons. This is one episode you won’t want to miss, so grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful conversation with Brady Farkas. It’s all here, on Tablesetters—where every inning tells a story, and every pitch sets the stage for baseball’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!

Roki Sasaki to Be Posted, Boone Returns, Soto’s Next Move, & Trade Rumors Heating Up | 38

Welcome back to Tablesetters, your go-to spot for all things baseball. Steve and Devin are here to break down the latest happenings in the MLB world, and there’s a lot to talk about! First up, Aaron Boone’s sticking around for the 2025 season after the Yankees picked up his option. Boone’s been at the helm for seven seasons now, leading the team to the postseason six times. GM Brian Cashman’s all in on him, and Boone’s ready to get back to work. We’ll hear from him in a press conference on Monday to get his take on the upcoming year. Switching gears to the offseason, the Yankees are about to sit down with Juan Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, for an in-person meeting. The Yankees and Mets are both hot on Soto’s trail, but there are many other teams in the mix too. Soto’s one of the biggest free-agent names out there, and his decision will make waves. Nolan Arenado is also popping up in trade rumors. The Cardinals might move the 10-time Gold Glover if he agrees to waive his no-trade clause, and the Yankees could be a landing spot. Sure, Arenado didn’t have his best offensive season in 2024, but he’s still an elite defender, and the Yankees could use that. Out in Boston, the Red Sox are looking at some big pitching moves. Instead of going after the top free agents, they’re eyeing a trade for a big-name starter, like Garrett Crochet from the White Sox. With a strong farm system, they’ve got the pieces to make it happen. Meanwhile, the Reds are in a tough spot financially. With Bally Sports’ bankruptcy looming, they’re losing a chunk of revenue and might be forced to cut back on player spending for 2025. It could make for a tricky offseason in Cincinnati. And in Philly, there’s a big shakeup in the front office. Preston Mattingly, the son of former MLB star Don Mattingly, has been promoted to GM. He’ll be working alongside Sam Fuld, who’ll eventually transition to president of business operations in 2026 after finishing his MBA. That’s all for now! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @tablesetterspod for all the latest. Catch you next time on Tablesetters!

Guest: Keith Raad (New York Mets on WCBS 880), 2024 Highlights, Carlos Mendoza’s Leadership, Offseason Priorities, & Young Talent to Watch | 37

Welcome back to Tablesetters, your ultimate destination for all things baseball! Steve and Devin are here, and we’ve got a fantastic guest joining us for today’s episode. We’re thrilled to welcome Keith Raad, the play-by-play broadcaster for the New York Mets on WCBS 880. Keith works alongside Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose, bringing all the action and insights to Mets fans throughout the season. You can follow Keith on X @keith_raad and catch him live on the Mets' broadcast!
In this episode, we dive into a range of topics about the Mets and the 2024 season. We start by hearing about Keith's journey in baseball broadcasting—how he got started and what steps led him to his current role with the Mets. We also talk about his experience working alongside the legendary Howie Rose and the lessons he’s learned about calling a game and connecting with an audience.
The 2024 Mets have been one of the most talked-about teams this season, and rightfully so! From unforgettable moments to a unique clubhouse vibe, Keith shares his favorite highlight of the year and what made this Mets team stand out. We also discuss Carlos Mendoza, one of the rising stars in the managerial ranks, and what makes him such an effective leader.
Looking ahead, the Mets have a busy offseason. We get Keith’s take on whether Juan Soto should be their top target, or if other areas should take precedence in their plans. With several expiring contracts and potential roster changes, Keith breaks down which players might return in 2025 and how the team’s financial flexibility could play a role in bringing in new talent. We also dive into the Mets' promising young talent—players like Brett Baty, Ronnie Mauricio, and Francisco Álvarez—and what we can expect from them next season.
We discuss the possibility of Mark Vientos being locked up long-term, how the Mets could use their farm system for potential trades, and the future of Francisco Álvarez—especially as it relates to his offensive consistency and what adjustments might be in store.
To close, Keith reflects on the most rewarding part of his role with the Mets and what he hopes to bring to the passionate Mets fanbase in the years to come.
This is one episode you won’t want to miss, so grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful conversation with Keith Raad. It’s all here, on Tablesetters—where every inning tells a story, and every pitch sets the stage for baseball’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!

Yankees' Collapse & Dodgers' Triumph: Analyzing the World Series Finale & Offseason Outlook | 36

Welcome back to Tablesetters, your go-to podcast for all things baseball! Steve and Devin are here to recap the World Series, where the Dodgers pulled off an incredible comeback against the Yankees.
In Game 5, the Yankees started strong with a 5-0 lead and a 94 percent win probability. However, a series of critical mistakes allowed the Dodgers to tie the game. The Yankees’ struggles with fundamentals, which haunted them all postseason, ultimately cost them.
The Dodgers clinched the title with a stunning 7-6 victory, marking the first time a team has rallied from a 5-0 deficit in a World Series clincher. Freddie Freeman, named MVP, delivered clutch performances throughout the series, including key hits that propelled the Dodgers to victory. This championship is a significant milestone for the Dodgers, giving them their second title in five years and their eighth overall. After a challenging postseason where they nearly faced elimination against the Padres, they bounced back impressively, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Now, let’s talk about Juan Soto. After the tough loss, he lingered in the dugout, reflecting on his future with the Yankees. He expressed pride in what the team accomplished but confirmed he plans to test free agency. Soto’s exceptional season makes him one of the most sought-after players this offseason, and teams will be lining up to make a play for him. His decision will undoubtedly shake up the landscape of the league.
As the Yankees pivot to the offseason, they also face key decisions, including Gerrit Cole’s opt-out and Anthony Rizzo’s contract.
In other news, the Chicago White Sox have hired Will Venable as their new manager, signaling a fresh start for the team.
With the offseason ahead, there’s a lot to look forward to! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @tablesetterspod for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
So grab your popcorn and settle in as we spark the conversation right here on Tablesetters. Let’s play ball!