Derek VanRiper shares the changes coming to The Athletic's fantasy baseball podcasts for the 2023 season. Join us in the expanding Rates & Barrels feeds using the links below, or wherever you enjoy podcasts! Apple: bit.ly/AppleRandB Spotify: bit.ly/SpotifyRandB YouTube: bit.ly/YTRandB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Aaron Judge's return to the Bronx with a nine-year deal that paves the way for him to remain a career Yankee, the frenzy of activity around this year's Winter Meetings, how varying front-office strategies, like varying fantasy baseball strategies, make the game more fun, whether a five-year deal for Jacob deGrom should make us more confident in his chances of a healthy season in 2023, several mid-round values in early drafts, and an important update about the show.  Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @D ..read more

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a variety of topics including a potential late-season loophole in keeper leagues, a pair of rapidly-rising pitchers in the minors, trying to navigate the final days of the season while chasing a championship, Josh Jung, and staying patient with CJ Abrams.  Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

DVR and Al share their takeaways from the 2022 fantasy baseball season. The steady stream of prospect promotions was one of the distinguishing features of this season, and DVR and Al consider whether this is now a lasting part of baseball's landscape, and they focus on some surprisingly impactful rookies, including Vinnie Pasquantino and Spencer Strider. They also discuss how they view this season's scarcity of players with 20-plus saves and 20-plus homers, and how they plan to approach drafting for steals in 2023 drafts. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchior ..read more

For the last time during the 2022 season, DVR and Al take a look at the waiver wire options for the coming weekend. They discuss how much recent callups Ezequiel Tovar and Jordan Diaz could help fantasy managers, and they consider the types of leagues where Harrison Bader, Carlos Santana, Taylor Ward and Nate Eaton are worth adding. Luis Ortiz, Drey Jameson, Hayden Wesneski and Cody Morris are among the starting pitchers discussed, and DVR and Al then consider whether there are still any relievers worth adding for the final scoring period. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Tw ..read more

DVR and Al take a look at the hitters who had the largest year-to-year increases and decreases in their barrel rates. Among the top risers discussed are Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Christian Walker, while Ronald Acuña Jr., George Springer, Tyler O'Neill and Avisaíl García are some of the fallers considered. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathletic.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

DVR and Al break down the FAB options on this penultimate waiver wire episode. They discuss recent callups Josh Jung and Mark Vientos, as well as the Rockies' possible callup for Ezequiel Tovar. They also discuss Elvis Andrus' remarkable comeback and several outfielders and catchers who may still be free agents. Brayan Bello, Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson are among the free agent pitching options, and DVR and Al also consider some starters in the Orioles' and Cubs' rotations. They finish up with an update on the Rays' and Marlins' closer situations. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow ..read more

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss rebelling relievers, George Washington taking the side of Mark Kotsay, growing excitement for the playoffs, Michael Harris II's soaring stock, tightly clustered wins, the growing case for working with a co-manager, and another gem from D-backs rookie Ryne Nelson.  Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ..read more

DVR and Al look into the hitters who saw the largest surges and drops in their strikeout rates from 2021, and they see if those changes could make any difference in their 2023 fantasy value. Among the strikeout rate fallers discussed are Taylor Trammell, Javier Báez, Alec Bohm and Josh Rojas, while Jo Adell, Trevor Story, Matt Olson and Byron Buxton are some of the strikeout risers considered. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathletic.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Learn more about your ad choices ..read more

DVR and Al discuss where fantasy managers should add a pair of Rangers callups -- top prospect Josh Jung and 24-year-old catcher Sam Huff. They also talk about Triston Casas' fantasy appeal, the chances for a rebound from Yoán Moncada and Mets hitters who could benefit from a favorable schedule. They consider the streaming and longer-term appeal of rookie pitchers Hunter Brown, Cody Morris and Ryne Nelson and how to approach Bailey Falter's upcoming two-start week. Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: fantasypods@theathletic.com Subscribe to our ..read more