DVR is joined by Clay Link, RotoWire's Senior MLB Editor to discuss takeaways from the season so far and a few potential weekend waiver-wire targets. Plus, Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah is back to talk trad and considerations in ottoneu and keeper leagues, before a brief foray into 'not dogs'.

Rundown

2:44 Takeaways From the 2025 Season So Far

7:55 News & Notes: Connor Norby, Shane Bieber & Dane Dunning

20:34 One Pitcher You're Banking on for Second-Half Rebound

27:51 Top 10 Position Players So Far (FanGraphs Player Rater)

34:56 Zebby Matthews: Progressing in Rehab Assignment

38:25 Andrew Painter: Still a Good Redraft Stash?

41:57 Players You Like Despite Shaky Projections

45:30 Angel Martínez: Significant Role in Cleveland

50:07 Yanquiel Fernández: Enough PT for Deep Leagues?

56:51 Senior Hot Dog Correspondent Niv Shah Joins the Show!

57:21 Trading Away Pricey Stars in Keeper Leagues

1:23:01 'Not Dogs' Hot Dog Bowls, and Half Smokes?

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Niv on Bluesky: @ottoneu.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Host: Derek VanRiper

Guests: Clay Link & Niv Shah

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 Takeaways, Weekend Waiver Targets & Pricey Stars in Keeper Leagues

Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball