Episode 182 of Tablesetters is live! Pete Alonso’s controversial foul ball has the Orioles questioning MLB’s replay technology, Kyle Tucker’s first season with the Dodgers has turned into a disaster, Ketel Marte has landed on the restricted list and the Mariners are calling up top pitching prospect Kade Anderson. We break down the Alonso controversy after his potential go ahead 410 foot home run was ruled foul and the call stood after replay, raising questions about whether MLB needs better technology around the foul poles. We also examine Tucker’s struggles after signing a four year, $240 million contract with Los Angeles, including his .232 average, 11 home runs, .695 OPS, 0 for 25 stretch, defensive issues and enormous home road splits. We get into the uncertainty surrounding Marte after he failed to show up for Arizona’s game in Boston and was placed on the restricted list while also dealing with a left knee issue. In Seattle, Anderson is heading directly from Double A to the rotation after going 10 and 1 with a 1.06 ERA, 135 strikeouts and just 13 walks in 93⅓ innings. In Take the Pitch or Swing Away, we discuss Joshua Báez becoming the first player in MLB history to homer in each of his first three Major League at bats, where his historic debut belongs among the greatest ever, Aaron Nola’s recent turnaround with Philadelphia, Kevin McGonigle moving beyond the Rookie of the Year conversation and into the AL MVP discussion, and the NL Rookie of the Year race between Sal Stewart, JJ Wetherholt and Carson Benge, including Stewart’s offensive production and Wetherholt’s massive defensive advantage. Plus, Red Hot Ice Cold. 🎧 Listen to Episode 182 now. 👍 Like the episode. 📌 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod

Welcome to Episode 181 of Tablesetters! The trade deadline is behind us, but the baseball conversation is only getting more interesting as August starts separating the contenders from the teams beginning to run out of time. We begin with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have suddenly lost eight of their last nine games and 15 of their last 24. Despite sitting at 70-48 and adding Tarik Skubal at the deadline, the Dodgers have shown some legitimate cracks. We break down an offense that has fallen to a 93 wRC+ since July 1, their struggles against fastballs, the recent production from Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernández, and whether Edwin Díaz's 10.80 ERA and 2.50 WHIP should create real concern about the bullpen. From there, we revisit the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline one week later. The Dodgers remain our biggest winner after landing Skubal, but San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Toronto and several others made moves that could reshape October. We also look at the teams that left us wanting more, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Texas, Milwaukee and the Yankees. Then we get into what has become a legitimate NL MVP debate between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani. PCA has 26 home runs, 30 stolen bases, a 155 wRC+ and 8.0 WAR while providing elite defense and baserunning. Ohtani continues producing elite offense and also gave the Dodgers 85.2 innings with a 1.79 ERA before his injury. Has PCA actually done enough to take the MVP away from Ohtani? Plus: George Lombard Jr. or Kaelen Culpepper: Which young shortstop ultimately has the better career?• Take a Pitch or Swing Away: Are the Red Sox the most dangerous team in the American League?• Are the Mariners and Pirates officially finished?• Who's Hot and Who's Cold around baseball• Postseason implications headline Coming Around 3rd We close by looking ahead to a weekend that could tell us plenty about the American League playoff picture, particularly for a Seattle team sitting seven games under .500 but somehow still within striking distance of the AL West. Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for bonus content, updates and more. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join us every week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

The Mariners entered 2026 with World Series expectations after reaching Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last season. Instead, they've spent much of the year searching for answers. Despite an inconsistent first four months, Seattle remains firmly in the American League playoff race with the trade deadline quickly approaching. On Episode 180 of Tablesetters, we welcome back Brady Farkas, host of the Refuse to Lose Mariners podcast and writer for Roundtable Sports. Brady first joined us on Episode 39 in November 2024 and returned on Episode 105 during Seattle's division race last season. Now, he becomes the first three-time guest in Tablesetters history as we dive into one of baseball's most fascinating teams. From Jerry Dipoto's deadline plans and the futures of Randy Arozarena, Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock to the regression of Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, Brady breaks down where the Mariners stand, what's gone wrong in 2026 and whether this club still has what it takes to make a postseason run. We also discuss the organization's offensive philosophy, Dominic Canzone's emergence, Dan Wilson's future, clubhouse culture, the strength of Seattle's farm system led by Kade Anderson, Ryan Sloan and Laz Montes, and why Jimothy has become one of the best stories in baseball. If you're a Mariners fan or simply love trade deadline conversations and playoff races, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow us on Instagram and X @Tablesetterspod for bonus content, updates and more. Subscribe and join us every week because at TableSetters, the stories shape the season.

Welcome to Episode 179 of Tablesetters! Today's guest is DiNardo of North Shore Nine, one of the most respected independent voices covering the Pittsburgh Pirates. We first welcomed DiNardo back on Episode 44 in December 2024, and with Pittsburgh sitting right in the middle of the National League Wild Card race as the trade deadline approaches, there was no better time to catch up. For nearly a decade, Anthony has helped grow North Shore Nine from a fan blog into one of the premier destinations for Pirates coverage, featuring podcasts, postgame shows, prospect analysis, videos and in-depth reporting. We begin by looking back on North Shore Nine's recent 10-year anniversary before turning our attention to one of baseball's biggest surprise teams. We discuss how the Pirates have transformed last year's lowest-scoring offense into one of the best in baseball, leading the majors in hits while ranking among the National League leaders in runs scored, RBI, batting average and home runs. We also examine whether seven blown late leads are the only thing standing between Pittsburgh and a playoff spot, or if they expose larger roster issues that still need to be addressed. From there, we dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the club, including Ben Cherington's deadline strategy, reports surrounding payroll, the possibility of listening to offers for Oneil Cruz, and why the bullpen remains the organization's biggest priority as the stretch run begins. Plus: North Shore Nine's 10-year anniversary and how the platform has evolved Esmerlyn Valdez's remarkable breakout and whether he's becoming a long-term cornerstone The impact of Konnor Griffin's injury and why reinforcements could still be on the way Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler and the outlook for Pittsburgh's rotation Jacob Gonzalez, Spencer Horwitz, Tyler Callihan and the organization's ability to continue developing internal contributors Don Kelly's impact on the clubhouse and why this Pirates team feels different from recent seasons What this season has revealed about the direction of the franchise and whether expectations have permanently changed Before we wrap up, DiNardo reflects on what's next for North Shore Nine, shares his outlook on the trade deadline and gives his prediction for how the Pirates' postseason chase will unfold. Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for bonus content, updates and more. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join us every week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Episode 178 of Tablesetters is LIVE! The MLB Trade Deadline rumor mill is in overdrive, and it's time for Mock Trade Palooza. Every contender is searching for the missing piece. Every seller is weighing its future. Across baseball, insiders, analysts and fans are proposing blockbuster deals that could reshape the pennant race, but which ones actually have a chance of happening? In this episode, we react to some of the most fascinating mock trades making the rounds across the baseball world. Using proposals from MLB insiders, national writers, analysts and baseball fans on social media, we break down which deals are grounded in reality, which teams should seriously consider pulling the trigger and which ideas simply are not happening. Along the way, we discuss the biggest buyers and sellers, examine how prospect value, years of team control, payroll flexibility, organizational direction and division rivalries shape negotiations, and debate which clubs are best positioned to make the boldest moves before the deadline. We also compare insider predictions with fan created trade packages, highlighting where public opinion matches industry thinking and where it completely misses the mark. Some proposals feel surprisingly realistic. Others would send shockwaves across baseball if they ever became more than just an idea. If you have been following every rumor, every report and every mock trade leading up to the deadline, this episode brings all of the biggest ideas together and gives our take on which scenarios could actually become reality. 🎧 Listen to Episode 178 now. 👍 Like the episode. 📌 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod

Welcome to Episode 177 of Tablesetters. The White Sox were baseball's biggest cautionary tale just one year ago. Today, they're tied atop the American League Central, fresh off selecting the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, and facing a question few expected to ask this quickly: has the rebuild already given way to a legitimate contender? To help answer that, we're joined by Josh Nelson of Sox Machine. As the host of the Sox Machine Podcast, a contributor to 670 The Score, and lead writer for SoxMachine.com, Josh has documented every step of Chicago's transformation, from a 121-loss season to one of the biggest surprises in baseball. In Episode 177, we examine:• The origins of Sox Machine and how it became one of the most respected independent voices covering the White Sox• Why the White Sox believed Roch Cholowsky was the best player in the 2026 MLB Draft, and what his arrival could ultimately mean for Colson Montgomery and the rest of Chicago's infield• The organizational philosophy behind one of the draft's most celebrated classes, including the additions of Landon Thome, Cole Prosek, Joey Volchko, and more• The Jacob Gonzalez trade, why the White Sox were willing to move a recent first-round pick, and how acquiring the 34th overall selection reshaped their draft strategy• Whether Munetaka Murakami has already become one of the franchise's most impactful free-agent signings and why Chicago may have found its next cornerstone• Miguel Vargas' remarkable reinvention from struggling after the 2024 trade to becoming an All-Star, and what deserves the most credit for one of baseball's best breakout stories• Whether Vargas, Murakami, and Colson Montgomery represent the offensive foundation capable of carrying the White Sox for years to come• How Chicago went from 102 losses to the top of the AL Central in just one season, and whether the underlying numbers suggest this turnaround is built to last• Why the White Sox have become nearly unbeatable at Rate Field while continuing to search for consistency away from home• Sean Burke's emergence, his place among the American League's most improved pitchers, and whether the White Sox have finally developed their next frontline starter• The biggest trade deadline decisions facing Chris Getz and whether adding talent now is worth accelerating the organization's timeline• Whether the White Sox have officially crossed the line from rebuilding club to postseason expectation, where anything less than October baseball would feel like a missed opportunity From draft room decisions to clubhouse culture, roster construction to playoff expectations, Josh offers an inside look at one of the most fascinating stories unfolding across Major League Baseball. Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe, share, and join us every week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Episode 176 of Tablesetters is LIVE! The 2026 MLB All-Star Game has arrived, and we're breaking down everything surrounding baseball's biggest week. We kick things off with our 2026 MLB All-Star Draft Challenge, where every All-Star has been assigned a value based on fWAR. Position players are divided into five pricing tiers, while starting pitchers and relief pitchers each have their own tiered salary structure. With a limited budget, we build our ultimate All-Star rosters, debate the biggest bargains, identify the toughest roster decisions, and see who can assemble the best team. From there, we break down the official American League and National League starting lineups, discussing the players who earned the honor, the biggest surprises, and whether the fans got it right. Next, we preview the 2026 Home Run Derby, looking at the field, our favorites to win, potential dark horses, and which sluggers are built to put on a show under the bright lights. Plus, we wrap up the episode by looking at the biggest storylines from the first half of the season, discussing which teams have positioned themselves for a strong second-half run and what we're watching most closely as baseball heads into the unofficial second half. 🎧 Listen to Episode 176 now👍 Like the episode📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod

Welcome to Episode 175 of Tablesetters. This week, we’re joined by Jonathan Mayo, senior prospect writer for MLB Pipeline and MLB.com and one of baseball’s foremost experts on prospects and the MLB Draft. With the draft approaching, Jonathan helps us break down the race for the No. 1 overall pick, why Grady Emerson recently climbed to the top of MLB Pipeline’s rankings over Roch Cholowsky, and which top prospects could surprise everyone on draft day. In this episode, we discuss: • The battle for the No. 1 pick and the top of the draft class • Eli Willits, Kade Anderson, and Seth Hernández one year after the 2025 Draft • Which players from this year’s class could become Top 10 prospects by next season • Sleepers and post-hype prospects to watch • MLB’s proposed draft changes and the international draft debate • Theo Gillen, Jonah Tong, and the latest Top 100 Prospects update • Building the ultimate prospect by choosing the best speed, hit tool, power, glove, and arm Whether you’re a draft fanatic or simply love following baseball’s next generation, this episode is packed with insight from one of the most respected voices in the game. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe, share, and join us each week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Episode 174 of Tablesetters is LIVE! We kick things off with one of baseball's most recognizable annual traditions: Bobby Bonilla Day. Is it still the ultimate punchline for the Mets, or has deferred money become so common throughout baseball that the joke doesn't carry the same weight anymore? We revisit the famous contract, compare it to today's deferred deals, and discuss why Bobby Bonilla Day feels more like a baseball tradition than an annual dunk on the Mets. From there, we head to the Bronx, where the Yankees have officially hit rock bottom. After dropping seven consecutive games, their longest losing streak since 2023, we break down what's gone wrong, why Aaron Boone called it an "awful week," whether this is simply a cold stretch or a team that's pressing in every aspect of the game, and what needs to change before things get even worse. Next, we head to Tampa Bay, where Junior Caminero continues putting together one of the hottest stretches we've seen from a young hitter in years. The 22-year-old has homered in six consecutive games, becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to accomplish the feat while putting up numbers that continue to rewrite the record books. We discuss just how special this run has become and what it means as he prepares for the Home Run Derby. We also head to Cincinnati, where Hunter Greene is set to make his long-awaited season debut on the Fourth of July. With the Reds clinging to slim playoff hopes, we examine whether Greene's return comes at the perfect time, why the next two weeks could determine Cincinnati's deadline strategy, and whether the Reds have one last run left in them. Plus, the Angels have moved on from general manager Perry Minasian, immediately raising questions about the future of Mike Trout. Could a new front office finally lead to a conversation about waiving his no-trade clause, or will Trout remain committed to the only organization he's ever known? We discuss what's next for Los Angeles following another major organizational change. We also celebrate Dave Roberts becoming the fastest manager in Major League history to reach 1,000 career wins, discuss the White Sox securing back-to-back winning months for the first time since 2021, recap the Marlins' franchise-record 20-win June, and break down Dansby Swanson's unbelievable hot streak as he puts up Cubs numbers not seen since Sammy Sosa. 🎧 Listen to Episode 174 now👍 Like the episode📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod

Episode 173 of Tablesetters is LIVE! We begin with the Chicago Cubs, whose pitching staff continues to be hit by injury after injury. With more key arms landing on the injured list, we discuss what it means for one of baseball's contenders, whether help is on the way, and if the season is beginning to reach a critical point. From there, we head to Queens, where the Mets continue searching for answers. Despite confidence from the front office that there's still time to turn things around, we examine where New York stands, what's gone wrong, and whether this team can still get itself back into the postseason conversation. We also revisit one of baseball's biggest Hall of Fame debates. Kyle Schwarber continues to build one of the game's most unique résumés, but is it enough to earn a plaque in Cooperstown? We break down both sides of the argument and discuss what really defines a Hall of Fame career in today's game. Plus, Rafael Devers is speaking out following his on-field incident with the Giants, while one of baseball's most unexpected controversies has everyone talking after Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s now-infamous "Lollipop-Gate." We dive into both stories, the reactions surrounding them, and whether the attention each situation has received is justified. We also head back to Omaha to recap the Men's College World Series, where Oklahoma completed an unforgettable postseason run to capture the program's first national championship since 1994. We break down the biggest moments from the championship series, the standout performances, and what made the Sooners' run one of the best stories of the college baseball season. And of course, we wrap things up with another edition of Red Hot & Ice Cold, highlighting the hottest hitter and pitcher in baseball over the past two weeks, along with a pair of players looking to turn things around. 🎧 Listen to Episode 173 now 👍 Like the episode 📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop 🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod