What are the Brewers' 2027 Plans: Contreras, Ashby & Free Agency | Rays Fallout, MLB Awards

From Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball The Athletic

The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions. Now comes the challenge of defending their title.

Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris look ahead to the Brewers' 2027 season, examining William Contreras' future in Milwaukee, Aaron Ashby's potential move to the starting rotation and the offseason decisions facing the reigning World Series champions.

Could Milwaukee bring back its championship core? What happens with Brandon Woodruff, JoJo Romero and Jake Bauers? And how will one of baseball's strongest farm systems help the Brewers build another contender?

Plus, Closing the Tab on the Tampa Bay Rays. After a remarkable 2026 season ended in a World Series loss, DVR and Eno examine Tampa Bay's offensive limitations, pitching depth and potential offseason upgrades.

Finally, it's the Performance Review, sponsored by Sage. The guys make their 2026 MLB awards picks, including Yordan Alvarez vs. Bobby Witt Jr. for AL MVP, Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic NL MVP campaign and the Cy Young cases for Cam Schlittler and Jacob Misiorowski.

02:05 – Brewers World Series Afterglow

02:59 – Milwaukee Prepares for Its Championship Parade

07:25 – An Incredible Brewers Fan Story

09:29 – What's Next for the Brewers in 2027?

11:22 – William Contreras' Future in Milwaukee

15:10 – Contreras' Development and Long-Term Role

16:44 – Brandon Woodruff's Future

20:31 – Milwaukee's Farm System and Pitching Depth

24:24 – Could Aaron Ashby Return to the Rotation?

25:36 – JoJo Romero's Free Agency and Bullpen Decisions

26:48 – Pat Murphy's Message to Jake Bauers

30:14 – Closing the Tab: Tampa Bay Rays

31:29 – Tampa Bay's Offensive Limitations

32:40 – How Will New Ownership Shape the Rays?

36:51 – Tampa Bay's Pitching and Contract Decisions

39:01 – Potential Rays Trades and Roster Upgrades

42:21 – Performance Review: 2026 MLB Awards

42:45 – AL MVP: Yordan Alvarez vs. Bobby Witt Jr.

44:19 – NL MVP: Pete Crow-Armstrong's Historic Season

46:50 – AL & NL Cy Young Award Predictions

49:32 – What's Coming Next on Rates & Barrels?

Every weekday, Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris explore Major League Baseball through analytics, player development, roster construction and the latest news from around the league.

Hosted by Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris

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