Is Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming for Shohei Ohtani’s NL MVP?

2026-08-18

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Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a serious push in the National League MVP race. After another huge night for the Chicago Cubs — including two home runs and a walk-off blast against the White Sox — PCA now has back-to-back 30/30 seasons and has put himself squarely into the NL MVP conversation with Shohei Ohtani.DVR and Eno break down PCA's remarkable surge and how dramatically his outlook has changed. Since June 2, PCA has hit 23 home runs with 19 stolen bases and a 197 wRC+ — the best mark among all MLB hitte...

DVR and Eno break down PCA's remarkable surge and how dramatically his outlook has changed. Since June 2, PCA has hit 23 home runs with 19 stolen bases and a 197 wRC+ — the best mark among all MLB hitters during that span. Has Pete Crow-Armstrong reached another level, and can he really challenge Ohtani for the 2026 NL MVP Award?

Plus, the guys discuss the strange situation surrounding Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks. DVR and Eno examine what we know, the apparent communication breakdown between Marte and the D-backs, and whether the situation could eventually impact his future in Arizona.

There is also significant injury news for the New York Yankees, as Max Fried returns to the injured list with an elbow bone bruise just as Carlos Rodón returns to the Yankees rotation. What should New York expect from Rodón down the stretch, and how concerning is Fried's recurring elbow issue as the Yankees prepare for a potential postseason run?

Then, The Athletic's Chandler Rome joins the show for a deep dive on the Houston Astros and the AL West race. The Astros have surged to the top of the division despite a season filled with pitching injuries. The group examines Hunter Brown's command, Houston's pitching development, its uncertain postseason rotation and whether the lineup around its biggest stars is deep enough for October.

On the National League side, The Athletic's Dennis Lin joins the show to break down the San Diego Padres' playoff push. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill have helped revive the Padres' offense as San Diego attempts to hold onto an NL Wild Card spot.

Finally, the guys break down a wild Padres night on the bases and one important lesson: do not run on Carson Benge. After San Diego repeatedly challenged Benge's arm, DVR and Eno look at MLB's strongest outfield arms and how baserunning decisions can swing games during a tight playoff race.

Rates & Barrels with Derek Van Riper and Eno Sarris delivers MLB analysis, advanced baseball metrics, fantasy baseball insight, player development, prospects and the biggest stories from around Major League Baseball.

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Contributors: Chandler Rome & Dennis Lin

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