Challenges for Balls & Strikes in ‘26, Rays Sale Approved, Mets & Tigers Collapse, Judge vs Raleigh, Trout’s 400th, Kershaw’s Farewell, & NFL-to-MLB Crossovers | 106

Welcome to Episode 106 of Tablesetters. Steve and Devin break down a week where baseball’s future, present, and past all collided. MLB has approved a challenge system for balls and strikes beginning in 2026, officially bringing robo-umps into the big leagues in a way that could change strategy and pacing forever. At the ownership level, the Rays sale was approved, ending the Sternberg era but leaving all the familiar ballpark questions behind.

On the field, collapses define September. The Mets’ fade feels like history repeating itself, while the Tigers are flirting with a collapse of historic proportions. Meanwhile, the AL MVP race has turned into a showdown: Judge’s all-around dominance vs. Raleigh’s power surge and pursuit of 60 homers.

It was also a week of milestones and goodbyes as Mike Trout hit his 400th career homer, Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement after 18 seasons, and the first wave of teams punched postseason tickets.

And for fun, we ask: if NFL stars had MLB equivalents, who matches the power, disruption, and impact we see every Sunday?

Episode 106 is about the changing shape of the game, the weight of September, and the legends who still define baseball’s story.