Best Ian Kahn Podcasts (2026)

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A Programming Update for 2023 1:20

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3y ago1:20

1:20

Derek VanRiper shares the changes coming to The Athletic's fantasy baseball podcasts for the 2023 season. Join us in the expanding Rates & Barrels feeds using the links below, or wherever you enjoy podcasts! Apple: bit.ly/AppleRandB Spotify: bit.ly/SpotifyRandB YouTube: bit.ly/YTRandB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Under the Radarrrrrr Series Finale 1:04:47

3y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Aaron Judge's return to the Bronx with a nine-year deal that paves the way for him to remain a career Yankee, the frenzy of activity around this year's Winter Meetings, how varying front-office strategies, like varying fantasy baseball strategies, make the game more fun, whether a five-year deal for Jacob deGrom should ma…

1
Putting a Bow on the 2022 Fantasy Baseball Season 53:22

3+ y ago53:22

53:22

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss the end of a very successful 2022 fantasy baseball season, and a few takeaways from things that ultimately went right, before going on hiatus during the playoffs. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/AthleticFa…

1
Late Loopholes, Navigating the Endgame & Staying Patient 48:25

3+ y ago48:25

48:25

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a variety of topics including a potential late-season loophole in keeper leagues, a pair of rapidly-rising pitchers in the minors, trying to navigate the final days of the season while chasing a championship, Josh Jung, and staying patient with CJ Abrams. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKa…

1
Takeaways From the 2022 Fantasy Baseball Season 52:55

3+ y ago52:55

52:55

DVR and Al share their takeaways from the 2022 fantasy baseball season. The steady stream of prospect promotions was one of the distinguishing features of this season, and DVR and Al consider whether this is now a lasting part of baseball's landscape, and they focus on some surprisingly impactful rookies, including Vinnie Pasquantino and Spencer St…

1
The Final Waiver Wire Show for 2022 47:12

3+ y ago47:12

47:12

For the last time during the 2022 season, DVR and Al take a look at the waiver wire options for the coming weekend. They discuss how much recent callups Ezequiel Tovar and Jordan Diaz could help fantasy managers, and they consider the types of leagues where Harrison Bader, Carlos Santana, Taylor Ward and Nate Eaton are worth adding. Luis Ortiz, Dre…

1
Late-Season Surprises, Tipping the Cap, Eloy's Ceiling & Feats of Judge 46:45

3+ y ago46:45

46:45

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss a few late-season surprises -- including Bubba Thompson's massive contributions as a source of stolen bases -- the incredible Adolis García follow-up, Eloy Jiménez's ceiling and 2023 appeal, gut reactions on 'liking v. not liking' a player, and Aaron Judge reaches the 60-homer milestone. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodif…

1
Making Sense of 2022's Hitter Barrel Rate Risers and Fallers 1:03:29

3+ y ago1:03:29

1:03:29

DVR and Al take a look at the hitters who had the largest year-to-year increases and decreases in their barrel rates. Among the top risers discussed are Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Christian Walker, while Ronald Acuña Jr., George Springer, Tyler O'Neill and Avisaíl García are some of the fallers considered. Follow DVR on Twit…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 25 50:33

3+ y ago50:33

50:33

DVR and Al break down the FAB options on this penultimate waiver wire episode. They discuss recent callups Josh Jung and Mark Vientos, as well as the Rockies' possible callup for Ezequiel Tovar. They also discuss Elvis Andrus' remarkable comeback and several outfielders and catchers who may still be free agents. Brayan Bello, Ryne Nelson and Drey J…

1
The General Has Mark Kotsay's Back! 49:42

3+ y ago49:42

49:42

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss rebelling relievers, George Washington taking the side of Mark Kotsay, growing excitement for the playoffs, Michael Harris II's soaring stock, tightly clustered wins, the growing case for working with a co-manager, and another gem from D-backs rookie Ryne Nelson. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter…

1
Making Sense of 2022's Hitter Strikeout Rate Risers and Fallers 1:01:37

3+ y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

DVR and Al look into the hitters who saw the largest surges and drops in their strikeout rates from 2021, and they see if those changes could make any difference in their 2023 fantasy value. Among the strikeout rate fallers discussed are Taylor Trammell, Javier Báez, Alec Bohm and Josh Rojas, while Jo Adell, Trevor Story, Matt Olson and Byron Buxto…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 24 44:25

3+ y ago44:25

44:25

DVR and Al discuss where fantasy managers should add a pair of Rangers callups -- top prospect Josh Jung and 24-year-old catcher Sam Huff. They also talk about Triston Casas' fantasy appeal, the chances for a rebound from Yoán Moncada and Mets hitters who could benefit from a favorable schedule. They consider the streaming and longer-term appeal of…

1
Lewis Brinson in San Francisco, a Late Push for Abrams & Avoiding the Top Prospect Chase 1:02:22

3+ y ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss Lewis Brinson's opportunity with the Giants, Felix Bautista's soaring long-term value, the benefits of the O's decision to move back the fences in left field, Juan Soto's missing power since being traded to San Diego, a case for CJ Abrams as a late-season pickup in redraft leagues, Aaron Judge v. Shohei Ohtani in the AL M…

1
A Recap of the 2022 Rookie Pitcher Class 57:05

3+ y ago57:05

57:05

DVR and Al look back (and a little bit ahead) on the 2022 seasons produced by rookie pitchers. They focus on Spencer Strider, George Kirby and Shane Baz as starters who could be fantasy aces in the near future, and they also look at some rookie starters who made strong cases for their fantasy draft status in 2023, including Reid Detmers and Nick Lo…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 23 50:26

3+ y ago50:26

50:26

Are there waiver options to target beyond Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson? DVR and Al discuss the bevy of players who are worth pursuing in the coming weekend's FAB bidding, and they also talk about whether Carroll or Henderson would be their highest priority, Included in the discussion are September additions Oswald Peraza, Spencer Steer, Ken …

1
A Recap of the 2022 Rookie Hitter Class 56:32

3+ y ago56:32

56:32

DVR and Al take a look at this season's still-evolving class of rookie hitters. They consider the case to be made for Julio Rodríguez and Bobby Witt Jr. as 2023 first-round picks and look into the future fantasy value of several other rookies, including Adley Rutschman, Jose Miranda, Nolan Gorman, Riley Greene and Oneil Cruz. They also discuss seve…

1
Back at Full Strength (That's Debatable!) 51:11

3+ y ago51:11

51:11

Nando is back with Ian and DVR to discuss Hunter Brown's late-season opportunity with the Astros, a thinning pool at second base -- differing expectations for Nolan Gorman in Year 2 -- premiums for positional scarcity, and the best owner in baseball preparing to walk away. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanKahn4 Follo…

1
Corbin Carroll's Debut and A Final Prospect Roundup for 2022 58:50

3+ y ago58:50

58:50

DVR and Al discuss the major league debuts of Corbin Carroll, Garrett Mitchell and Cade Cavalli and assess their fantasy appeal for the remainder of this season and for the longer term. They also take their final look at prospects whose status has risen in 2022, including Jackson Chourio, Kyle Manzardo and Tanner Bibee. Follow DVR on Twitter: @Dere…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 22 44:47

3+ y ago44:47

44:47

DVR and Al consider whether it's worth stashing Orioles infield prospect Gunnar Henderson, now that it's anticipated that he will make his debut sometime this season, and they discuss whether it's still worth adding Manuel Margot, Lars Nootbaar, Albert Pujols and Keston Hiura. They also talk about where to add Nationals pitching prospect Cade Caval…

1
Lessons Learned With Drafting Saves and Steals 1:01:48

3+ y ago1:01:48

1:01:48

DVR and Al revisit their strategies for drafting saves heading into the 2022 season and ask whether targeting elite closers like Josh Hader and Liam Hendriks was worth it. They also consider some emerging candidates for saves for 2023. DVR and Al also discuss how they went about addressing the stolen base category this season and look at the future…

1
Choosing Luxury in Roster Construction, Story's Slide & Tough In-Season Pitching Decisions 1:07:51

3+ y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Ian and DVR discuss choosing a luxury -- elite catchers v. elite closers -- in the roster construction process, disagreement about the 2023 expectations for Trevor Story, a big step forward from Jordan Montgomery to begin his time in St. Louis, and the various factors they consider when facing difficult in-season pitching matchup decisions. Follow …

1
Gunnar Henderson's Promotion Chances Plus Double-A Standouts 42:54

3+ y ago42:54

42:54

DVR and Al consider whether Gunnar Henderson and Josh Jung are likely to join Corbin Carroll as top prospects who could be due to make a major league debut late this season. They also discuss the recent promotions of Brett Baty, Oswaldo Cabrera, Estevan Florial, Drew Waters and Javier Assad, and they look at Cody Morris' encouraging performance in …

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 21 54:34

3+ y ago54:34

54:34

Al and Eno react to the report that Corbin Carroll is expected to get called up this season and discuss the fantasy appeal of some recently promoted prospects, including Brett Baty, Estevan Florial and Oswaldo Cabrera. They also consider who might benefit from the Phillies' and Mariners' favorable hitting matchups. Al and Eno also talk about the re…

1
Players We've Largely Ignored in 2022 49:11

3+ y ago49:11

49:11

DVR and Al talk about several players who have come up infrequently on previous episodes this season. They kick off their discussion of pitchers by trying to solve a puzzle regarding Corbin Burnes' recent trends, and they move on to discuss Pablo López, Kevin Gausman, Lance Lynn and several others, Among hitters, they discuss Francisco Lindor, José…

1
Long-Term Expectations with Short-Term Implications 56:46

3+ y ago56:46

56:46

Ian and DVR discuss Ian's final Dynasty Rankings update for 2022 including Julio Rodríguez atop the list -- the implications of long-term shifts in value on the 2023 redraft landscape, how the Fernando Tatis Jr. suspension impacts his outlook, Michael Harris' ceiling, a case for Tyler O'Neill as a player to target now in short-term and long-term le…

1
Vaughn Grissom Gets The Call Plus A Low-A Roundup 50:17

3+ y ago50:17

50:17

On this Prospect Tuesday episode, DVR and Al discuss whether they see CJ Abrams' move to the Nationals as a positive for him, and they also consider what Ryan Pepiot's role with the Dodgers will likely be over the remainder of the 2022 season. They also talk about recent callups Vaughn Grissom, Tyler Freeman and Tommy Henry and consider the likelih…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 20 49:52

3+ y ago49:52

49:52

DVR and Al assess the waiver options for the coming weekend, starting with Braves prospect Vaughn Grissom. They also consider where fantasy managers should target Aledmys Díaz, Nick Gordon, Lars Nootbar and several other hitters. DVR and Al differ on the degree to which they will make adding Lance McCullers Jr. a priority, and they also discuss JP …

1
Players With Surprising Second-Half Trends 47:05

3+ y ago47:05

47:05

DVR and Al spend this episode highlighting players who have performed in ways that are inconsistent with their track records in the second half so far. From Corey Seager's reduction in strikeouts to Ryan McMahon's stolen base binge to Reid Detmers' overall improvement, they look at players who are contributing in unexpected ways. They also discuss …

1
Approaching the Final Third of the Season 57:14

3+ y ago57:14

57:14

Ian and DVR discuss their approach to the final-third of the season, including players to pursue in long-term leagues on the waiver wire. Plus, the recent struggles of Josh Hader, playing for the future in trade, long term expectations for Alec Bohm, Nolan Jones and Luis García, Ian's lack of faith in Luis Robert, Austin Riley's rise in the third-b…

1
Trade Deadline Follow-Up and a High-A Roundup 45:08

3+ y ago45:08

45:08

DVR and Al follow up on some of the prospects dealt before last week's trade deadline, including C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, Robert Hassell III, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Logan O'Hoppe. They also discuss some recently promoted prospects, such as Michael Massey and Peyton Burdick, and consider the possibility of Ryan Pepiot and Shea Langelie…

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Waiver Wire Options for Week 19 51:52

3+ y ago51:52

51:52

DVR and Al sort through a potentially busy week of FAB bidding, as they look into recent callups, like Miguel Vargas, Michael Massey and Tommy Henry, as well as players such as Jose Siri, Donovan Solano and Tucker Davidson, who stand to gain more prominent roles in the aftermath of the trade deadline. They also look at several intriguing closer sit…

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A Post-Trade Deadline Depth Chart Dive 39:53

3+ y ago39:53

39:53

DVR and Al comb through several major league rosters, identifying which players stand to gain the most fantasy value by filling vacancies left by players dealt at the trade deadline. Among several situations, they look at how the Reds could fill the multiple holes left in their lineup and rotation, as well as the Angels' new-look rotation and the C…

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Reviewing a Very Busy Trade Deadline w/Patrick Davitt of Baseball HQ 1:00:46

3+ y ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Ian and DVR are joined by Patrick Davitt of Baseball HQ -- the voice of HQ Radio -- to discuss a very busy MLB Trade Deadline including the fallout from the blockbusters made by the Padres, the clear opportunity for a few young pitchers making the move to Oakland, a clear sense of direction from the Reds as they put a future core together, and the …

1
Noelvi Marte and Other Prospects Who Moved In Deadline Deals 41:05

3+ y ago41:05

41:05

It's a prospects edition of the podcast, but with a trade deadline twist. DVR and Al discuss a number of the prospects on the move as a result of deals occurring just before the trade deadline, including Noelvi Marte, Esteury Ruiz, Emmanuel Valdez, Ken Waldichuk and Hayden Wesneski. They also talk about the Juan Soto deal in real time, just as deta…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Week 18 51:56

3+ y ago51:56

51:56

DVR and Al look into players who could benefit from player movement at the trade deadline and discuss whether fantasy managers should speculate on Corbin Carroll and Shea Langeliers, even with the uncertainty around their potential promotions. They also look at the recent improvements made by Jeimer Candelario and Bryson Stott and consider the fant…

1
Speculating on Trade Deadline Speculation 48:03

3+ y ago48:03

48:03

The trade deadline is upon us, and what's more fun than speculation on moves that might be made? Speculating on that speculation! Let Al and Beller explain on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Email us: [email protected] Subscribe to our YouTube ch…

1
Pitchers Fade Fast, Moving for Márquez & Buying Tyler Glasnow for 2023? 59:44

3+ y ago59:44

59:44

Ian and DVR take a quick trip back to 2018 and consider how quickly pitchers can fade. Will Blake Snell ever recapture his Cy Young level form? Are there any older pitchers that could have a surprising late-career renaissance. Is there a brief window to stash Germán Márquez now in case he's among the group of pitchers traded at the deadline. Plus, …

1
JJ Bleday and Nick Pratto Debut Plus a Triiple-A Roundup 46:53

3+ y ago46:53

46:53

DVR and Al consider the fantasy relevance of JJ Bleday, Nick Pratto and Ethan Small, all of whom recently got the call to the majors. They also discuss whether Edward Cabrera and Triston Casas should be on the radar of redraft league managers once they return from their respective injuries, and they wrap up with an overview of some Triple-A standou…

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Waiver Wire Options for Week 17 41:15

3+ y ago41:15

41:15

Beller and DVR discuss a few intriguing waiver-wire considerations for the weekend and including the once-again healthy Evan Longoria, who continues to post a career-high barrel rate, glimmers of hope for Joey Bart, Trayce Thompson's intriguing underlying numbers, a chance for Josh Lowe to play more in Tampa Bay, Nick Pratto's promotion to the Roya…

1
One Last Check on Closers Before the Trade Deadline 33:07

3+ y ago33:07

33:07

Relievers are always hot commodities at the trade deadline. Who will be on the move this season? And, more importantly in the fantasy world, who will scoop up the saves those traded players leave behind? Greg Jewett joins Al and Beller to break it down on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast. Follow Greg on Twitter: @gjewett9 Follo…

1
New Prospects, Dynasty Expiration Dates, Juan Soto, New Fantasy Ohtani Rules and Xander Bogaerts' Missing Homers 1:07:50

3+ y ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Ian and DVR are joined by Ariel Cohen (the real Ariel, not Ian playing the role of Ariel) to discuss when first-year player draft players should become available in keeper/dynasty leagues, why multi-year leagues always have an expiration date, the parallels between Juan Soto being available to MLB teams via trade and the rare instances of young sta…

1
Max Meyer's Arrival, Futures Game Standouts and a 2022 MLB Draft Review 39:23

3+ y ago39:23

39:23

DVR and Al review Max Meyer's debut for the Marlins and find some positives in a mixed outing. They also consider the short- and long-term fantasy appeal of Freddy Tarnok and Taj Bradley, given their recent promotions to Triple-A. DVR and Al also discuss some standouts from the recent Futures Game, including Masyn Winn, Jasson Dominguez, Bobby Mill…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Fantasy Week 16 47:55

3+ y ago47:55

47:55

DVR and Al have some mixed feelings about how aggressively to pursue Esteury Ruiz in FAB bidding, and they also consider their level of interest in Matt Carpenter, Jose Miranda and Akil Baddoo. Max Meyer headlines this week's pitching options, but DVR and Al also discuss the fantasy appeal of Marcus Stroman, Luis Patiño and Max Castillo. They also …

1
Wrapping up the First Half with our Fantasy All-Star Teams 41:01

3+ y ago41:01

41:01

The looming All-Star Break provides a nice opportunity to look back at the first half of the season. Al and Beller do just that on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast by building their fantasy All-Star Teams. Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Email us: [email protected] Subscribe to o…

1
Trusting Tork, Late-Blooming Leody & Trashy Two-Start Pitchers 58:30

3+ y ago58:30

58:30

Nando, Ian and DVR discuss another intriguing prospect on the rise in San Diego, whether it's time to target Spencer Torkelson, their interest in Nolan Jones, Leody Taveras and Josh Smith, the triumphant return of Reid Detmers to the Angels' rotation, the difficulty of chasing volume with two-start pitchers throughout the second half of the season,…

1
Thoughts on Brayan Bello's Debut and A Futures Game Preview 46:30

3+ y ago46:30

46:30

DVR and Al consider the takeaways from Brayan Bello's and Nolan Jones' major league debuts, and they check in on a few prospects who are trending in fantasy leagues, including Shea Langeliers and Jackson Chourio. They also take a look at a few of the first-half standouts who will be playing in the Futures Game, such as Zac Veen and Hunter Brown. Fo…

1
Waiver Wire Options for Fantasy Week 15 56:26

3+ y ago56:26

56:26

DVR and Al discuss whether Nathaniel Lowe's rising roster rate needs to climb even higher, and they consider where Guardians outfield prospect Nolan Jones should be added, now that he has been called up for his major league debut. Nick Lodolo, Brayan Bello and Reid Detmers are among the starting pitchers discussed, and DVR and Al look for saves tar…

1
Taking the Fantasy Baseball Temperature of the Rangers, Diamondbacks and Guardians 36:12

3+ y ago36:12

36:12

It's a Beat Writer Day on The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast. Levi Weaver (Rangers), Zach Buchanan (Diamondbacks) and Zack Meisel (Guardians) join Beller and Al to break down their teams from a fantasy perspective. Follow Levi (Rangers) on Twitter: @ThreeTwoEephus Follow Zach (Diamondbacks) on Twitter: @ZHBuchanan Follow Zack (Guardians) on Twit…

1
Searching for Stolen Bases & Sneaky Good First-Half Performances 56:55

3+ y ago56:55

56:55

Ian and DVR discuss potential sources of stolen bases currently waiting for an opportunity in the upper levels of the minors, Nomar Mazara’s encouraging turnaround with the Padres, Jose Trevino’s case to remain the Yankees’ primary catcher (and path to steady fantasy value in the second half), Amed Rosario’s quietly solid campaign, the long-term di…

1
Here Come Brayan Bello and David Villar Plus a Double-A Roundup 40:23

3+ y ago40:23

40:23

DVR and Al consider where to roster some of the latest prospect callups, including Brayan Bello, Darick Hall, David Villar and Garrett Hill. They also ponder whether to drop Josh Lowe and Vidal Bruján and if they should speculate on Miguel Vargas and Esteury Ruiz. This week's level roundup focuses on Double-A, and Jordan Walker and Eury Pérez are a…