Tablesetters: A Baseball Podcast

In Episode 99 of Tablesetters, we break down the MVP showdown between Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber and examine the pivotal moments shaping the final stretch of the 2025 MLB season.

Ohtani’s 41st home run made him the fastest Dodger ever to reach 40 in a season, vaulting him past Schwarber for the National League lead. Schwarber remains close behind, leading all of baseball in RBIs while anchoring the offense for a first-place Phillies team. We dig into their numbers, the context around their production, and what could ultimately decide this year’s MVP race.

In New York, both the Yankees and Mets find themselves in critical territory. The Yankees have gone 20–31 since mid-June, slipping from the top of the division to fighting for a playoff berth. The offense has stalled, the pitching has lost its edge, and the bullpen has been tested in high-leverage moments. Across town, the Mets remain in the hunt but have been unable to sustain momentum, with Pete Alonso tying Darryl Strawberry’s franchise home run record in a game that still ended in defeat.

In Seattle, Cal Raleigh is chasing history. His 45th home run tied Johnny Bench’s 1970 total for the second-most in a season by a catcher, putting Salvador Perez’s record of 48 within reach and raising the possibility of the first 50-homer season ever by a catcher.

Bo Bichette’s resurgence has reignited the Blue Jays’ offense, with a .400 average over his last 27 games pushing Toronto back into the AL East race. We explore how his recent production has reestablished his market value, whether his skill set makes him a true superstar, and why his next contract could exceed 200 million dollars.

Also in this episode:
– Prospects who could impact the playoff race, led by Phillies right-hander Andrew Painter
– Listener poll results on the most intimidating playoff rotations
– A closer look at the hottest and coldest hitters around the league
– How recent surges and slumps could shift the postseason race

Episode 99 delivers the context, analysis, and questions that will shape the postseason conversation.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @tablesetterspod on Instagram and X for more.