Guest: Josh Nelson (Sox Machine) | White Sox Rebuild Over? Inside Chicago's Stunning Rise, Roch Cholowsky & the Deadline Ahead | 177

Guest: Josh Nelson (Sox Machine) | White Sox Rebuild Over? Inside Chicago's Stunning Rise, Roch Cholowsky & the Deadline Ahead | 177

Welcome to Episode 177 of Tablesetters. The White Sox were baseball's biggest cautionary tale just one year ago. Today, they're tied atop the American League Central, fresh off selecting the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, and facing a question few expected to ask this quickly: has the rebuild already given way to a legitimate contender? To help answer that, we're joined by Josh Nelson of Sox Machine. As the host of the Sox Machine Podcast, a contributor to 670 The Score, and lead writer for SoxMachine.com, Josh has documented every step of Chicago's transformation, from a 121-loss season to one of the biggest surprises in baseball. In Episode 177, we examine: • The origins of Sox Machine and how it became one of the most respected independent voices covering the White Sox • Why the White Sox believed Roch Cholowsky was the best player in the 2026 MLB Draft, and what his arrival could ultimately mean for Colson Montgomery and the rest of Chicago's infield • The organizational philosophy behind one of the draft's most celebrated classes, including the additions of Landon Thome, Cole Prosek, Joey Volchko, and more • The Jacob Gonzalez trade, why the White Sox were willing to move a recent first-round pick, and how acquiring the 34th overall selection reshaped their draft strategy • Whether Munetaka Murakami has already become one of the franchise's most impactful free-agent signings and why Chicago may have found its next cornerstone • Miguel Vargas' remarkable reinvention from struggling after the 2024 trade to becoming an All-Star, and what deserves the most credit for one of baseball's best breakout stories • Whether Vargas, Murakami, and Colson Montgomery represent the offensive foundation capable of carrying the White Sox for years to come • How Chicago went from 102 losses to the top of the AL Central in just one season, and whether the underlying numbers suggest this turnaround is built to last • Why the White Sox have become nearly unbeatable at Rate Field while continuing to search for consistency away from home • Sean Burke's emergence, his place among the American League's most improved pitchers, and whether the White Sox have finally developed their next frontline starter • The biggest trade deadline decisions facing Chris Getz and whether adding talent now is worth accelerating the organization's timeline • Whether the White Sox have officially crossed the line from rebuilding club to postseason expectation, where anything less than October baseball would feel like a missed opportunity From draft room decisions to clubhouse culture, roster construction to playoff expectations, Josh offers an inside look at one of the most fascinating stories unfolding across Major League Baseball. Follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe, share, and join us every week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

2026 MLB All-Star Draft: fWAR Tier Budget Challenge, Home Run Derby Preview & ASG Starting Lineups | 176

Episode 176 of Tablesetters is LIVE! The 2026 MLB All-Star Game has arrived, and we're breaking down everything surrounding baseball's biggest week. We kick things off with our 2026 MLB All-Star Draft Challenge, where every All-Star has been assigned a value based on fWAR. Position players are divided into five pricing tiers, while starting pitchers and relief pitchers each have their own tiered salary structure. With a limited budget, we build our ultimate All-Star rosters, debate the biggest bargains, identify the toughest roster decisions, and see who can assemble the best team. From there, we break down the official American League and National League starting lineups, discussing the players who earned the honor, the biggest surprises, and whether the fans got it right. Next, we preview the 2026 Home Run Derby, looking at the field, our favorites to win, potential dark horses, and which sluggers are built to put on a show under the bright lights. Plus, we wrap up the episode by looking at the biggest storylines from the first half of the season, discussing which teams have positioned themselves for a strong second-half run and what we're watching most closely as baseball heads into the unofficial second half. 🎧 Listen to Episode 176 now 👍 Like the episode 📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop 🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod

Guest: Jonathan Mayo (MLB Pipeline, MLB.com) | 2026 MLB Draft, Grady Emerson vs. Roch Cholowsky, Future Stars, Draft Changes & Baseball’s Next Wave | 175

Welcome to Episode 175 of Tablesetters. This week, we’re joined by Jonathan Mayo, senior prospect writer for MLB Pipeline and MLB.com [http://mlb.com] and one of baseball’s foremost experts on prospects and the MLB Draft. With the draft approaching, Jonathan helps us break down the race for the No. 1 overall pick, why Grady Emerson recently climbed to the top of MLB Pipeline’s rankings over Roch Cholowsky, and which top prospects could surprise everyone on draft day. In this episode, we discuss: • The battle for the No. 1 pick and the top of the draft class • Eli Willits, Kade Anderson, and Seth Hernández one year after the 2025 Draft • Which players from this year’s class could become Top 10 prospects by next season • Sleepers and post-hype prospects to watch • MLB’s proposed draft changes and the international draft debate • Theo Gillen, Jonah Tong, and the latest Top 100 Prospects update • Building the ultimate prospect by choosing the best speed, hit tool, power, glove, and arm Whether you’re a draft fanatic or simply love following baseball’s next generation, this episode is packed with insight from one of the most respected voices in the game. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and X @TablesettersPod for exclusive clips, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe, share, and join us each week. Tablesetters is where stories shape the season.

Yankees' 7-Game Skid, Bobby Bonilla Day, Junior Caminero's Historic Tear, Mike Trout Trade Talk & Dansby Swanson Goes Full Sosa | 174

Episode 174 of Tablesetters is LIVE! We kick things off with one of baseball's most recognizable annual traditions: Bobby Bonilla Day. Is it still the ultimate punchline for the Mets, or has deferred money become so common throughout baseball that the joke doesn't carry the same weight anymore? We revisit the famous contract, compare it to today's deferred deals, and discuss why Bobby Bonilla Day feels more like a baseball tradition than an annual dunk on the Mets. From there, we head to the Bronx, where the Yankees have officially hit rock bottom. After dropping seven consecutive games, their longest losing streak since 2023, we break down what's gone wrong, why Aaron Boone called it an "awful week," whether this is simply a cold stretch or a team that's pressing in every aspect of the game, and what needs to change before things get even worse. Next, we head to Tampa Bay, where Junior Caminero continues putting together one of the hottest stretches we've seen from a young hitter in years. The 22-year-old has homered in six consecutive games, becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to accomplish the feat while putting up numbers that continue to rewrite the record books. We discuss just how special this run has become and what it means as he prepares for the Home Run Derby. We also head to Cincinnati, where Hunter Greene is set to make his long-awaited season debut on the Fourth of July. With the Reds clinging to slim playoff hopes, we examine whether Greene's return comes at the perfect time, why the next two weeks could determine Cincinnati's deadline strategy, and whether the Reds have one last run left in them. Plus, the Angels have moved on from general manager Perry Minasian, immediately raising questions about the future of Mike Trout. Could a new front office finally lead to a conversation about waiving his no-trade clause, or will Trout remain committed to the only organization he's ever known? We discuss what's next for Los Angeles following another major organizational change. We also celebrate Dave Roberts becoming the fastest manager in Major League history to reach 1,000 career wins, discuss the White Sox securing back-to-back winning months for the first time since 2021, recap the Marlins' franchise-record 20-win June, and break down Dansby Swanson's unbelievable hot streak as he puts up Cubs numbers not seen since Sammy Sosa. 🎧 Listen to Episode 174 now 👍 Like the episode 📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop 🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod

Cubs Injury Crisis, Mets in Trouble, Kyle Schwarber's Hall of Fame Case, Rafael Devers Speaks Out, Lollipop-Gate & Oklahoma's Championship Run | 173

Episode 173 of Tablesetters is LIVE! We begin with the Chicago Cubs, whose pitching staff continues to be hit by injury after injury. With more key arms landing on the injured list, we discuss what it means for one of baseball's contenders, whether help is on the way, and if the season is beginning to reach a critical point. From there, we head to Queens, where the Mets continue searching for answers. Despite confidence from the front office that there's still time to turn things around, we examine where New York stands, what's gone wrong, and whether this team can still get itself back into the postseason conversation. We also revisit one of baseball's biggest Hall of Fame debates. Kyle Schwarber continues to build one of the game's most unique résumés, but is it enough to earn a plaque in Cooperstown? We break down both sides of the argument and discuss what really defines a Hall of Fame career in today's game. Plus, Rafael Devers is speaking out following his on-field incident with the Giants, while one of baseball's most unexpected controversies has everyone talking after Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s now-infamous "Lollipop-Gate." We dive into both stories, the reactions surrounding them, and whether the attention each situation has received is justified. We also head back to Omaha to recap the Men's College World Series, where Oklahoma completed an unforgettable postseason run to capture the program's first national championship since 1994. We break down the biggest moments from the championship series, the standout performances, and what made the Sooners' run one of the best stories of the college baseball season. And of course, we wrap things up with another edition of Red Hot & Ice Cold, highlighting the hottest hitter and pitcher in baseball over the past two weeks, along with a pair of players looking to turn things around. 🎧 Listen to Episode 173 now 👍 Like the episode 📌 Subscribe so you never miss a drop 🗣️ Follow us on Instagram and X: @TablesettersPod