Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2380: Clinching Chaos

6 snips
Sep 26, 2025
The Mariners clinched the AL West, leading to a spirited celebration and reflection on the emotional stakes for fans. An intriguing MVP debate unfolds, comparing standout players and highlighting fan psychology. The hosts discuss the dwindling number of 200-inning pitchers and increasing team mediocrity due to injuries. They tackle whether players could challenge beneficial calls and examine fans' tendency to blame managers more than coaches in other sports. Plus, updates on playoff races and the dynamics of late-season drama round out the conversation.
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INSIGHT

200-Inning Starter Is Nearly Extinct

  • The 200-inning starting pitcher is nearly extinct and likely to disappear within a few years.
  • Ben tracks only a handful of pitchers reaching 200 innings this season and calls it a sign of changing workloads.
INSIGHT

Draft Runs May Be Repeatable, But Not Guaranteed

  • Paul DeBoni's draft track record made him an appealing hire for the Nationals but draft success is partly random.
  • Ben warns sustained drafting excellence is hard to guarantee despite good recent results.
ADVICE

Challenge Must Be Immediate Under New Rules

  • The new 2026 challenge system will likely forbid delayed challenges that occur after obvious play developments.
  • Ben and Meg expect the rule will require immediate challenges, preventing strategic late challenges against your own interest.
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