Juan Soto's jaw-dropping $765 million contract sets the stage for a heated debate on contracts and player movements. The hosts delve into Lewis Hamilton's shift from Mercedes to Ferrari, discussing its implications for his legacy. They also tackle the complexities of goaltender performance in hockey, especially focusing on Igor Shesterkin's new deal. Plus, a critical look at college football's playoff system reveals fascinating insights into its fairness and selection process.
01:11:38
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Juan Soto's staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets marks a watershed moment in Major League Baseball history.
Lewis Hamilton's transition from Mercedes to Ferrari symbolizes the end of an era and a quest for renewed championship ambitions.
Igor Shesterkin's record-breaking contract with the Rangers highlights the inherent risks in investing heavily in goaltender performance amidst statistical uncertainty.
Deep dives
Juan Soto's Historic Contract with the New York Mets
Juan Soto has recently signed a groundbreaking 15-year contract with the New York Mets worth $765 million, making it the largest contract in Major League Baseball history. This move marks a significant moment in Soto's career, as he becomes the first player to secure such a lucrative deal. The contract is notable not only for its size but also because it includes escalators that could raise its value to as much as $800 million. Soto's unique combination of youth, skill, and historical performances at the plate, particularly his exceptional on-base ability, justified the Mets' investment in him as they aim to establish a competitive franchise.
The End of an Era: Lewis Hamilton Leaves Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton's recent decision to leave Mercedes after an illustrious partnership marks the end of a significant era in Formula One. During their collaboration, they achieved unprecedented success, including winning eight consecutive Constructors' Championships and six individual Drivers Championships for Hamilton. As he transitions to Ferrari, Hamilton seeks to revive his championship aspirations while also taking on the challenge of a new team's dynamics. This change comes after Hamilton experienced a disappointing season, prompting speculation about his future in the sport as he turns 40.
Complications in Goaltender Evaluations in Hockey
The New York Rangers' recent signing of goaltender Igor Shesterkin to an eight-year, $92 million contract reflects the complexities involved in evaluating goaltenders in the NHL. Goaltender statistics are notoriously difficult to interpret due to their dependence on team defenses and the randomness of puck trajectories. Moreover, recent trends suggest that even established goalies can quickly lose their form, making long-term commitments more of a gamble. Despite this uncertainty, Shesterkin's past performances, including winning the Vezina Trophy, support the Rangers' confidence in his talent and potential stability moving forward.
The Impact of Sports Expansion Drafts
Sports expansion drafts have become a pivotal point for franchise management, as teams navigate the complexities of building competitive rosters with new entrants. The recent expansion draft held in the WNBA signals an evolving understanding of how leagues can facilitate the success of newly established teams while maintaining competitiveness across the board. By employing strategic processes, franchises aim to avoid the pitfalls of past expansions that often left new teams at a disadvantage. This evolving approach highlights the importance of thoughtful planning and collaboration among league officials and teams.
The 12-Team College Football Playoff Format
The unveiling of the first bracket for the new 12-team College Football Playoff has stirred significant conversation, particularly regarding the inclusion of teams like SMU over historically elite programs such as Alabama. This scenario raises questions about the criteria for playoff selection and whether factors like conference strength should outweigh overall records. While Alabama has faced criticism for previous playoff decisions, SMU’s inclusion showcases the importance of rewarding consistent performance within their own context. As college football evolves, the balance between traditional powerhouses and upstart programs will remain crucial in shaping the playoff's integrity.
Hosts Alex Kirshner, Ben Lindbergh, and Lindsay Gibbs discuss Juan Soto’s earth-shatteringly large contract with the New York Mets. They also talk about Lewis Hamilton’s last ride for Mercedes before he moves to team Ferrari, and Igor Shesterkin’s unprecedented new deal with the New York Rangers. For Afterballs, Alex breaks down some of the controversy within college football’s first 12-team playoff. On the bonus episode, available exclusively for Slate Plus members, the hosts discuss expansion teams and how different leagues such as the WNBA and NHL have handled new additions.
Soto (2:51): His shocking shuffle over the Queens.
F1 (23:18): Lewis Hamilton rolls on from Mercedes.
NHL goalies (40:51): Igor Shesterkin sets a new contract record.
Afterballs (55:37): Alex on college football's new twelve-team playoffs.
(Note: time codes are only accurate for Slate Plus members, who listen ad-free.)
Want more Hang Up and Listen? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page, or visit slate.com/hangupplus to get access wherever you listen.