
Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast Effectively Wild Episode 2420: The Stories We Missed in 2025 (NL Edition)
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Dec 30, 2025 Ben and Meg explore overlooked stories from the National League in 2025, from Ozzie Albies' intriguing aquariums to Arizona's record-breaking bullpen struggles. They dive into the quirky Mozzarella sticks prank by announcers and celebrate Nick Raquet's inspiring return to the majors. Listen as they discuss the D-backs' viral churro dog and the hilarious Hall of Fame drama involving a mascot affair. Plus, insights into the Pirates’ nostalgia-driven fight necklaces and the challenges faced by the Mets' pitcher-heavy strategy.
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A's Commitment To Young Talent
- Tyler Soderstrom's seven-year, $86M extension signals the A's are investing in their young position-player core despite franchise uncertainty.
- His smooth position switch to left field and Gold Glove finalist status underline positional flexibility value for young players.
Yearly 'Stories We Missed' Framework
- Effectively Wild runs an annual 'stories we missed' sweep to highlight overlooked team-specific narratives.
- The hosts use listener submissions and a spreadsheet to gather varied local stories for national listeners.
Albies' 6,000-Gallon Aquarium
- Ozzie Albies had an up-and-down 2025, finishing worse overall but notable for a massive new 6,000-gallon aquarium at his Marietta home.
- The hosts framed the aquarium as a soothing hobby amid Albies' struggles on the field.

