Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2423: The State of the Stove

Jan 7, 2026
Ben and Meg dive into Daniel Vogelbach's new role as a hitting coach and discuss the trend of teams hiring younger coaches. They evaluate Tommy Pham's proposal for 'PhamGraphs' and its implications on player metrics. The hosts analyze the Blue Jays' bold signings, particularly Kazuma Okamoto, contrasting it with the quieter Giants' moves. They also gauge the current state of the hot stove, examining why this offseason feels lackluster and the impact of late signings on team performance.
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INSIGHT

Younger, Specialized Coaching Staffs

  • MLB coaching staffs have grown younger and more specialized, with teams hiring multiple hitting coaches and game-prep specialists.
  • Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley argue teams now invest in coaches to measurably develop players rather than as managerial buddies.
INSIGHT

Connections Often Drive Coach Hires

  • Former players often get coaching jobs through personal connections and short apprenticeships.
  • The hosts note playing experience helps, but instruction skill and communication matter more for coaching success.
INSIGHT

Opponent Quality Is Marginal, But Measurable

  • Tommy Pham criticized advanced metrics for not adjusting enough for opponent and lineup quality.
  • Ben and Meg agree some metrics do adjust and that adding opponent quality is possible but often only changes results marginally.
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