Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2367: Good Takes

10 snips
Aug 28, 2025
Enjoy a lively discussion about the impressive comebacks of veteran pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander as they approach the twilight of their careers. Explore the dynamics of players contemplating retirement, including Andrew Heaney's recent designation by the Pirates. Dive into forgotten stars like Steve Rogers and their lasting impact on the game. Plus, analyze changing strikeout rates and the concerning decline in minor league attendance, while reflecting on the thrill of bar trivia with a sports twist.
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INSIGHT

Veteran Trio Finished Strong

  • Verlander, Kershaw, and Scherzer improved dramatically late in the season, adding more WAR in ~100 innings than they had earlier in many more innings.
  • Recent performance made at least two of them credible postseason rotation options again.
INSIGHT

Corbin As Durable Bulk Option

  • Patrick Corbin turned into a useful bulk innings provider for the Rangers and climbed their innings leaderboard after other starters got hurt.
  • His value is mainly volume and some improved peripheral performance compared with prior years.
ANECDOTE

Heaney DFA And The 120-Inning Bonus

  • Andrew Heaney was designated for assignment by the Pirates after a sharp midseason collapse despite earlier value.
  • The Pirates still let him trigger a 120-inning contract escalator and paid him the small bonus.
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