Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2398: Free Agent Class is in Session

10 snips

Nov 7, 2025

Joining the discussion is Ben Clemens, a savvy baseball analyst known for his expertise in free-agent rankings. He dives into his top-50 free agent list, revealing why Kyle Tucker tops the charts but carries injury concerns. The conversation shifts to the pitching-heavy market, with insights on standout relievers and their unique valuations. Ben also explores international signings, the shallow middle-infield options this winter, and how labor uncertainty might influence upcoming contracts, making for a compelling dive into MLB's hot stove season.

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INSIGHT

DePodesta's Return Feels Time-Capsuled

The Rockies hired Paul DePodesta after his stint in the NFL, a move seen as a Rip Van Winkle return to baseball.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley warn his past success may not translate given baseball's evolution and the Rockies' organizational constraints.

INSIGHT

Splitter Usage Up, But Still Niche

Splitter usage has more than doubled in a few years but remains rare, rising from 1.6% to 3.3% in the Statcast era.
The postseason spotlight drove the trend, not a universal pitch revolution, and teams may mimic it cautiously.

INSIGHT

World Series Restored A Cultural Moment

The 2025 World Series delivered massive viewership globally, with Game 7 averaging 51 million viewers across the U.S., Canada and Japan.
Ben says long series, big markets, and national storylines reignited baseball's cultural moment and lifted ratings.

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