Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast Effectively Wild Episode 2421: The Stories We Missed in 2025 (AL Edition)
17 snips
Dec 31, 2025 Ben and Meg dive into the intriguing world of sports prediction markets, tackling the risks they pose to integrity. They cover captivating stories from each American League team, including the Angels' contract drama and the Blue Jays' clubhouse pranks. Listen as they discuss the Mariners' quirky moments, the Orioles' hydration station scandal, and the Yankees' historic home-run bursts. With plenty of laughter and insightful stats, they explore how betting alters the fan experience and analyze minor-league successes from the Tigers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Prediction Markets Create A Regulatory Vacuum
- Prediction-market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are operating in a regulatory gray area while rapidly expanding into sports and politics.
- That regulatory vacuum raises legitimate integrity and manipulation concerns for leagues and elections alike.
Leagues Split Over Embracing Prediction Platforms
- Leagues vary in their approach: the NHL embraced partnerships while MLB and the NBA publicly expressed concern.
- MLB issued memos and letters to regulators but stopped short of a definitive public stance, leaving future outcomes uncertain.
Apply Integrity Monitoring And Reporting
- Regulators and leagues should apply content-neutral safeguards like integrity monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Without those protections, platforms remain ripe for manipulation and integrity risks.
Sponsor Us on Patreon
Give a Gift Subscription
Effectively Wild Subreddit
Effectively Wild Wiki
Apple Podcasts Feed
Spotify Feed
YouTube Playlist
Facebook Group
Bluesky Account
Twitter Account
Get Our Merch!