Join ESPN baseball reporter Jeff Passan as he dives deep into the world of MLB with insights on Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers' financial strategies. The discussion explores the competitive hierarchy of the NL East and the contenders for the AL crown. Additionally, they tackle the unpredictable nature of both baseball and basketball, addressing which NBA teams may be fooling fans. The episode wraps up with humorous life advice featuring amusing anecdotes and unexpected encounters, tying sports to everyday challenges.

ESPN baseball expert Jeff Passan discusses the next moneyball trends in baseball, boycotting his Hall of Fame vote, and the rise of super teams. Caitlin Clark seeks revenge in women's basketball, while the A's ownership debacle and fan movement capture attention. The hosts entertain with hot takes on NFL news and eventually plan to acquire a gambling turtle for the show.

Jeff Passan, an ESPN columnist and bestselling author, dives into the 2024 MLB free agency frenzy, spotlighting Juan Soto and the Dodgers' innovative roster strategies. He shares insights on how MLB can better market its superstars and discusses the rising trend of Tommy John surgeries among young pitchers. The conversation also tackles the challenges faced by youth baseball in America and the evolving landscape of team dynamics in a competitive environment. Passan's take on the integrity of sports journalism adds a fascinating layer to the discussion.

Russillo opens the show by revealing his takeaways from Thursday’s NBA action (1:00). Then, he’s joined by UAB head coach Trent Dilfer to discuss the challenges of recruiting, competing with bigger programs, and how the Patriots move past this season (23:00). Next, Ryen welcomes in Jeff Passan to make sense of Ohtani’s deal, discuss the Dodgers' acquisition of Tyler Glasnow, and share the latest on Yoshinobu Yamamoto (62:00). Finally, Kyle joins the show to answer some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (91:00).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Host: Ryen RussilloGuests: Trent Dilfer and Jeff PassanProducers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, and Mike Wargon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Passan, ESPN's baseball senior writer, shares his insights on the World Series, praising Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge's unique talents. He analyzes the strategic dynamics of playoff baseball and discusses the historic Yankees vs. Dodgers rivalry. Political commentator Chris Cillizza joins to examine the upcoming election, emphasizing its uniqueness and the role of media in shaping public perception. Together, they navigate the intricate connection between sports and politics, delving into societal implications at this pivotal moment.