Effectively Wild Episode 2552: The Best Things in Life Are Free Agents
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Astros’ new GM hire and Bryce Harper’s comments about the likelihood of a lost season and his preference for the offseason over the season (22:22). Then FanGraphs’ Ben Clemens joins to break down the MLB free agent class: the weak crop of domestic players, the top NPB imports, the outlook for Tarik Skubal, the players who could have been available if they hadn’t signed extensions, the lockout looming over the market, and much more. Audio intro: The Spaghettis, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio interstitial: Alex Glossman and Ali Breneman, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: The Shirey Brothers, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Clase-Ortiz trial story Link to MLBTR on Flores Link to Ben on ex-player GMs Link to MLBTR on Brown Link to Ng story Link to “euphemism treadmill” Link to Harper comments Link to EW guests spreadsheet Link to top 50 FA ranking Link to Ben L. on free agency Link to MLBTR on Reyes Link to NPB offensive leaderboard <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7746551/2026/11/