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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Kathryn Xu

Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in game six of the American League Championship Series

Rays Clinch Ultimate Thrifter World Series

Ray Ratto

Aaron Ashby of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning in game one of the National League Championship Series.

Smart Can Win

Nate Rogers

A black and white image of the concrete murals outside Dodger Stadium, taken in the 1960s.

The Secret History Of Dodger Stadium’s Mysterious Concrete Murals

Jake Bauers #9 of the Milwaukee Brewers hits a two run Home Run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It’s Jake Bauerses All The Way Down

Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians reacts after committing an error that scored Victor Mesa Jr. #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in game two of the American League Championship Series on October 13, 2026. He does not look happy.

Good Baseball Isn’t Necessarily Beautiful

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

William Contreras tosses his bat after drawing a walk.

The Brewers Are Walking Down Their Wounded Prey

The Brewers Will Just Keep Doing This Until Someone Stops Them

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Better Hate An Owner

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Death To The NCAA

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Infinite Replay

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Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning in game five of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. He looks frustrated.

The White Sox Lean Into The “Windy” In “Windy City”

Former Defector intern, now freelancer.
For professional inquiries or tips please write lucybl00m@protonmail.com or yuck.20 on Signal.
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Lucy Bloom

What’s To Be Done With Jerry Dipoto?

David Roth

The Oriole Bird, mascot of the Baltimore Orioles, runs onto the field before a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 1, 2026.

What Process Are The Orioles Trusting?

Victor Mesa Jr. #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays is unable to make a catch as fans interfere on a ball hit by Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees.

What Is Wrong With Yankees Fans?

Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after scoring in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game three of the National League Division Series in San Diego on October 6, 2026.

Padres-Brewers Has Been The Best Of October Baseball

Jonny DeLuca of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a double as Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees looks on during the second inning in game two of the American League Division Series.

The Yankees Look Meek And Flubby

Sean Burke #59 of the Chicago White Sox looks on during Game Two of the American League Division Series.

White Sox Touched By God, Or Perhaps Merely Joyful Exuberance

Didier Fuentes of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a play during Game Two of the National League Division Series. Positively, at that. He's in profile, pumping his fist.

Atlanta’s Least Heralded Relievers Did The Most

Tom Ley

Jackson Chourio Was Nails

Drew Rasmussen throws a pitch in front of packed stands.

They Packed The Trop And Were Treated To A Gem

Ty France gestures at the ceiling after his fly ball is caught.

Ty France And The Padres Thwarted By Good Old Reality

Barry Petchesky

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: A detail shot of the Wally the Green Monster home run mask in the dugout prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field on Sunday, September 27, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

This Is So Stupid

When Is It OK To Wear The Wally Head?

Lauren Theisen

Grant Taylor #31 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during Game One of the American League Wild Card Series presented by AbbVie between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas

You Won’t Beat The White Sox Without Beating Grant Taylor

Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates at home plate after scoring in the seventh inning during Game One of the National League Wild Card Series presented by AbbVie between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

These Are The Times That Try Managers’ Souls

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)

Rice Guy’s Twinnish Blasts

TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 27: in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

It Isn’t Over Until Max Scherzer Says It Is

Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after he hit a three-run home run against the Athletics during the fifth inning on September 26, 2026.

The Astros And White Sox Are The Playoff Matchup This Moment Deserves

Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs tips his hat to the crowd after stealing his 40th stolen base during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2026.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Has Answered Every Question

It Sucks To Be Alex Bregman Right Now

Jeremy Pena of the Houston Astros reacts after he is hit by a pitch during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 22, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

No One Should Win The AL West

Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 12, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. He is making a very pouty face.

Maybe The WBC Cursed The Red Asses Of Team USA

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 01: A general wide-angle view from the upper deck of Comerica Park during the game between the New York Mets and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 1, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Mets defeated the Tigers 10-8. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Fifth Third Park Is A Terrible Stadium Name

Laz Díaz gestures at his wrist and yells something during a baseball game.

Laz Díaz And Modern Baseball Are Mutually Through With One Another

Cleveland Guardians center fielder Petey Halpin (0) is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run during the third inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians on September 16, 2026.

MLB