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Defector

David Roth

Jefry Yan #84 of the New York Mets celebrates after striking out Angel Martínez #1 of the Cleveland Guardians for his first career strikeout during the sixth inning of his major league debut on August 5, 2026.

It’s Jefry Yan Time

Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including Point B. Handsomest man in the world.

Drew Magary

Why Your Team Sucks 2026: Miami Dolphins

Kathryn Xu

Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Oh No: Dodgers In Unrecoverable Tailspin After Sixth Straight Loss

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Paul Skenes Is Stuck Being A Guy While The Pirates Require A Dude

Lauren Theisen

Miles Mikolas #36 of the Washington Nationals lays down a sacrifice RBI bunt in the top of the 11th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park

Miles Mikolas Now Better At Hitting Than Pitching

Samer Kalaf

A general view of a "Google" logo and a WNBA logo on seats

The Machines

The Mystery Of Google’s Fixation On “The Transwoman In The WNBA”

Tom Ley

Bryson DeChambeau tees off at a LIV Golf event

LIV Golf Claims It Will Be Rescued From The Toilet Any Day Now

Why Your Team Sucks 2026: Cincinnati Bengals

Giri Nathan

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 01: Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates after winning a women's singles match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on day six of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Alex Eala Is Catching The WTA’s Best Off Guard

George Lombard Jr. smiles in the Yankees dugout.

For One Night Only, A Rookie And His Sweet Folks Make It Possible To Enjoy The Yankees

Patrick Redford

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA - JUNE 12: Basketball Player and Team Co-Owner of Sierra Racing Club, Kyle Kuzma poses for a photo ahead of the E1 Series Dubrovnik GP on June 12, 2026 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. (Photo by Malcolm Griffiths/Getty Images)

Podcasts

‘Nothing But Respect’ Is Back From Summer Break

Aaron Rodgers being unbearable during an interview with Pat McAfee in front of a bunch of Steelers fans at training camp. McAfee looks pink and kind of boiled; Rodgers is slouching and pinching his fingers together.

We’re Just Going To Keep Doing 2020 Again Until All The Wrong Stuff Is True

Luis Paez-Pumar

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Is This The End For Gianni Infantino?

Sarah Borus

Former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player Maybelle Blair and WPBL mascot pose for a photo prior to the game between the Boston Hunters and San Francisco Firebells at Robin Roberts Stadium on August 02, 2026 in Springfield, Illinois

Women's Baseball

The Women’s Pro Baseball League Will Eventually Need To Escape The Past

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid

Why Your Team Sucks 2026: Kansas City Chiefs

Ray Ratto

Luis Arraez of the San Francisco Giants is hit by a pitch during the fourth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 30, 2026 in San Diego, California.

Reality Has Set In For The San Francisco Giants

Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever speaks during a press conference before a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center

WNBA

The Right Has Created Its Perfect Trans Athlete

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal greets teammate center fielder Andy Pages (44) during the eighth inning of an MLB game against the Boston Red Sox.

If Baseball Is Ruined, Show Me The Ruins

Luis Garcia Jr. smiles and relaxes his head on third base after a triple.

Trade Season Kicks Ass Until They Sell Your Beautiful Son

Why Your Team Sucks 2026: New Orleans Saints

Dave McKenna

Former Dublin GAA star David Hickey and former Donegal player Brendan Devenney, right, during a protest march outside Croke Park in Dublin as the 2026 GAA Annual Congress was in progress.

Gaelic Football Legend David Hickey Wants War Profiteers Out Of His Sport

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks talks with Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury after the game at Mortgage Matchup Center on June 13, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kelsey Plum Is Back At The Center Of A Head-Scratching Trade

Sydney Taylor #12 of the Chicago Sky celebrates with her teammates after a game winning three-point basket during the second half against the Las Vegas Aces on August 1, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Sydney Taylor Is The Undrafted Rookie Making Sky Games Fun

Carlos Narváez #75 of the Boston Red Sox lays down a sacrafice bunt against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Fenway Park

By Bunt Or By Blast, The Red Sox Keep Winning

Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers takes off his cap after recording his 1,000th strikeout during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park

Sports