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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

Tom Ley

Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) gestures to fans during game four of the NLDS game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on October 12, 2023, at Citizens Bank Park.

Reporters Are Allowed To Report

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Ronald Acuña Jr. throws the ball back into the infield during Game 4 of the NLDS.

Atlanta’s Cool Guys Forgot How To Be Cool

Lauren Theisen

Bryce Harper walks back to the dugout as the Atlanta Braves celebrate their win

The Phillies Went For The Throat And Missed

Ray Ratto

Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field on October 04, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The NL’s Underdogs Can Make A Big Mess Of These Playoffs

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after stealing second base in the tenth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on September 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Acuña Jr. is the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season.

It’s Starting To Feel Kind Of Cubs

Nick Castellanos rounds third after hitting a home run

Nick Castellanos Is The Phillies’ Himbo Hero

Samer Kalaf

Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates after hitting a home run.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Has Only Grown More Powerful Since Marriage

Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves watches his second-inning grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which made him the first MLB player in history to hit 30 home runs and steal 60 bases in the same season.

The World Series Is All We Want And Can Never Have

Please Let Ronald Acuña Do His Job In Peace

Corbin Carroll’s Wheels Can Throw Even The Braves Out Of Whack

Ronald Acuña Jr. Is A Baseball God

ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 17: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on May 17, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

Spencer Strider Is Closing Games As Soon As They Start

Dansby Swanson celebrates after hitting a home run

The Braves Are Annoying And Unstoppable

Media Meltdowns

Doug Gottlieb Eats Shit, Issues Apology For “Misinformation” About Freddie Freeman’s Ex-Agent

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a single in the top of the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on September 06, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Mets Have Been Chased Down

Tyler O'Neill rounds the bases after hitting a home run

Oh Christ, It’s Getting Late And The Cardinals Are Hot Once Again

Travis d'Arnaud is tagged out by Tomas Nido

The Mets Can Do No Wrong Right Now

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 18: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds first base with Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves looking against starting pitcher Huascar Ynoa #19 of the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Dodger Stadium on April 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Freddie Freeman And Matt Olson Are Moving On!

An emotional Freddie Freeman wipes his nose with a towel during a presser.

Freddie Freeman Feels Like Shit, Just Wants Atlanta Back

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

Braves rookie Michael Harris II runs out a hit in a home game.

Defending Champs Call Up Kid Who Just Turned 21, And He’s Been Great So Far

Guillermo Heredia is interfered with in a rundown

Goofy Baseball Blowouts Are Back

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 05: Atlanta Braves c celebrating following their World Series Parade at Truist Park on November 5, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta Braves won the World Series in six games against the Houston Astros winning their first championship since 1995. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

The Stove Is Back On And It’s Hot As Hell

This Is So Stupid

Freddie Freeman Is Gone, But Will He Be Forgotten? Bob Nightengale Investigates

Has Jorge Soler’s Home Run Hit The Ground Yet?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 31: Manager Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves makes a pitching change during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in Game Five of the World Series at Truist Park on October 31, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)