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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.

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Defector

Defector's 2025 Tip Jar Sweepstakes: Join Chris and Kelsey in the Great Blogger Bake Shop

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Tip jar sweepstakes

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

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Chris Thompson

Elly De La Cruz attempts to drink from an empty champagne bottle.

Cincinnati Reds v Milwaukee Brewers

The Sneaky Little Reds Avoid Being Squished By The Boot Of Elimination

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Barry Petchesky

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images)

New York Mets v Miami Marlins

The Mets Went Out Like Chumps

Visual Editor. Runs <a href="http://defectorstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defectorstore.com</a>. Philadelphia-based, if you couldn’t tell.

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Dan McQuade

A general view of Bristol Motor Speedway during the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic presented by BulidSubmarines.com between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, August 3, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee.

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MLB’s Speedway Classic Featured Only A Mild Amount Of Mayhem! Mayhem! Mayhem!

Elly De La Cruz is showered in $100 bills after socking a dinger.

Elly De La Cruz money

O’s, No!

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Ray Ratto

Santiago Espinal #4 and Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate after winning the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pittsburgh Pirates v. Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds Are Going Nowhere In Particular More Quickly Than Any Team Ever Has

cincinnati reds