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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

David Roth

Podcasts

Art, Commerce, And Frankly Irresponsible Apple Consumption, With Kathryn Xu

Kelsey McKinney

Trea Turner rounds the bases after hitting a home run

I Apologize To My Beautiful Son Trea Turner, Who I Never Should Have Doubted For One Minute

Daniel Jones looking confused and holding a football in a silly way before the Giants' Week 18 game against the Eagles.

We’re Back, We’re Back

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

Dan McQuade

Maybe Firing Joe Girardi Will Finally Kickstart The Phillies

Joe Girardi in a red and blue Phillies warm-up top

Joe Girardi And The Phillies Bullpen Are A Flammable Combination

Two Nationals Players Tagged Out At Third On Same Play

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

Funbag

What If A Baseball Game Literally Never Ended?

Phillies Defense Already In Midseason Form

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 11: ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith during Game Three of the NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on July 11, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Media Meltdowns

This Is What Happens When ESPN Only Has One Pundit

Lance Lynn Has Been Sweating A Lot Recently, And It Seems To Be Working

Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals is inspected on the mound by umpire Tim Timmons during a June game.

Frisk Max Scherzer If You Dare, With Kelsey McKinney

Lauren Theisen

This Is So Stupid

Is Today Aaron Harang’s Birthday? An Investigation

TORONTO, ON - MAY 22: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox comes in from right field and plays on the lip of the infield as the Red Sox emply a five-man infield with the bases loaded in the tenth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 22, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mookie Betts

Analytics Aren’t Why Baseball Is Worse

A Chicago Cubs player seen here exulting in the presence of The Distraction logo.

Talking Epic Owners, Soft-Tissue Injuries, And Other Baseball Hazards, With Meg Rowley

For One Season, Rheal Cormier Was Lights Out

Justin Turner grimaces after nearly hitting a home run in Game 6 of the World Series, while aware he'd tested positive for Covid-19.

Very Good Baseball And Exceedingly Bad Times, With Justin Ellis

Albert Burneko

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his wife Kourtney Pogue, hold the Commissioners Trophy after the teams 3-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Six to win the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

It’s Not Justin Turner’s Fault

A wild horse's skull sitting on federal land. It's a whole thing, don't worry about it.