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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

Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners reacts at bat.

“Big Dumper” Now Apt For More Depressing Reason

Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels walks off the field with a trainer after being hit by a pitch.

Mike Trout Starts Hitting, Is Rewarded With Fastballs Directed At His Chin

Randy Arozarena #56 of the Mexico in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic game between Mexico and the United States.

Even At The World Baseball Classic, The Mariners Cannot Escape Themselves

osh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after grounding out to end the first inning.

The Mariners Are Acting Like A Team That Wants To Win A World Series

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

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 20: Manager Dan Wilson #6 of the Seattle Mariners takes the ball from Bryan Woo #22 during a pitching change in the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game seven of the American League Championship Series at the Rogers Centre on October 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

How Not To Run A Bullpen

Lauren Theisen

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 20: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after game seven of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners at the Rogers Centre on October 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

The Sounds Of Autumn

Ray Ratto

George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a three-run home run to take the lead in the seventh inning during Game Seven of the American League Championship Series. He's like 18 inches off the ground and everyone in the stands is freaking out.

More Of This, Please

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a home run against the Seattle Mariners.

Everything Is No Longer Coming Up Mariners

Albert Burneko

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a home run during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners in game three of the American League Championship Series on October 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

Uh-Oh, Somebody Notified Vladimir Guerrero Jr. That The ALCS Was Happening

Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners prepares to bat in the first inning, in front of the backdrop of the CN Tower.

Everything’s Coming Up Mariners

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

A Seattle Mariners fan covering his face in a game against the Detroit Tigers.

The Season Of The Prayer Face Is Upon Us

Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with Randy Arozarena #56 after hitting a two-run home run.

What Mariners Magic Looks Like Now

Jorge Polanco of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 5, 2025 in Seattle.

The Mariners Are Not Going To Give Up On October Without A Fight

Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers reacts during Game One of the American League Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians.

Podcasts

Hunting For The Wettest Guys Of The MLB Playoffs, With Lauren Theisen

Defector Staff

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0 to clinch the National League West title.

Everything We’re Looking Forward To In The 2025 MLB Playoffs

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 13: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners looks on while standing next to Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park on May 13, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Dumper And Judge Are Bringing The Thrill In The MVP Race

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Victor Robles #10 of the Seattle Mariners makes a diving catch to end the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on September 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

Victor Robles To The Rescue!

Seattle Mariners (L-R) Leo Rivas #76, Eugenio Suarez #28, Josh Naylor #12 and Harry Ford #5 at T-Mobile Park on September 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

The Seattle Mariners Are In Their Etsy Witch Era

Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners receives high fives in the dugout after hitting his 49th home run of the season setting the record for most home runs during a single season by a catcher.

Cal Raleigh Breaks The Catcher Homer Record In A Big (Dumper) Way

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

Dan McQuade

A brown leather couch covered, almost completely on the seats and up the seatbacks, with Greg Briley Topps baseball cards

Life's Rich Pageant

Here’s How A Man Accidentally Bought 10,400 Greg Briley Rookie Cards

Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners flips his bat after hitting a two-run home run.

Josh Naylor Is So Slow That Nobody Can Catch Him

Eugenio Suárez #28 of the Seattle Mariners tips his cap during his first at bat back with the Mariners.

Jerry Dipoto Will Never Stop Doing Jerry Dipoto Things

Tom Ley

Michael Kay Constitutionally Incapable Of Enjoying An Extended Gaze At Cal Raleigh’s Huge Ass

al Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates in the dugout with a trident after hitting a home run.

The Rime Of The Big Dumper, Or How And In What Manner Cal Raleigh Became A Bona Fide Slugger

Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his walkoff walk as Julio Rodríguez #44 jumps on home plate.