Effectively Wild Episode 2442: Season Preview Series – Tigers and Athletics

Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: Ben Lindbergh (The Ringer), Meg Rowley (FanGraphs)
Guests: Cody Stavenhagen (The Athletic, Tiger Territory Podcast), Jason Burke (Inside the A’s, Sports Illustrated)

Episode Overview

This episode of Effectively Wild continues the annual season preview series, with deep dives on the Detroit Tigers and the (for now) West Sacramento Athletics. Ben and Meg chat with Tigers beat writer Cody Stavenhagen and A’s reporter Jason Burke, breaking down each team’s recent history, offseason moves, roster construction, prospects, and outlook for 2026. In addition, Ben and Meg open the show with an extended conversation about MLB labor news, notably the MLBPA’s new leadership and upcoming CBA battle, plus some musings about the evolution of strategy and coaching influence in baseball.

Opening Banter

00:00–04:39

• Lighthearted banter about “Meat Space” (the world beyond the internet) and stories about Effectively Wild listeners receiving free beers at bars for mentioning the podcast.
• Appreciative shout-outs to the supportive EW community and reflections on baseball fandom in real life.

Notable Quotes

• “There’s a bartender out there, unidentified unspecified bartender hero, who is handing out free drinks to other Effectively Wild listeners.” – Ben (01:59)
• “Maybe the thing they’ll talk about is how horrible Meat Space is.” – Meg (03:39)

Segment 1: MLBPA Leadership & Labor Relations

04:39–35:00

The Bruce Meyer Era

• Bruce Meyer, former lead negotiator, is now the interim executive director of the MLBPA, following Tony Clark’s departure under a cloud of internal investigation.
• Meyer is known for toughness in negotiations, legal expertise, and less for diplomatic soft-touch; seen as someone who can “hold the line” against MLB.

Labor Strategy, CBA Fights, and Media Narratives

• The union prioritizes strong bargaining over public relations “soft power.”
• Discussion on the league’s push for a salary cap and player union’s continued opposition:
  • “Our union historically has been against it because we believe it’s quite simply not good for players. That position is not going to change.” – Bruce Meyer, quoted by Ben (15:40)
• Owners’ lockout posture and media coverage questioned:
  • “Why should the onus be more on the players than it is on the league? So that framing, which we’ve seen plenty of times…I just never quite understand why we should say that the players are the ones who must save the season.” – Ben (28:32)
• Comparative labor consciousness: how fans view athlete labor versus auto workers or teachers.

Tony Clark’s Departure & Scandal

• Brief discussion of the ambiguity and internal drama around Clark’s exit due to an “inappropriate relationship.” Meg and Ben riff (somewhat facetiously) about the English language’s ambiguity with “sister-in-law.”
  • “It’s bad no matter what. To be clear, you know, it’s really not the best, regardless. But my argument was your marriage is probably over in either circumstance.” – Meg (21:41)

Segment 2: Coaching Influence & Strategy in Modern Baseball

35:00–53:04

Pitch-Calling from the Dugout: The “Coaching Creep” Debate

• Frustration from both hosts about MLB teams increasing use of coaches calling pitches from the dugout (à la the Marlins and Rockies) rather than leaving it to catchers.
• Concerns about over-specialization, reducing player autonomy, and changing the spirit of the game vs. legitimate competitive advantages.
  • “I want the players to perform and make a difference and for the players’ performance and preparation to manifest on the field… I just don’t want players to be reduced to executors of the will of others.” – Ben (44:56)
  • “Leave catchers alone. They’re beautiful boys. Leave our beautiful boys alone.” – Meg (47:12)
• Expansion on collaboration, the value of preparation vs. in-game autonomy, and how much front office input is healthy during games.
• Mildly crotchety, but deeply affectionate, tone for both coaches and players.

Segment 3: 2026 Detroit Tigers Season Preview

53:34–90:19
Guest: Cody Stavenhagen (The Athletic)

2024–25 in Review & Recent Offseason

• Tigers had similar endings the last two years (mid-80s wins, ALDS exits vs. Cleveland) but took different journeys—one heroic finish, the other an epic collapse and recovery.
• While expecting a quiet winter, the organization made late-offseason splashes: signing Framber Valdez (3 years), and bringing back Justin Verlander.
  • “Those two moves really changed the entire mood around spring training… could have as good a rotation as any in the American League.” – Cody (57:37)

Prospect Arrival Watch

• Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark (ranked 5th and 7th on FanGraphs Top 100) loom large; McGonigle possibly pushing for a 2026 debut as Tigers’ new shortstop.
• “He could play 162 games or play 28 games in the majors. I’m not sure which it’s going to be.” – Cody (60:08)

Rotation: Strength & Intrigue

• Significant investments:
  • Framber Valdez (workhorse, stability after signing for higher AAV but short term)
  • Justin Verlander (emotional homecoming + still productive at age 43)
  • Tarek Skubal (historic $32M arbitration victory, Scott Boras client, highly unlikely to sign extension before FA)
  • “They are running into camp with a good roster and they chose not to trade Tarek Skubal.” – Cody (63:00)
• Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize now slotted as 3/4s, less pressure, potential upside if one returns to peak form.

Bullpen Construction

• Kenley Jansen, Will Vest, and Kyle Finnegan headline a high-variance, closer-by-committee-ish pen.
• Few sure things; Jansen’s underlying numbers a concern.
  • “Knowing AJ Hinch, I’m not sure, you know, closer is kind of a bad word around these parts.” – Cody (71:54)
• Drew Anderson returns from the KBO as potential swingman.

Offense: Consistency Needed

• Relying on further development of young bats (Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson).
• Riley Greene: Big pop, franchise record strikeouts, “steepest swing in the game”—needs better swing choices.
• Torkelson: Range of outcomes wide (“he could have an .880 OPS or a .680 OPS and neither would surprise me”—Cody, 79:10)
• Dylan Dingler: 27-year-old “surprise” catching prospect’s glove is as advertised, bat was even better than hoped in 2025.

Infield/Outfield Depth & Prospects

• Gleyber Torres returned via qualifying offer; solid but not spectacular, questions about defensive decline.
• Max Anderson, Hao-Yu Lee, and Trey Cruz could see time on the infield if injuries hit or production lags.

Payroll Escalation & Ownership

• Chris Ilitch has finally pushed Tigers into top-10 payroll territory.
  • “You have to give some props…for finally spending in a more meaningful way.” – Cody (87:02)
• Question remains if this is the spending ceiling.

Success Metrics for 2026

• “The goal needs to start with win your division. …Making the World Series is kind of the goal… I think winning the AL Central should constitute success for the Tigers this season.” – Cody (88:38)

Segment 4: 2026 Oakland (West Sacramento) Athletics Season Preview

91:28–126:20
Guest: Jason Burke (Inside the A’s, Sports Illustrated)

Last Season’s Silver Linings: Position Player Core

• Athletics were competitive in the second half in 2025. While pitching struggled, young hitters shined:
  • Nick Kurtz: Monster rookie year (4.5 WAR, 170 wRC+), albeit with sustainability questions.
  • Jacob Wilson: Polished, mature, now extended.
  • Tyler Soderstrom: Adapted by moving to left field, became a Gold Glove finalist, and also extended.
  • Denzel Clark: Defensive wizard in CF, though bat is still a question.
  • “Denzel Clark, just making catch after catch after catch…might be the best defender in baseball already.” – Jason (94:47)

Organizational Outlook & Vegas Move

• Multiple core position players have signed long-term extensions, signaling a vision for a bright future—wherever the A’s end up.
• Team is actively selling prospects on the new Las Vegas ballpark (with trips to Vegas, VR experiences, etc.).

Growth & Regression Candidates

• Nick Kurtz: Sustainability depends on improvements against LHPs and a likely regression in gaudy BABIP.
  • “There are reasons where you’re like, is he one of the three best hitters in baseball?...But hitting .197 with an 87 wRC+ against lefties, it isn’t the best to be the next Aaron Judge or whatever.” – Jason (97:44)
• Denzel Clark: “If he can hit a little bit, not even like a league average bat, just be okay…he’ll be a huge plus overall.” (99:50)

Infield Mix

• Jeff McNeil traded in as veteran presence for 2B; hoping for a bounce back, and providing contact skills.
• Zach Gelof (returning from injury), possible outfield looks.
• Third base: Competition between Max Muncy (the younger), Daryl Hernaiz, and Brett Harris.

Pitching Staff: Patchwork, but With Hope

• Rotation: Luis Severino, Jacob Lopez (breakout potential), Jeffrey Springs, Aaron Civale, Luis Morales.
• “If Gage Jump is pitching okay and he doesn’t get hurt, I’d say that they’re going to give him a shot.” – Jason (111:06)
• Bullpen adds Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Barlow, but “closer” is an open competition, and depth remains thin.

Leo De Vries: Superstar Prospect?

• Now 19, was among the youngest players in Double A last year—hit well beyond his years.
• Timeline could accelerate; may see AAA by midseason, with MLB debut possible if he keeps producing.
  • “Talking about an 18-year-old that got up to Double A, that doesn’t happen very often…his numbers were incredible.” – Jason (117:13)

The Vegas Question: Timeline & Funding

• Owner John Fisher says 2028 remains the target for first season in Las Vegas. Construction ongoing, but some funding questions linger.
• Outreach to Sacramento has increased (lowered ticket prices, new gold jerseys), but the team’s identity remains in flux.

Preview Success Metric

• “If they make the postseason, that is a successful season. …They could be an 85, 86 win team, they could be a 72 win team. …I’m imagining that they’re going to finish probably 81–81. But hey, we’ll see if they can make that push.” – Jason (124:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Coaching Creep, Competitive Balance:
  • “I want players’ will and their preparation and whether they can think tactically about these things to have some bearing on the in-game results. Because otherwise…it’s just who can crunch numbers better. …That is interesting…but it’s not what originally drew me to the game.” – Ben (44:56)
• On MLB Labor Coverage:
  • “You can’t let the smell of the grass get in your brain… when you’re talking about this stuff.” – Meg (33:14)
• On the A’s Future:
  • “Baby, there’s two guys who could be in the mix for the rotation.” – Jason (109:16, answering a request from the episode’s “last remaining A’s fan,” Baby)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• MLBPA, Meyer, and CBA: 04:39 – 35:00
• Dugout Pitch-Calling/Strategy: 35:00 – 53:04
• Tigers Preview with Cody Stavenhagen: 53:34 – 90:19
  • Tigers offseason & young core: 54:15–61:18
  • Rotation discussion: 61:18–71:31
  • Bullpen/depth: 71:31–77:47
  • Lineup/prospects/payroll: 77:47–88:20
  • Expectations for 2026: 88:20–90:17
• Athletics Preview with Jason Burke: 91:28 – 126:20
  • 2025 review & young core: 93:33–97:44
  • Nick Kurtz regression: 97:44–99:17
  • Pitching staff: 106:12–112:03
  • Leo De Vries timeline: 116:14–118:15
  • Vegas stadium update: 118:15–124:53

Episode Tone

• Characteristic Effectively Wild blend of in-depth analysis, gentle snark, affection for the game’s quirks, and self-aware tangents.
• Judicious with stats without overwhelming, friendly and skeptical about both front office “optimism” and media narratives.

Final Thoughts

For the Tigers, a strong rotation, hopeful young core, and top-10 payroll fuel division aspirations. For the Athletics, a wave of blue-chip position prospects and the hope of batting regression is tempered by stadium limbo and pitching uncertainty—but optimism does not entirely escape, especially if you’re “Baby.”