Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – "Our 2025 Left Fielders Tier List (with Jolly Olive)"

Episode Information:

• Title: Our 2025 Left Fielders Tier List (with Jolly Olive)
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
• Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts Jake Storiale and Jolly Olive delve into their comprehensive tier list for left fielders in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the 2025 season. The discussion is enriched with statistical analysis, player performances, and insightful commentary, aiming to rank left fielders based on their current form and future potential.

S Tier: Elite Left Fielders

1. Riley Green (Detroit Tigers)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Achieved 5 WAR in the previous season.
  • Recorded 24 home runs with an OPS of .837.
  • Transitioned from center field to left field, enhancing his offensive output.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (04:29): "Riley Green has it all—gloves, speed, contact, and power."
  • Jolly Olive (06:23): "Riley Green, 5.5 WAR last year, is in his prime and ready for a 30 home run season."

2. Jaren Duran (Boston Red Sox)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Posted an impressive 8.7 WAR, placing him eighth in MVP voting.
  • Led the American League in stolen bases with 34.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (09:05): "Jaren Duran fully deserves to be in the S tier."
  • Jolly Olive (10:18): "Red Sox fans could push to put Jaren Duran alone in the S tier."

A Tier: Outstanding Performers

1. Stephen Kwan (Cleveland Guardians)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Consistently strong defensive skills with consecutive Gold Gloves.
  • Balanced offensive contributions with 20+ home runs and solid batting averages.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (17:36): "Stephen Kwan has been the same great player for the past three years."

2. Ian Happ (Chicago Cubs)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Four WAR over the last three seasons.
  • Switch hitter with no significant weaknesses on either side of the plate.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (17:36): "Ian Happ is a switch hitter that's undervalued in baseball."

B Tier: Solid Contributors with Potential

1. Tyler O'Neill (Baltimore Orioles)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Achieved 6 WAR in 2021 with 31 home runs.
  • Struggles with injuries have limited his consistency.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (36:10): "If he plays 150 games and maintains his performance, he's worthy of moving up."

2. Elliot Ramos (San Francisco Giants)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Showed breakout potential with a 1.2 OPS against lefties.
  • Young player with room to develop further.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (42:09): "Ramos is the biggest wild card on the list for me."

C Tier: Underperforming or Inconsistent Players

1. Brandon Nimmo (New York Yankees)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Known for strong offensive seasons with 20+ home runs.
  • Defensive performance has been mediocre, impacting his overall value.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (45:47): "Nimmo had a 5 WAR season but struggled defensively last year."

2. Michael Conforto (Los Angeles Dodgers)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Transitioned to a platoon hitter, which may limit his offensive upside.
  • Defensive liabilities in left field.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (57:27): "Conforto’s power is undeniable, but his defensive skills are lacking."

D Tier: Struggling or Underutilized Players

1. Jose Altuve (Houston Astros)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Transitioned from second base to left field at age 35.
  • Offensive decline observable with a .790 OPS in the previous season.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (27:08): "Altuve has never played left field before, making his placement in this tier controversial."

2. Connor Joe & Jason Hayward (Various Teams)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Both players have shown inconsistency and underperformance.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (53:32): "These players just don't fit well in the left field tier."

Lower Tiers: Developmental or Replacement-Level Players

1. Wyatt Langford (Texas Rangers)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Impressive 4 WAR as a 22-year-old, indicating high potential.
  • Significant improvement observed in the latter part of the season.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (48:22): "Langford has a very promising sophomore campaign ahead."

2. James Wood (Washington Nationals)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Exceptional athleticism and potential for high offensive output.
  • Needs to overcome challenges with hitting breaking pitches.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (50:20): "James Wood has the freak athleticism and potential to be very special."

Controversial Placements & Future Considerations

1. Anthony Santander (Toronto Blue Jays)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Achieved 44 home runs over three seasons, showcasing immense power.
  • Defensive expectations are mixed, raising questions about his tier placement.

• Key Insights:

  • Jake Storiale (24:15): "Santander has the best home run potential on this list."

2. Jason Dominguez (Cincinnati Reds)

• Performance Highlights:

  • Emerging talent with potential to rise in tiers based on upcoming performances.

• Key Insights:

  • Jolly Olive (64:53): "Dominguez is placed in the 2027 S tier, needing time to prove himself."

Additional Discussions

• Defensive Versatility:

  • The importance of being able to play multiple outfield positions was emphasized, especially for players like Stephen Kwan and Riley Green.

• Impact of Team Dynamics:

  • The conversation touched upon how team strategies and lineup construction, such as the Red Sox's infield dynamics or the Guardians' emphasis on run prevention, influence player performances and tier placements.

• Future Projections:

  • Hosts speculated on the future trajectories of young talents like Wyatt Langford and James Wood, considering their current performance metrics and potential for growth.

Notable Quotes

• Jake Storiale (04:29): "Riley Green has it all—gloves, speed, contact, and power."
• Jolly Olive (10:18): "Red Sox fans could push to put Jaren Duran alone in the S tier."
• Jake Storiale (24:15): "Santander has the best home run potential on this list."
• Jolly Olive (64:53): "Dominguez is placed in the 2027 S tier, needing time to prove himself."

Conclusion

Jake Storiale and Jolly Olive provided a thorough analysis of left fielders in MLB for the 2025 season, categorizing players based on their offensive and defensive capabilities, consistency, and potential for future growth. While elite performers like Riley Green and Jaren Duran dominate the top tiers, the discussion also highlighted promising young talents and areas where veteran players may be faltering. The tier list serves as an insightful tool for fans and analysts alike to gauge the current landscape of left field positions in baseball.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the primary discussion about the left fielders tier list.