The Dan Patrick Show

Episode: Our 2025 Right Fielders Tier List (with Jolly Olive)
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Guests: Jolly Olive, Jake, BBD

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Jake and Jolly Olive delving into their highly anticipated Right Fielders Tier List for the 2025 baseball season. They aim to categorize and rank the top right fielders in Major League Baseball (MLB), discussing their performances, potential, and future trajectories.

Top Tier Right Fielders

Aaron Judge

• Discussion: Aaron Judge is positioned at the pinnacle of the tier list due to his outstanding performance over the past three years, including two 10 WAR seasons. His consistent excellence and move back to right field solidify his top-tier status.
• Notable Quote:
  Jolly Olive [07:09]: "Aaron Judge has two 10 WAR seasons the last three years he's moving back to right field and he just... Judge is at the top."

Juan Soto

• Discussion: Juan Soto follows closely, praised for his exceptional plate discipline and offensive prowess. While he has minor defensive flaws, his overall contribution makes him a cornerstone in the tier list.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [08:51]: "Juan Soto does have better plate discipline than arguably any hitter in the game right now."

Ronald Acuña Jr.

• Discussion: Acuña is recognized for his elite performance, including an MVP season. However, concerns about his injuries and durability introduce some uncertainty about his standing.
• Notable Quote:
  Jolly Olive [08:33]: "Ronald Acuña Jr. is still elite in my mind."

Second Tier: War Veterans Tribute

Kyle Tucker

• Discussion: Kyle Tucker is acknowledged for his consistent performance and potential for a monster season, despite injuries limiting his playtime last year.
• Notable Quote:
  Jolly Olive [08:38]: "Kyle Tucker had nearly five WAR in half a season so he could get there."

Fernando Tatis Jr. & Corbin Carroll

• Discussion: Tatis Jr. and Carroll are highlighted for their dynamic performances and future potential. Tatis Jr.'s versatility and Carroll's MVP-caliber second half are key points.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [09:00]: "Fernando Tatis Jr. deserves respect but has injury concerns."

Hot Air Balloon Tier

Jackson Churro

• Discussion: As a young talent, Churro is lauded for his breakout performances, showing significant growth and potential to become a key player.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [15:13]: "He totally lived up to that resume."

Corbin Carroll

• Discussion: Despite a challenging first half, Carroll's stellar second half with a 0.935 OPS and 17 stolen bases secures his place in this tier.
• Notable Quote:
  Jolly Olive [15:30]: "He can go out there and get it."

Fernando Tatis Jr.

• Discussion: Tatis Jr.'s offensive and defensive capabilities are discussed, emphasizing his importance despite some inconsistencies.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [17:08]: "Tatis has the most playoff postseason home runs."

Stud Finder Tier

Oscar Hernandez

• Discussion: Recognized for his offensive contributions and defensive prowess, Hernandez is considered a reliable stud, essential for any team's lineup.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [36:11]: "As long as he's not in Seattle playoffs, I love TE Oscar."

Sam Hilliard & Victor Robles

• Discussion: Both players are commended for their defensive skills and potential offensive upside, making them valuable assets in their respective teams.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [39:37]: "I like Sam Hilliard's a freak."

Random Player Generator Tier

Matt Walner & Chris Bryant

• Discussion: These players are placed in the lower tier due to inconsistent performances and limited impact, though they possess certain strengths that could be leveraged.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [33:06]: "He hit a little bit, he's really not a defense guy."

Nick Castellanos

• Discussion: Castellanos is a contentious placement due to his all-around contributions versus his recent dip in WAR and offensive production.
• Notable Quote:
  Jake [46:25]: "You're either going to have the best hitter or the worst hitter in your lineup."

Notable Discussions & Debates

• Defense vs. Offense: The balance between defensive capabilities and offensive output is a recurring theme, especially when evaluating players like Aaron Judge and Fernando Tatis Jr.

• Injury Concerns: Player durability, particularly for stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., is a point of concern affecting their tier placement.

• Young Talent Potential: The potential growth of young players such as Jackson Churro and Corbin Carroll brings optimism but also uncertainty to their future rankings.

• Position Flexibility: Discussions around players like Nick Castellanos and Matt Veerling highlight the complexities of position assignments and their impact on player performance.

Conclusion

Jake and Jolly Olive wrap up the episode by finalizing their 2025 Right Fielders Tier List, emphasizing the ever-evolving nature of player performances and the impact of factors like injuries and team dynamics. They express excitement for the upcoming season, anticipating shifts in player rankings based on new developments and individual performances.

Final Tier List Highlights:

1. Biggest Person in Baseball: Aaron Judge
2. War Veterans Tribute: Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker
3. Hot Air Balloon: Jackson Churro, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr.
4. Stud Finder: Oscar Hernandez, Sam Hilliard, Victor Robles
5. Random Player Generator: Matt Walner, Chris Bryant, Nick Castellanos

Closing Quote:
Jake [59:56]: "He hit a little bit the past few years."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jolly Olive [07:09]: "Aaron Judge has two 10 WAR seasons the last three years he's moving back to right field and he just... Judge is at the top."

• Jake [08:51]: "Juan Soto does have better plate discipline than arguably any hitter in the game right now."

• Jolly Olive [08:33]: "Ronald Acuña Jr. is still elite in my mind."

• Jake [15:13]: "He totally lived up to that resume."

• Jake [36:11]: "As long as he's not in Seattle playoffs, I love TE Oscar."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear understanding of the 2025 Right Fielders Tier List for both avid listeners and newcomers alike.