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

Introduction

In the March 5, 2025 episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, Dan Patrick teams up with guest Jolly Olive and co-host Eric Andre to delve deep into Major League Baseball's second base position. The discussion centers around creating a comprehensive tier list for second basemen in the 2025 season, evaluating players based on performance metrics, potential, and overall impact on their teams.

Top Tier: Cattel Marte and the Arizona Dimebacks

The conversation kicks off with a strong focus on Cattel Marte of the Arizona Dimebacks, positioning him firmly in the top tier.

• Cattel Marte’s Performance
  • Eric Andre highlights Marte's impressive statistics: “Cato Marte had a 155 OPS plus, .932 OPS, 36 home runs” ([05:12]).
  • Jolly Olive adds, “He brings all dimensions to the plate, man. He hits for power, hits for contact. Has a spectacular glove out there” ([05:14]).

Marte is lauded for his well-rounded skill set, combining offensive prowess with defensive excellence. His contract extension, earning $16 million per year with a team option, is seen as a testament to his value in baseball.

Middle Tiers: Emerging Talent and Consistent Performers

The middle tiers discuss players who show potential or provide consistent performance without yet reaching top-tier status.

• Nolan Gorman and Tyro Estrada

  • Eric Andre critiques Gorman’s performance: “2023 OPS of .805, two WAR. It looked like it was building in the right direction” ([08:21]).
  • Jolly Olive debates Gorman's placement but acknowledges his potential resurgence ([08:52]).

• Tyro Estrada is recognized as a promising player with solid defensive skills and potential for growth: “Tyro’s middle of the lineup in the Rockies...might be a fantasy guy” ([09:25]).

Bottom Tier: Struggles and Inconsistencies

The bottom tier, humorously dubbed "Goat Ease," includes players who have faced significant challenges or inconsistencies in their performance.

• Nolan Gorman and Josh Rojas
  • Jolly Olive discusses Gorman’s struggles and placement in the bottom tier: “Gorman's bottom tier for me. I don't know about you” ([09:17]).
  • Eric Andre mentions Rojas’ inconsistent performance: “He can play every position and hit league average” ([10:03]).

Players in this tier are viewed as replacement-level, lacking the standout qualities needed to elevate them beyond the bottom tier.

Wild Cards: High Potential with Uncertainties

Wild cards are players who possess significant upside but come with uncertainties such as past injuries or inconsistent performances.

• Matt McClain and Brandon Lowe

  • Eric Andre praises McClain’s leadership and potential: “Matt McClain is stupid good...four WAR in 90 games in his rookie year” ([38:32]).
  • Jolly Olive expresses cautious optimism about Lowe’s power-hitting abilities despite injury concerns ([43:50]).

• Luis Garcia Jr. and Dylan Moore

  • Jolly Olive highlights Garcia’s dynamic offensive skills: “18 homers, 22 stolen bases, a .796 OPS plus” ([49:36]).
  • Eric Andre admires Moore’s versatility and defensive prowess: “He plays nine positions every year. It’s hard to be a good ball player when you never know where you’re gonna play” ([54:06]).

These players are seen as potential game-changers who could significantly impact their teams if they overcome their current hurdles.

Dirty Jerseys: Defensive Stalwarts

The "Dirty Jerseys" tier emphasizes players renowned for their defensive capabilities and hustle on the field, often getting "covered in dirt" from aggressive plays.

• Andres Jimenez, Nico Horner, and Bryce Tarang
  • Eric Andre commends Jimenez’s defensive skills: “He’s the best defensive second baseman in the game right now” ([22:19]).
  • Jolly Olive discusses Horner’s consistent performance and defensive reliability ([23:35]).

These players are valued for their defensive contributions, making them invaluable assets despite varying offensive output.

Raise Up: Emerging Prospects Poised for Breakthroughs

The "Raise Up" tier spotlights young talents expected to make significant strides in their performance.

• Brandon Lowe and Matt McClain
  • Eric Andre envisions Lowe as a potential offensive powerhouse: “You’re gonna have one of the best offensive seasons from a second baseman” ([45:34]).
  • Jolly Olive anticipates McClain’s return from injury: “I am very very excited for Matt McClain this year” ([39:34]).

These prospects are closely watched for their potential to elevate into higher tiers as the season progresses.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a comprehensive tier list that categorizes MLB second basemen into distinct tiers based on their current performance, potential, and overall value to their teams. Dan Patrick, alongside Jolly Olive and Eric Andre, provides insightful analysis, blending statistical evaluation with nuanced discussions on player dynamics and team strategies. The tier list serves as a valuable guide for fans and analysts alike, offering a detailed perspective on the landscape of second basemen entering the 2025 season.

Notable Quotes

• Eric Andre ([05:14]): “He brings all dimensions to the plate, man. He hits for power, hits for contact. Has a spectacular glove out there.”
• Jolly Olive ([22:19]): “He’s the best defensive infielder in the game right now.”
• Eric Andre ([45:34]): “You’re gonna have one of the best offensive seasons from a second baseman.”
• Jolly Olive ([39:34]): “I am very very excited for Matt McClain this year.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a thorough and engaging exploration of MLB's second base position, blending statistical insights with lively discussion. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or a casual observer, the tier list provides a clear and informative overview of the key players shaping the future of second base in Major League Baseball.