FanGraphs Weekly Mailbag: January 10, 2026
Get ready for some exciting baseball action! In just a month, pitchers and catchers will be reporting for spring training, marking the start of a new season. As the mitts come out and players boast about their best shape, the anticipation for the upcoming baseball season builds. But before we dive into the action, let's explore some intriguing topics in this week's mailbag.
Hall of Fame Candidates and Unrecognized Talent
The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame election results are just around the corner, set for January 20th. Jay Jaffe has been diligently covering the ballot, providing insightful player profiles. Today, we shift focus to pitchers who never received Hall of Fame votes, despite their remarkable skills. These players' stories highlight the subjective nature of Hall of Fame selection.
Unsigned Free Agents and Rumblings in the Offseason
Four of the top five and six of the top 10 players on Ben Clemens' Top 50 Free Agents rankings remain unsigned. This includes a trio of former Astros teammates: Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Framber Valdez. The ongoing negotiations and the potential impact of these players on the upcoming season are topics of discussion among baseball enthusiasts.
Exploring Chandler Simpson's Potential
Michael Baumann delves into the case of Chandler Simpson, examining his skills and potential contributions to a team. This analysis invites readers to consider the factors that contribute to a player's success and the nuances of their performance.
Popups and Pitching Strategies
Davy Andrews explores the question of whether inducing popups is a skill pitchers can master. This thought-provoking piece encourages readers to consider the strategic aspects of pitching and the various techniques employed by pitchers to outwit batters.
Variance in ZiPS Projections
Dan Szymborski explains the wide variance in ZiPS projections for different types of players. This insight provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in player evaluation and the factors that influence their performance predictions.
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