Fangraphs Weekly Mail Bags: August 23, 2025

So far, one of the most interesting things I wrote about the most alternative level players ever two weeks ago is so far. I started the mailbag for that week by talking about questions that require quantitative data and subjective analysis, and then I used “Who is the greatest baseball player ever?” for example. I made it very clear that I would not comment on this issue. Instead, I explained how people think about the problem and make their arguments, and in doing so, I mentioned some of the best players ever. nothing.

Of course, except I should know that your excellent baseball Sickos can’t resist the debate in the comments. Many of you are dabbled in how someone gives Barry Bonds an advantage over Babe Ruth because “Bonds aren’t allowed to play in Ruth’s career.” Readers also make points for expansion and cite U.S. census figures to compare the population size of Major League Baseball and the country. I really didn’t expect it.

So maybe I should be ready for any questions, I answered this week’s mailbag, which also involves the excellent players and rosters of all time. Of course, this is quantitative, but the context also has to understand why things come up the way they do. This is an interesting person, so let’s get started. But before we do this, I’ll remind you all of this and anyone can submit a question, the mailbag is unique to Fangraphs members. If you don’t have a membership yet and want to continue reading, you can sign up for a membership here. This is the best way to experience the site again and support our staff and brings many other huge benefits. Also, if you want to ask a question about an upcoming mailbag, please email me: sailbag@fangraphs.com.
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