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Tyler Kepner

@tylerkepner.bsky.social

17K followers 305 following 328 posts

Senior MLB writer for The Athletic. Author of “K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches” and “The Grandest Stage: A History of the World Series.” Reporter in quarter-zip, episode 787 of "The Simpsons." Immaculate Grid addict.

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Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The final Sliders of the regular season takes a look at the high-quality start; an NFL founding father who played for the Yankees; a prayer for the knuckleball -- and @battingstanceguy.bsky.social's 30-teams-in-one-state adventure! www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...

A salute to the high-quality start, baseball’s 81.9 percent predictor of victory

Plus a look at the legacy of the knuckleball, a surprising gridiron Grid and a send-off to this season's Sliders.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, the old grandmasters, care deeply about the future of pitching. They have plenty of thoughts -- and a set of five rules -- to bring back the starter as we once knew him. www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...

Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer’s purpose pitch for MLB: Save the starter

As one future Hall of Famer exits the game and the other ponders his future, both have ideas on how to develop more throwback style aces.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Whatever happened to the 200-hit season? A batting champ and a veteran hitting coach explain in this week’s Sliders column www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

Whatever happened to the 200-hit season? A batting champ and a hitting coach explain (Gift Article)

Plus Carlos Beltrán's upcoming Mets number retirement, a legendary MLB life remembered and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

It never made sense that the Mets lost Pete Alonso, an everyday force they cannot replace www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

It still makes no sense that the Mets lost Pete Alonso, an everyday force they cannot replace (Gift Article)

Alonso arrived back at Citi Field with more home runs, runs batted in, runs scored, total bases and WAR than anyone on the Mets.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

‘The Mets have not forgotten’ – 25 years later, the team has kept its 9/11 promise www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...

'The Mets have not forgotten' – 25 years later, the team has kept its 9/11 promise

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

For the Phillies, the ghosts of October are showing up early www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...

For the Phillies, the ghosts of October are showing up early (Gift Article)

Philadelphia's matchup with Atlanta has evoked October, a month that’s been too much trick and not enough treat for the Phillies.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Mickey Gasper’s unlikely journey from late-round Yankees draft pick to late-summer slugging sensation for the Red Sox — and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...

Mickey Gasper’s unlikely journey from low-round Yankees draft pick to Red Sox folk hero (Gift Article)

This week's Sliders also include a former ballplayer turned world-renowned sculptor and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It’s a herd of turtles in the AL West, and the Astros aren’t innovators anymore 🐢🐢🐢 www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

It’s a herd of turtles in the AL West, and the Astros aren’t innovators anymore (Gift Article)

No team in baseball history has won a division in a full season without a winning record. The AL West looks eager to take up the challenge.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Sliders takes a look at the summer's stealth ace, Brandon Pfaadt of the Diamondbacks, and more! www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...

How Brandon Pfaadt returned from the minors to take the rein of the D-Backs’ rotation

Plus a fourth-generation Hall of Fame legacy, a glitch in the Immaculate Grid and more of the timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

“Sometimes there’s hurricanes”: Ketel Marte’s baffling absence leaves D-Backs to weather the impact www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...

Ketel Marte’s baffling absence leaves D-Backs to weather the impact (Gift Article)

After failing to show up for a series at Fenway, the three-time All-Star second baseman is slated to speak with GM Mike Hazen on Thursday.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

The Yankees' Gerrit Cole has won three starts in a row. With three more wins, he'll have 162 -- and will finally top Mike Moore for most victories by a pitcher drafted 1st overall. The pursuit of a quirky record leads off Sliders: www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

Club 162: Yankees’ Gerrit Cole is rolling to a record he didn’t even know about

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Struggling Cal Raleigh puts blame on himself as Mariners keep sinking: ‘I’m awful’ www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...

Struggling Cal Raleigh puts blame on himself as Mariners keep sinking: ‘I’m awful’ (Gift Article)

Raleigh, who hit 60 home runs last season as the AL MVP runner-up, has just 12 this year along with a .159 average and .563 OPS.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Yes, it's been a tough year for the Mariners -- but hey, that's nothing new. As the franchise celebrates its 50 greatest players this weekend, here's a Sliders list of 50 wacky characters and fractured factoids from its colorful past www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

As Seattle salutes the 50 greatest Mariners, these funny 50 won’t make the cut

Forget about the top 50 Seattle Mariners. How about this alternate list instead?

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Sliders: As the Mets honor the 1986 champions this weekend, the uplifting power of Jesse Orosco's skyward glove still resonates www.nytimes.com/athletic/748...

As Mets honor 1986 champions, the uplifting power of a skyward glove still resonates

Plus 5 questions on coaching 5 Cy Young winners, a classic Rickey Henderson trade clip and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

A trio of traveling superstars reaches its destination in Cooperstown www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...

A trio of traveling superstars reaches its destination in Cooperstown (Gift Article)

Carlos Beltrán played for seven teams, Jeff Kent played for six and Andruw Jones played for five. They learned something from each stop.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

How well do you know the Hall of Famers? Take this quiz, straight from their plaques! www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...

Cooperstown quiz: How well do you know your Baseball Hall of Famers? (Gift Article)

As three new players are honored in Cooperstown, we see if our readers can identify previous inductees based on the bio on their plaque.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

A Hall of Fame Sliders with the Class of 2026 — Beltrán, Jones and Kent — and honoree Joe Buck www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...

A Hall of Fame Sliders with the Class of 2026 — Beltrán, Jones and Kent — and honoree Joe Buck (Gift Article)

How the Yankees became a late career stop for many Hall of Famers, Jeff Kent's 'Survivor' stop and more in this special 'Sliders' edition

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Managing? Yes, it still interests Carlos Beltran, who spoke about the Mets' opportunity and revisited the Astros' sign-stealing scandal in a candid Hall of Fame conference call today www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...

Carlos Beltrán, Mets discussed managerial role after Mendoza firing, hoping for second act

Beltrán also discussed his feelings about being the only player mentioned in MLB's report on the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scheme.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

For rampaging Red Sox, the signs of a turnaround were always 60 feet, 6 inches away www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Sliders -- For Ken Griffey Jr., a passion project to expand opportunities, on the field and off www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...

Sliders: For Ken Griffey Jr., a passion project to expand opportunities, on the field and off

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Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

OK, so the game itself was a dud. But for the “gross” All-Star pitchers, the lessons could be long-lasting www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...

The All-Star Game was a dud. But for 'gross' pitchers, lessons could be long-lasting

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

On a night unlike any other at Citizens Bank Park, with @jaysonst.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...

This Home Run Derby was a night unlike any other in Citizens Bank Park history (Gift Article)

Jordan Walker, Kyle Schwarber and company showed their prodigious power — and Philadelphia flexed — in a derby that delivered the goods.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

We know what MLB wants. But what do the All-Stars want in the next labor deal? www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...

We know what MLB wants. But what’s important to the All-Stars in the next labor deal?

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Ted’s tribute in Boston. Tommy’s tumble in Seattle. Barry’s bomb in Denver. Jacob’s deGrominance in Cincy. Here are the 10 most memorable moments in the three decades since the All-Stars last came to Philly. www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...

The 10 most unforgettable MLB All-Star Game moments of the last 30 years (Gift Article)

Jacob deGrom, Barry Bonds and Cal Ripken Jr. are among the players who've made the past three decades of Midsummer Classics so eventful.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

David Montgomery was the first person I ever knew in baseball, and I’ve never met anyone better. Honored to write this Sliders column about his final wish: an All-Star Game in Philly for the 250th. www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...

An All-Star spangled celebration was the final wish for the Phillies’ biggest fan (Gift Article)

Before Phillies chairman David Montgomery died in 2019, MLB promised his city would host the Midsummer Classic in 2026. Plus more Sliders.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

As Justin Verlander gives up the chase, the 300-Win Club seems closed forever www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...

As Justin Verlander gives up chase, the 300 win club seems closed forever

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

I picked the All-Star teams for this week’s Sliders! Don’t hate me. www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...

Introducing Sliders' MLB All-Star Game rosters: Which players should be in Philly?

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

www.nytimes.com/athletic/739...

Andy Green’s role changes, not mission: Building a foundation for the mismatched Mets (Gift Article)

Green will resume his job as the Mets’ farm director after this season.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Johnny and Eddie O'Brien were twin infielders on the Pirates in the 1950s. Now Johnny's grandson, Riley, is saving games for the Cardinals. This week's Sliders takes a look at their story, plus much more.... www.nytimes.com/athletic/739...

How Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien is following his grandfather’s MLB lineage and advice

Plus more on a Diamondbacks rookie's gator aid, a rare third-generation MLB family and timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

On Father’s Day, a story on the Rays’ Shane McClanahan, whose late father inspires him after two years of pain www.nytimes.com/athletic/736...

Father’s example guides the Rays’ Shane McClanahan, thriving again after 2 years of pain (Gift Article)

The dad of the Rays' lefty was the best coach he ever had. For the first time in his career, he's had to take the mound without him present.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Sliders: For years, the White Sox took their lumps. Now they've found at expert in Sam Antonacci. Plus: A Cardinal prospect's tribute to his father, a visit with the great Marty Lurie -- and more! www.nytimes.com/athletic/737...

For years, the White Sox took their lumps. Now they found an expert in Sam Antonacci

Plus, the prospect who honored his dad by homering four times in a game this week and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

How Jordan Walker accomplished his "mission" to break out as a star for the Cardinals -- plus a Yamamoto/Maddux connection, a salute to the White Sox pitcher who took the Knicks all the way, Ferris at 40, and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/735...

How Jordan Walker accomplished his ‘mission’ to break out as a star for the Cardinals — and more Sliders

We also look at how Yoshinobu Yamamoto is channeling Greg Maddux and more of baseball's timely and timeless elements.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

He’s been a Mudcat and a Mission, a Toro and a Timber, a SeaWolf, a SkySock and a Sound — and now he’s nearing the all-time wins record. One of my favorite stories ever, on the great Rick Sweet, unlocked and free for all: www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...

The Sweet life: Inside a longtime minor-league manager’s record pursuit

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Cleveland's pitching factory rolls off baseball's most stable rotation, with two stars in the making -- and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/732...

Sliders: Cleveland’s pitching factory rolls off MLB's most stable rotation – with two stars in the making

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

The Brewers “play the long game” with Cooper Pratt, their $50 million shortstop of the future — and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/731...

Brewers ‘play the long game’ with Cooper Pratt, their $50 million shortstop of the future (Gift Article)

Plus some perspective on two recent pitching feats, reflections from the Rays' new closer and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

From Bronze Star in Vietnam to All-Star in Baltimore, Al Bumbry to be honored in Cooperstown -- and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/729...

From Bronze Star in Vietnam to All-Star in Baltimore, Al Bumbry to be honored in Cooperstown

Plus 5 questions with MLB's first Slovakian-born player since 1961 and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

After ‘terrible’ trip, Yankees look ahead to test with Toronto and Tampa Bay www.nytimes.com/athletic/728...

After ‘terrible’ trip, Yankees look ahead to test with Toronto and Tampa Bay

Whatever happens against their AL East rivals, the Yankees are a very good team, and a very bad trip doesn’t change that.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

This week’s Sliders column takes a look at the revved-up Pirates offense, the unhittable Rico Garcia, a minor league promotion about “Nothing” — and more! www.nytimes.com/athletic/727...

How a revved-up offense — and the usual brilliance of Paul Skenes — is revitalizing the Pirates

Plus "Nothing Night" in Louisville, five questions with one of MLB's most surprisingly good relievers and more of this week's "Sliders."

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

On a Sterling career that deserved its day in Cooperstown, plus Shea Hey’s Kid; the seven pitches of Foster Griffin; and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...

On a Sterling career that deserved its day in Cooperstown — and more Sliders (Gift Article)

Plus the stadium-themed inspiration behind A's catcher Shea Langeliers' name and a conversation with a man of many (seven) pitches.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Spoke with Dale Murphy, Stan Kasten and Bill Giles for this appreciation of Ted Turner, a baseball maverick who used the Braves to “conquer the world” www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...

An appreciation of Ted Turner, a baseball maverick who used the Braves to conquer the world (Gift Article)

“He grew the game like no one had before, and no one will ever be able to re-create that,” two-time MVP and former Brave Dale Murphy said.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

How Red Sox castoff Kyle Harrison is finding the best version of himself in Milwaukee -- plus a visit with Harvard legend Brent Suter; a team that went a whole season without a left-on-left hit, and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/724...

How Red Sox castoff Kyle Harrison is finding the best version of himself in Milwaukee

Plus, the Mariners are retiring No. 51 (again!) this weekend and more of baseball's timely and timeless elements.

Reposted by Tyler Kepner

MLBguessr @mlbguessr.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Honored to be included in @tylerkepner.bsky.social's column today.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

A full plate of Sliders for your Friday: Alex Anthopoulos on the well-balanced Braves; an addictive new daily guessing game; a visit w/Eric Hosmer; celebrating the 40th anniversary since the last walk-off HR by a pitcher -- and more! www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Sliders: Braves threatening to run away with NL East with well-balanced, winning formula

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Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Fascinating look at an ABS evolution that maybe isn't so inevitable

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

The Mets need Juan Soto, the $765M man with the $765M mandate, to do the impossible: lift a team that can't help itself www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Kepner: The Mets need Juan Soto — the $765M man with the $765M mandate — to help a team that can’t help itself

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

How did Jose Soriano, master of the sinker, elevate his game? This week's Sliders column visits with the Angels' ace, who is MLB's best pitcher so far this season www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...

José Soriano has one of baseball’s best sinkers. He’s becoming a star by using it less

Plus more on Craig Kimbrel's Hall of Fame chances and a combo Off the Grid this week.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Phil Garner, a feisty baseball lifer with an endearing soft side, dies at 76 www.nytimes.com/athletic/719...

Phil Garner, a feisty baseball lifer with an endearing soft side, dies at 76

A three-time All-Star who managed for 15 years, the man known as "Scrap Iron" made a lasting impact as a teammate and manager.

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

For Jason Benetti, the voice of NBC’s return to baseball, scoring a game has a new meaning — plus “pitchergami”, ranking New Jersey patches and more Sliders! www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

How Jason Benetti, the voice of NBC’s return to baseball, managed a full opening week

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

For MLB rookies in 2026, a spectacular first impression that could have staying power www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

For rookies in 2026, a spectacular first impression that could have staying power

Tyler Kepner @tylerkepner.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

The Pirates and Paul Skenes looked sharp off the field. On it? Not so much. www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

The Pirates and Paul Skenes looked sharp off the field. On it? Not so much.

The NL Cy Young winner exited his first start of 2026 after giving up five runs in the first inning on 37 pitches.