Amidst the off-season craziness, MLB insiders are having their own race, bringing first-hand information on deals of stars like Justin Verlander and Carlos Correa. Notably, ESPN’s Jeff Passan and FOX Sports’ Ben Verlander have been the front runners in bringing exclusive news to the fans.
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Notably, Ben Verlander is not only an MLB analyst, but he is also the brother of baseball star, Justin Verlander. Hence, Ben has a powerful hold on his sources, with his brother being a player himself.
Jeff Passan attacks Ben for nepotism
The online verbal war between Jeff and Ben started when the ‘Best Baseball Twitter User 2021’ poll was declared open. Expectedly, Jeff and Ben both were part of the list for the title.
When their contention was announced, Ben Verlander tweeted saying, ”I’m happy to be a part of it! IF I get through round 1 I have a tough opponent looming @JeffPassan” With a rather savage response, Jeff tweeted, ”Here’s to hoping you fare better in this bracket than you did your last one.”
Honestly this is a really cool thing Danny puts together. Check it out and hit him with a follow!
I’m happy to be a part of it! IF I get through round 1 I have a tough opponent looming
👀 @JeffPassan https://t.co/PxscPMR8ni
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) December 16, 2021
This ignited a sarcastic battle, with Ben showing off one of his biggest reveals of 2021. Ben replied, ”Here’s to hoping you fare better than you did getting this scoop.”
Here’s to hoping you fare better than you did getting this scoop pic.twitter.com/LUrN8uOiv7
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) December 16, 2021
Well, Ben dug a grave for himself there, as Jeff wasn’t going to let him get away with this without stating the obvious. Jeff slammed Ben for using his privilege of being Justin Verlander’s brother, saying, ”Here’s to nepotism?”
Here’s to nepotism?
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 16, 2021
Justin Verlander signed a two-year deal with Houston Astros
Before the lockout, Ben Verlander revealed that his brother, Justin Verlander, had signed a deal with the Houston Astros. However, the team had made no official announcement then.
🚨IT’S OFFICIAL🚨@JustinVerlander is signing with Houston Astros!!
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) November 17, 2021
While the lockout put a hold on deals of any kind, the MLB officials finalized Houston Astros’ $50 million deal with Justin Verlander. Notably, this was possible as the deal was submitted to the officials before the lockout was implemented.
Once the lockout is lifted, MLB insiders will once again begin their race of being the first to deliver exclusive news. While Ben has the added advantage of his brother’s professional career, one cannot deny his noteworthy contribution to the sport as an MLB analyst.
Do you think it was fair of Jeff Passan to attack Ben for nepotism?
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