As Major League Baseball reaches the All-Star break, the first half of the 2025 season has delivered no shortage of intrigue. Unexpected contenders have emerged, perennial powers have stumbled, and individual players have redefined expectations. With just over two months left in the regular season, here’s a comprehensive look at the biggest storylines so far—and what might define the stretch run.

Surprise Teams: Defying the Odds

Detroit Tigers (59–38, AL Central Leaders)
The Tigers are one of the most surprising teams of the 2025 season. A combination of strong starting pitching, led by Tarik Skubal, and consistent offensive contributions from Spencer Torkelson and Dillon Dingler has elevated Detroit into first place in a competitive division. After years of rebuilding, the Tigers appear poised to contend for the postseason.

Chicago Cubs (57–39, NL Central Leaders)
The Cubs were projected as a middle-of-the-pack club but have taken control of the NL Central behind breakout seasons from Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and a revitalized rotation that includes standout performances from Shōta Imanaga and Jameson Taillon. Their depth, defense, and consistency have turned them into legitimate National League contenders.

Miami Marlins (44–51, 3rd in NL East)
Though under .500, Miami has outperformed expectations. Kyle Stowers and Otto López have sparked the offense, while a young pitching staff has shown flashes of promise. In a division dominated by the Phillies and Mets, the Marlins have held their own and given fans hope for the near future.

Underachievers: Falling Short

Baltimore Orioles (43–52, Last in AL East)
After a string of strong seasons and a wealth of young talent, the Orioles were expected to challenge for the AL East crown. Instead, they find themselves in last place, despite solid contributions from Gunnar Henderson. Inconsistencies on the mound and an underwhelming offense have left Baltimore floundering.

Atlanta Braves (42–53, 4th in NL East)
The Braves’ fall from dominance has been steep. Injuries have played a part, but key players have underperformed, and the pitching staff has struggled with depth and efficiency. Their playoff hopes are dimming quickly.

Colorado Rockies (22–74, Last in NL West)
The Rockies have had a brutal first half. With little production from either the lineup or the rotation, Colorado finds itself with the worst record in baseball. A full rebuild appears not only underway but years from completion.

Standout Players: Shaping the Season

Cal Raleigh, Mariners (C)
No player has made a bigger power statement than Raleigh. With 38 home runs at the break—a new American League record for catchers—he leads the league in RBIs and has become the centerpiece of Seattle’s offense. His Home Run Derby win only added to a breakout campaign.

Aaron Judge, Yankees (OF)
Judge continues to perform at an elite level. His .360 batting average and OPS+ over 220 place him squarely in MVP territory. He remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the league and a key factor in the Yankees’ playoff pursuit.

Hunter Brown, Astros (RHP)
Brown has emerged as the ace of the Astros’ rotation, with a sub-2.00 ERA and dominant strikeout numbers. He was named AL Pitcher of the Month in June and remains a key piece of Houston’s playoff plans.

Paul Skenes, Pirates (RHP)
Now in his second season, Skenes has evolved into the ace the Pirates envisioned when they drafted him. With a 1.99 ERA and electric stuff, he has solidified his place among the game’s top young arms and remains one of the few bright spots for Pittsburgh.

Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers (RHP)
In just his first month in the majors, Misiorowski has turned heads with elite velocity and command. After tossing 11 hitless innings in his debut stretch and earning an All-Star selection, he looks to be a future ace for Milwaukee.

Jonathan Aranda, Rays (1B/DH)
Aranda has quietly been one of the most effective hitters in the American League. Batting over .320 with excellent plate discipline and power, he’s been a much-needed anchor in Tampa Bay’s lineup.

Second-Half Expectations: What to Watch

Trade Deadline Activity
Contending teams like the Yankees, Cubs, Astros, and Mets are expected to be active. Bullpen help, starting pitching depth, and offensive reinforcements will be in high demand as teams gear up for the postseason.

Managing Rookie and Sophomore Workloads
Players like Misiorowski, Skenes, and Raleigh have carried heavy loads in the first half. Their performance—and stamina—down the stretch will be pivotal for their teams.

AL Central Tightens
Detroit has a solid lead, but Minnesota and Kansas City remain within striking distance. Every intra-division series will carry extra weight as the race heats up.

NL Wild Card Chase
The National League Wild Card race remains wide open. The Giants, Padres, and Mets are all in position, while the Phillies continue to chase the division lead. Momentum will be key in the final two months.

Veterans vs. Youth
Teams like the Brewers, Astros, and Cubs are leaning into both veteran leadership and youthful energy. How these dynamics play out could define postseason outcomes.

Minor League Names to Watch

With the trade deadline approaching and injuries continuing to impact big-league rosters, several top prospects could either make their MLB debut or become centerpieces in blockbuster deals.

Jackson Jobe, Tigers (RHP)
One of Detroit’s most prized arms, Jobe has posted dominant numbers in Triple-A. With the Tigers in contention, he could be called up soon to bolster the rotation or long relief.

James Wood, Nationals (OF)
Wood continues to crush Triple-A pitching and is showing improved plate discipline. The Nationals may give him a late-season call-up to accelerate his development, especially if they offload veterans at the deadline.

Chase DeLauter, Guardians (OF)
A well-rounded hitter with strong on-base skills and power potential, DeLauter could be called up if Cleveland decides to push for a Wild Card spot or if there’s a need for outfield help after trades.

Kyle Manzardo, Rays (1B/DH)
Manzardo has been raking in the minors and could provide immediate left-handed power for Tampa Bay if Aranda cools off or injuries occur. He’s also a trade chip if the Rays pursue a major-league arm.

Tink Hence, Cardinals (RHP)
A potential impact reliever or back-end starter, Hence is moving quickly through the system. With St. Louis hovering around contention, he could be up by late August to eat meaningful innings.

Robert Gasser, Brewers (LHP)
Though currently rehabbing an injury, Gasser is close to MLB-ready and may play a role down the stretch if Milwaukee needs a lefty starter or swingman.

These prospects—along with a few under-the-radar names—could be the X-factors in the second half. Whether they’re making debuts or moved in trades, their impact on the playoff race could be significant.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 MLB season has already produced unforgettable moments, unexpected contenders, and breakout stars. As the calendar turns to the second half, questions remain: Can the Tigers hold on? Will the Cubs sustain their momentum? Who will make the boldest trade deadline move? And which prospects will change the shape of the playoff race?

The answers are coming—and the best baseball is still ahead.