2025 MLB Midseason Report

As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 MLB season, it's time to take a closer look at the standout players and the evolving playoff landscape. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers and key storylines for each team:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

First-half MVP: Shohei Ohtani Storyline: Despite a series of pitching injuries, the Dodgers' offense has carried the team, with Ohtani leading the charge. His OPS remains over 1.000, and he’s on pace to surpass his career-high in home runs.

2. Detroit Tigers

First-half MVP: Tarik Skubal Storyline: The Tigers have emerged as a dominant force, with Skubal leading the AL in wins and strikeouts. His performance has been pivotal in Detroit's rise.

3. Chicago Cubs

First-half MVP: Kyle Tucker & Pete Crow-Armstrong Storyline: The Cubs' offense has exploded, thanks in large part to Tucker and Crow-Armstrong. Their combined efforts have Chicago on track for a strong playoff push.

4. Houston Astros

First-half MVP: Jeremy Pena Storyline: Despite injuries and setbacks, the Astros remain a contender. Pena has been a standout, leading the team with his stellar play at shortstop.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

First-half MVP: Zack Wheeler Storyline: The Phillies' rotation has been dominant, with Wheeler leading the way. His career-best ERA+ and FIP have Philadelphia in the playoff hunt.

6. New York Yankees

First-half MVP: Aaron Judge Storyline: Judge continues to be a force, leading the MLB with a 159 AXE rating. His performance has kept the Yankees competitive despite a rocky June.

7. New York Mets

First-half MVP: Pete Alonso Storyline: The Mets started strong but have struggled recently. Alonso’s hot bat has been a bright spot, but the team needs to regain its early-season form.

8. Tampa Bay Rays

First-half MVP: Jonathan Aranda Storyline: The Rays have surged behind a potent offense, with Aranda emerging as a key contributor. His improved hitting has been crucial to Tampa Bay's success.

9. Milwaukee Brewers

First-half MVP: Brice Turang Storyline: The Brewers have been solid across the board, with Turang leading the way. His improved batting and defense have been instrumental.

10. Toronto Blue Jays

First-half MVP: Ernie Clement Storyline: The Blue Jays have stayed competitive despite some struggles. Clement’s surprising performance has been a key factor in their success.

11. Seattle Mariners

First-half MVP: Cal Raleigh Storyline: Despite rotation injuries, the Mariners remain in the playoff hunt. Raleigh’s breakout season has been a major reason for their success.

12. San Diego Padres

First-half MVP: Fernando Tatis Jr. Storyline: The Padres have overcome lineup holes with Tatis leading the way. His all-around play has kept San Diego in contention.

13. St. Louis Cardinals

First-half MVP: Sonny Gray Storyline: The Cardinals have transitioned smoothly, with Gray leading the rotation. His consistent performance has been key to St. Louis' success.

14. San Francisco Giants

First-half MVP: Logan Webb Storyline: The Giants started strong but have slumped recently. Webb’s dominant pitching has been a bright spot.

15. Cincinnati Reds

First-half MVP: Elly De La Cruz Storyline: The Reds’ rotation has been a pleasant surprise, with De La Cruz leading the offense. His power and speed have been key to Cincinnati’s success.

16. Arizona Diamondbacks

First-half MVP: Eugenio Suarez Storyline: The Diamondbacks have struggled with pitching injuries, but Suarez’s power bat has kept them competitive.

17. Texas Rangers

First-half MVP: Jacob deGrom Storyline: The Rangers’ offense has been lackluster, but deGrom’s return has been a bright spot. His dominant pitching has kept Texas in the hunt.

18. Atlanta Braves

First-half MVP: Matt Olson Storyline: The Braves have underperformed, but Olson has been a consistent presence. His production has been crucial to Atlanta’s efforts.

19. Boston Red Sox

First-half MVP: Garrett Crochet Storyline: The Red Sox have struggled, but Crochet’s pitching has been a bright spot. His performance has been key to Boston’s efforts.

20. Minnesota Twins

First-half MVP: Byron Buxton Storyline: The Twins have been competitive but need more consistency. Buxton’s health and performance have been crucial.

21. Cleveland Guardians

First-half MVP: Jose Ramirez Storyline: The Guardians have struggled, but Ramirez continues to be a standout. His all-around play has been key to Cleveland’s efforts.

22. Los Angeles Angels

First-half MVP: Yusei Kikuchi Storyline: The Angels have been resilient despite injuries. Kikuchi’s consistent pitching has been a bright spot.

23. Kansas City Royals

First-half MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. Storyline: The Royals’ offense has been lackluster, but Witt’s performance has been a bright spot. His all-around play has been key.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

First-half MVP: Paul Skenes Storyline: The Pirates have struggled, but Skenes’ dominant pitching has been a bright spot. His performance has been key to Pittsburgh’s efforts.

25. Baltimore Orioles

First-half MVP: Gunnar Henderson Storyline: The Orioles have underperformed, but Henderson’s improved play has been a bright spot. His performance has been key to Baltimore’s efforts.

26. Miami Marlins

First-half MVP: Kyle Stowers Storyline: The Marlins have been competitive despite a slow start. Stowers’ improved hitting has been a key factor.

27. Washington Nationals

First-half MVP: James Wood Storyline: The Nationals have struggled, but Wood’s emergence has been a bright spot. His performance has been key to Washington’s efforts.

28. Oakland Athletics

First-half MVP: Jacob Wilson Storyline: The Athletics have struggled, but Wilson’s performance has been a bright spot. His all-around play has been key to Oakland’s efforts.

29. Chicago White Sox

First-half MVP: Adrian Houser Storyline: The White Sox have been rebuilding, but Houser’s pitching has been a bright spot. His performance has been key to Chicago’s efforts.

30. Colorado Rockies

First-half MVP: Hunter Goodman Storyline: The Rockies have struggled, but Goodman’s improved play has been a bright spot. His performance has been key to Colorado’s efforts.