With the MLB All-Star break almost over, it has been a surprising first half to the MLB season. The Detroit Tigers have the best record in the AL and the entire MLB at 59-38. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the NL with a record of 58-39. With the All-Star Break almost over, there are many things to monitor as we get closer to the trade deadline. Let’s jump into three key stories to keep in mind as the second half of the MLB season unfolds!
MLB First Half Recap
Before we go through my top three stories to monitor in the second half of the season, let’s recap the first half. The best team in baseball through the first half has been the Detroit Tigers. With a record of 59-38 on the season, they are led by Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal and LF Riley Greene. Detroit has a stranglehold on the AL Central division, an 11.5 game lead over the second-place Minnesota Twins. The Tigers have a three-game lead over the second-place Houston Astros in the American League.
The defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers have had a strong outing; however, they did not enter the All-Star break well. Before going on their two-game winning streak, LA had lost seven in a row. For a team that has arguably the best offense in baseball, they were outscored by 35 runs over that stretch. They have dealt with several injuries, though, so there is hope they can secure the number one seed late in the season.
Let’s quickly discuss who leads in what stat before jumping to the rest of the season. Seattle Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh leads the league in Home Runs (38) and RBIs (83). He is having one of the best offensive seasons by a catcher in MLB history. Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet leads in strikeouts with 160, while Tigers’ pitcher Skubal leads MLB in WHIP.
3. Can Detroit Keep it Up?
As previously mentioned, the Tigers have been the best team in baseball. The only thing that has me and Tigers fans in question is if this team can stay hot. They did not enter the All-Star Break on a high note, losing four games in a row. Detroit had the most players participate in the game, six, and not a single one of them did anything noteworthy.
The four position players went a combined 0/8 with three strikeouts, and the two pitchers had ERAs of 18 and 13.5. When you have the franchise’s best record pre-All-Star Break, it might not be easy to keep the same pace in the second half of the season. As long as they can stay healthy, Detroit has a great chance to win its first World Series since 1984.
2. The Boston “Red Hots”
There isn’t a team hotter in the MLB right now than the Boston Red Sox. Winners of ten in a row, Boston sits in 3rd place in the AL East, one game behind the New York Yankees and three games behind the leading Toronto Blue Jays. Considering where this team was through the first 81 games, a 40-41 record, their turnaround has been something special thus far.
It’s interesting because they traded away one of their best hitters, Rafael Devers, on June 15th, 2025. Since the trade, Boston has a record of 16-9, including a +39 run differential. With Alex Bregman getting healthy after missing 43 games with a right quad strain, this could be a dangerous team. Garrett Crochet has been the ace Boston was hoping for when they acquired him last season. Crochet leads the MLB in K’s and Innings Pitched. If they can stay semi-hot, watch out for the “Red Hots.”
1. Who’s Active Come Trade Deadline?
Many teams could use a trade or two at the trade deadline. The trade deadline is July 31st @ 6 PM EST. Many teams could shore up their roster in an attempt to make a deep postseason run. For example, the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers, and Yankees could use another pitcher, while the Tigers could use some help in their bullpen. Then, others could use help on the offensive end of the diamond, such as the Houston Astros.
Final Thoughts
This MLB season has been one of the more “wide open” seasons in recent memory. No team has pulled away in the standings, and all contenders should be making calls on how to improve their team. I can’t wait till the regular season resumes this Friday! It should make for an exhilarating race to the finish line.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my recap of the first half of the MLB season, and what are some key stories to monitor during the second half! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
