Main League Baseball’s second half started final week in earnest. As groups proceed combating for playoff positioning, Yardbarker’s MLB writers took a swing at figuring out the place every membership must focus its efforts the remainder of the way in which.
(Data and stats are coming into play on Monday.)
NL East
Mike Rizzo appears to be like on earlier than the Nationals play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Pictures
Atlanta Braves (39-50) | Do not end in final place | After being swept at house by the last-place Orioles this weekend, Atlanta has hit all-time low. It feels surreal that the Braves have a official probability to complete in final place within the division, particularly after enjoying to a 104-58 document simply two seasons in the past. Overlook the playoffs — give attention to getting wholesome and making a push subsequent yr.
Miami Marlins (40-48) | Resolve who’s part of their future | 1B Kyle Stowers is an All-Star, whereas Marlins starters have begun to string collectively strong begins. Miami has items it might construct a future round, however that eliminating the lifeless weight is critical within the second half and past. Solely eight video games under .500 nearing the midway level means the Fish have already exceeded expectations this season.
New York Mets (52-39) | Reclaim first place | Poor play in June resulted within the Mets falling out of first place within the division, being overtaken by the rival Phillies. Nonetheless, they’re only one.5 video games again of Philadelphia after taking two of three from the Yankees in Queens. Returning key members of their rotation ought to assist in their pursuit.
Philadelphia Phillies (53-37) | Win the division | Ideally, the Phillies wish to win the division for the second season in a row. Nevertheless, that may solely be achieved in the event that they sustain their present tempo and have a very good commerce deadline. A bullpen arm and a right-handed bat are wanted in Philly.
Washington Nationals (37-53) | Hunt for brand new management | Longtime Supervisor Davey Martinez and common supervisor Mike Rizzo had been fired on Sunday following a sweep by the Crimson Sox. The Nats had been overdue for a reset, and now they have to give attention to who could be the most effective skipper to guide their gifted younger squad to a profitable future. — Lauren Amour
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers beginning pitcher Jacob Misiorowski pitches within the first inning towards the New York Mets at Citi Discipline.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Pictures
Chicago Cubs (54-36) | Win the division | Chicago hasn’t gained the NL Central in a full-length season since 2017, however their ballclub this season seems poised to interrupt that drought. With the commerce deadline approaching, the Cubs may look into an acquisition to assist hold themselves on the prime.
Cincinnati Reds (46-44) | Improve the bullpen | Cincinnati’s beginning rotation is robust, which is anticipated to get even higher as soon as Chase Burns settles into his position. Cincinnati’s bullpen, although, has struggled, presently posting a 4.11 ERA, rating twentieth in MLB and the worst amongst division rivals.
Milwaukee Brewers (50-40) | Discover your beginning rotation | Milwaukee’s beginning rotation has been inconsistent this season, affected by accidents on a number of arms. However with Brandon Woodruff again on the mound and Jacob Misiorowski securing his spot in Milwaukee, the Brewers should now recalibrate their beginning 5 for the second half.
Pittsburgh Pirates (38-53) | Discover your future | Whereas more likely to miss the postseason, Pittsburgh’s roster is full of younger expertise, most notably beginning pitcher Paul Skenes and second baseman Nick Gonzales. To construct for the long run, the Pirates have to determine and develop their rising stars.
St. Louis Cardinals (48-43) | Get worth out of your veterans | Regardless of holding a successful document, St. Louis sits third within the division whereas the Brewers and Cubs seem to remain aggressive. With preseason expectations of a fireplace sale that might embrace veteran gamers like Nolan Arenado, securing sturdy returns shall be essential for the Cardinals’ future. — Taylor Bretl
NL West
San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers warms up earlier than the sport towards the Athletics at Sutter Well being Park.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Pictures
Arizona Diamondbacks (44-46) | Determine what 2026 appears to be like like | Even when the Diamondbacks determine to remain within the postseason race for 2025, there are many questions of what this group might seem like in 2026. As a part of a tricky and stacked NL West, Arizona wants to determine what a roster appears to be like like that might compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres this yr and past.
Colorado Rockies (21-69) | Resolve how a lot of the home must be cleaned | This has been a season to neglect in Denver, and the Rockies are nonetheless very a lot in competition for essentially the most losses in a season in fashionable MLB historical past. A whole teardown could possibly be within the playing cards, together with turning over the roster and hiring a brand new common supervisor, however the Rockies need to embrace the notion of change in the event that they’re ever going to get out of the division cellar.
Los Angeles Dodgers (56-35) | Determine learn how to repeat | The Dodgers will doubtless be energetic on the MLB commerce deadline, ensuring that the rotation is wholesome and any weaker spots within the lineup are strengthened. Supervisor Dave Roberts will then be tasked with ensuring a star-studded lineup lives as much as its potential and repeats as world champion.
San Diego Padres (48-41) | Unlock learn how to beat the Dodgers | Padres common supervisor A.J. Preller is at all times a magician on the MLB commerce deadline, and 2025 will doubtless be no exception. With the Padres coming near knocking the Dodgers out of the postseason in 2024, can Preller and the Padres get the correct personnel to get previous their arch-rivals in 2025?
San Francisco Giants (49-42) | See what the brand new additions can do | Rafael Devers is already part of the roster and extra new faces are doubtless coming within the subsequent few days. Can these new items make the Giants a official NL contender, and what do they imply for the Giants heading into 2026? — Kevin Henry
