The second half of the MLB season? That’s when the stakes really jump. Contenders start to separate from the pretenders, and a single player’s hot streak or slump can tip the whole balance for a franchise.
Every team has that one X-factor—a player whose health or consistency suddenly matters more than anyone expected. From familiar faces like Aaron Judge to up-and-comers like Colson Montgomery, these key names carry hope and risk for their teams in 2025.
The Contenders of the AL East: Power, Pitching, and Injuries
The American League East is a real battleground, packed with some of baseball’s most competitive teams. Their playoff dreams rest on whether key players can overcome adversity.
For the Toronto Blue Jays, getting Anthony Santander back after shoulder surgery could add the power they badly need to keep up with the division’s heavy hitters.
Other Key Players in the AL East
The Baltimore Orioles are waiting on Kyle Bradish, their ace-in-the-making. His Tommy John recovery matters a lot for a rotation that flashes brilliance but struggles with consistency.
The Tampa Bay Rays really need Brandon Lowe to find his swing again. When he’s healthy, he can be a game-changer.
Across town in Boston, the Red Sox need Garrett Crochet to hold up as a starter. If he stays durable, maybe they finally break out of mediocrity.
And then there’s the Yankees. They’re banking on Aaron Judge and new ace Max Fried staying healthy and dominant. If either slips, October gets a lot farther away.
AL Central: Young Stars and Ace Pitching
The AL Central has loads of raw talent, but these teams need just about everything to go right. The Cleveland Guardians want Shane Bieber healthy and back in top form after his injury.
The Kansas City Royals are hoping for a huge second half from Bobby Witt Jr.. He’s already shown flashes of being their franchise guy.
Other Central Storylines
The Detroit Tigers look to veteran Jack Flaherty to finally find some consistency. That’s a tall order for a team fighting to stay relevant.
The Minnesota Twins need Pablo López healthy. His arm’s as valuable as any in their rotation.
For the Chicago White Sox, rookie Colson Montgomery has to adapt fast. They’re hoping he brings a bit of light to a roster in flux.
AL West: Superstars Carry the Weight
The AL West is ultra-competitive, and big names might decide everything. The Los Angeles Angels are desperate for Mike Trout to stay healthy and shine like he always does.
The Houston Astros hope Yordan Alvarez returns strong. His bat could give their offense another gear.
Julio RodrÃguez and the Mariners’ Consistency
In Seattle, the Mariners need Julio RodrÃguez to stay steady. He’s got the talent to be the face of the franchise, but he’s got to turn those flashes into reliability if they want to make a real playoff push.
NL East: Veterans and Promising Talent
Over in the National League, the pressure’s on the MVP-caliber guys. The Atlanta Braves want Michael Harris II to regain his footing.
The Miami Marlins lean hard on Sandy Alcantara to return as their ace. The New York Mets really need Sean Manaea to bounce back, and soon.
Phillies and Brewers Betting on Key Contributors
The Philadelphia Phillies need Bryce Harper healthy and in MVP form to keep their World Series hopes alive. In the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers are counting on Sal Frelick, but his health is a big question mark as they fight for a playoff spot.
NL West: Division Depth on Full Display
Every NL West team has at least one player they can’t afford to lose. The Arizona Diamondbacks face big decisions tied to Zac Gallen’s outings—he could decide if they buy or sell at the deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are counting on Mookie Betts to get his bat going again. If he does, maybe they reclaim their NL crown after all.
Dark-Horse Scenarios for the NL West Rivals
The San Francisco Giants feel pretty optimistic that a healthy Rafael Devers can finally stabilize their lineup. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres are on edge, waiting for Michael King to get back on the mound.
Down near the bottom of the division, the Colorado Rockies are putting a lot on Ezequiel Tovar‘s leadership. They’re searching for any spark of hope in what’s honestly been a rough, transitional stretch.
Here is the source article for this story: 1 key player for each team as second half begins
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