Key Questions to Consider as MLB Season Resumes in Second Half

MLB’s second half is here, and the chase for postseason glory feels wild this year. More than two-thirds of the league is still in the hunt for a playoff spot.

The stage is set for high-stakes games, wild trades, and some serious individual heroics. Teams are scrambling for reinforcements as the buyers-sellers-and-uncertainty-explained/”>trade deadline creeps closer.

MVP races are heating up. Records could fall any day now, and honestly, this second half just feels unpredictable in all the best ways.

The Tight Postseason Race and Critical Trade Deadline

This year’s competitive balance across MLB is just electric. Heading into the back half, most teams are within five games of a division lead or Wild Card spot.

For contenders and even the long shots, the next few weeks could make or break their seasons. The trade deadline looms large, and it’s bound to shake up the playoff picture.

Buyer Frenzy: Yankees, Mets, and More

Some of the usual big spenders are getting aggressive. The Yankees, for example, have bullpen problems, a rotation that can’t stay healthy, and a black hole at third base.

The Mets? They’re just as desperate to add pitching, both in the rotation and the bullpen. It’s not subtle—they know what they need.

• The Yankees are probably targeting big names like Miami’s Sandy Alcantara or Arizona’s Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
• The Mets could chase bullpen help, maybe going after closers like Minnesota’s Jhoan Duran or Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase.

It’s not just New York though. The Rays, Giants, Cardinals, and Rangers are all rumored to be buyers too, trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Meanwhile, teams like the Diamondbacks, Royals, and Guardians might just start selling off key pieces.

Teams Stuck in the Middle

Some clubs can’t seem to pick a lane. The Twins, Reds, and Angels are hovering near the bubble, and what they do in the next few games might decide whether they buy, sell, or just stand pat.

For these teams, the pressure’s cranked up—one wrong move could haunt them for years.

The Underdogs, the Dominant, and the MVP Race

The MVP race is a wild story by itself. Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are the obvious favorites, but there’s a twist this year.

Guys like Seattle’s Cal Raleigh and Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are making noise. It’s not just a two-man show anymore.

Two-Way Greatness Meets Home Run Power

Ohtani keeps blowing minds as a hitter and a pitcher. He’s slugging homers, then turning around and shutting teams down on the mound.

Judge, meanwhile, keeps launching monster home runs and leading the Yankees in big moments. The MVP race feels closer than the odds suggest, and those “dark horse” candidates shouldn’t be ignored.

The Race to Avoid Infamy: Rockies and Historical Struggles

Not every storyline is pretty. In the National League, the Colorado Rockies are flirting with an ugly milestone—outpacing the 2024 White Sox for most losses in the modern era.

Their run differential is brutal, and Rockies fans are staring down a rough second half. It’s tough to watch, honestly.

The Dodgers’ Resilience

On the flip side, the Dodgers keep finding ways to lead the NL West, even with all their pitching injuries. They’re hoping to get some arms healthy soon.

Still, don’t be surprised if they go shopping for more pitching before October. They’re not taking any chances.

What’s at Stake in the Second Half

The second half of the MLB season looks like it’ll be a wild ride. Teams are scrambling for playoff spots and chasing personal milestones.

With the trade deadline coming up, you can bet there’ll be some bold moves. Contenders like the Yankees and Mets might beef up their rosters, while MVP hopefuls like Ohtani and Judge keep slugging it out.

The drama isn’t close to finished. There’s a lot left to prove, and honestly, who knows what twists are coming next?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Five Burning Questions as MLB’s Second Half Kicks Off