Generally, it simply takes one participant to launch a Main League workforce to success. Whether or not it is an enormous contributor getting back from damage, a younger star seeking to escape or a veteran hoping to flip the script, each MLB membership has a participant who must ship through the second half of the 2025 season.
With the assistance of MLB.com’s 30 beat writers, here is every workforce’s key participant for the second half, which begins Friday.
Blue Jays: DH Anthony SantanderRemember him? Santander was introduced in to be the massive, power-hitting addition to the center of this lineup, but it surely simply hasn’t occurred. He’s nonetheless working his approach again from a shoulder surgical procedure and it’s doubtless we don’t see him till some level in August, however who will Santander be when he’s again? Once more, that is all in regards to the ceiling for the Blue Jays. They’ve discovered methods to win with out Santander, but when he can return for the stretch run and get scorching on the proper time, that might add one other extremely worthwhile participant to this lineup. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: RHP Kyle BradishThe Orioles’ rotation might lastly be getting a large enhance within the type of Bradish, who underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in June 2024. The 28-year-old right-hander has been dealing with reside hitters in Sarasota, Fla., and is nearing a rehab project. It could be nice for Baltimore if Bradish can get in a handful of begins and look near his 2023 kind — when he completed fourth in AL Cy Younger voting — to construct momentum towards 2026. — Jake Rill
Rays: 2B Brandon LoweThe Rays treaded water as Lowe obtained off to a sluggish begin, which was due partly to dangerous luck in the beginning of the season. When he obtained scorching in mid-Might, the workforce adopted swimsuit. And when he obtained harm per week earlier than the break, his absence from the lineup was noticeable as they limped into the break. You’ll be able to argue that Junior Caminero is a extra worthwhile run producer, that Jonathan Aranda has been a greater all-around hitter or that Josh Lowe and Yandy Díaz play equally key roles. However the Rays are likely to go as their All-Star second baseman goes. — Adam Berry
Crimson Sox: LHP Garrett CrochetCrochet might be crucial participant on the Crimson Sox the remainder of the best way. He logged a profession excessive of 146 innings in his first season as a Main League starter final 12 months and comes into the break at 129 1/3. How properly he holds up will doubtless have the most important affect on how far the Crimson Sox can go this season. — Ian Browne
Yankees: OF Aaron Decide / LHP Max FriedLet’s break up this class between the Yankees’ two MVPs so far — Decide and Fried. Decide is properly on his solution to a second consecutive AL MVP award, mixing unbelievable offense with terrific protection. The captain is within the lineup virtually every single day, both within the outfield or at DH, and his continued availability is essential to the Yanks’ hopes. The identical is true for Fried, who stepped into the ace function when Gerrit Cole went down. The Yankees want him to maintain dealing and hold any blister points at bay. — Bryan Hoch
Guardians: RHP Shane BieberThe Guardians rotation has a 3.80 ERA since June (eighth in MLB), and it might quickly obtain an enormous enhance. Bieber seems to be monitoring towards an early-to-mid August return from Tommy John surgical procedure restoration. He has resumed his development after overcoming a quick setback he had in June as a consequence of soreness. The 30-year-old’s return might additional reinforce a employees that has been frequently regular this season, simply in time for the stretch run. — Tim Stebbins
Royals: SS Bobby Witt Jr.Witt will at all times carry this workforce. And the Royals will want him to be the participant he’s proven to be, particularly within the second half; Witt has a profession .300/.351/.533 slash line put up All-Star break, in comparison with a .283/.330/.491 line pre-break. He posted a 1.054 OPS within the second half final season. Your complete workforce appears to play higher when Witt performs properly, and a raise like that may’t be understated for Kansas Metropolis. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: RHP Jack FlahertyA 12 months in the past, Flaherty was a commerce piece to get Trey Sweeney and prospect Thayron Liranzo into the system again when the Tigers have been sellers. This time, Flaherty isn’t going wherever, not with an opportunity at a second straight World Collection ring. However the Tigers must get him out of an inconsistent stretch and again in front-line kind to finest arrange their four-man postseason rotation. — Jason Beck
Twins: RHP Pablo LópezThere have been loads of different elements, but it surely’s not fully a coincidence that the Twins’ slide started simply as López hit the injured listing with a strained muscle in his shoulder. He’s begun throwing off flat floor, so he’s doubtless methods away from entering into video games, however his sturdiness, effectiveness, and management are important. The earlier he’s again, the extra doubtless the Twins are to make the postseason. — Matthew Leach
White Sox: SS Colson MontgomeryIt’s been a full season for the No. 5 White Sox prospect and No. 95 total, per MLB Pipeline, and there are nonetheless 65 video games remaining. Montgomery fought his approach by struggles with Triple-A Charlotte and a reset in Arizona to earn a big-league promotion on July 4. He got here into Pittsburgh with simply two singles in his final 18 at-bats, following a 5-for-10 begin, which means the expert left-handed hitter as soon as once more must regulate to the changes being made in opposition to him. Montgomery’s success is an enormous half for this rebuild shifting ahead. — Scott Merkin
Angels: DH/OF Mike TroutTrout has been stable offensively this 12 months however hasn’t performed at a celebrity stage. He missed a month with a bone bruise in his left knee and has been relegated to designated hitter responsibility since returning in late Might. He’s hopeful to return to proper subject sooner or later after the break, and if he can go on a second-half scorching streak, he can carry the offense at occasions. He additionally has to show he can keep wholesome the remainder of the best way. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: DH Yordan AlvarezAlvarez, who’s been out since Might 2, has had solely 121 at-bats and struggled by April whereas coping with what turned out to be a fractured bone in his battle hand. That’s now healed, however he had two injections in his hand in early July to cut back lingering irritation and hadn’t but resumed swinging a bat on the All-Star break. The Astros desperately want their slugger again for the stretch drive and particularly the playoffs. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: RHP Luis SeverinoSimply put, a 5.16 ERA – third highest amongst certified MLB starters – by 20 begins just isn’t what the A’s anticipated after they signed Severino to the most important free-agent contract in franchise historical past this offseason. The expectation was that he would settle in as their No. 1 starter. As a substitute, he’s carried out as their worst rotation member so far. Severino stated he felt inspired by his plan of assault in his ultimate begin earlier than the break, which might key his turnaround. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: CF Julio RodríguezIt’s no coincidence that the Mariners pulled off that Detroit sweep on the shoulders of their extremely-talented-but-oft-inconsistent middle fielder, who appeared like a justified All-Star and never the debatable one who was chosen by way of the vote from gamers. Rodríguez, who raised his season OPS by a large 44 factors final weekend alone (from .687 to .731), wound up passing on the Midsummer Traditional to relaxation up for the second half. That reset may very well be a boon for the Mariners, as Rodríguez has a profession .903 OPS after the All-Star break in comparison with a .737 OPS earlier than. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: SS Corey SeagerIt’s apparent, however Seager’s well being issues simply as a lot as his efficiency. The Rangers shortstop endured two separate stints on the injured listing this season with a proper hamstring pressure and was sluggish to come back again from the second, hitting simply .188/.360/.353 in June. However Seager has appeared extra like himself during the last two weeks going into the break. Many — however not all — of Texas’ offensive woes might be placed on the shoulders of Seager’s absence and underperformance. With him again and acting at a excessive stage, the remainder of the offense might observe. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: CF Michael Harris IIHarris entered the All-Star break ranked final amongst certified MLB gamers with a .551 OPS. And it’s not like he’s trending in the fitting path. The 2022 NL Rookie of the Yr has a .445 OPS since June 1. If Harris continues to battle, there’s an opportunity he may very well be despatched to Triple-A to work on his swing. That is definitely not what the Braves need within the third 12 months of an eight-year, $72 million deal. However there’s an opportunity the expert middle fielder regains his stability on the plate and reveals higher plate self-discipline through the second half. His efficiency within the second half might affect offseason plans. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: RHP Sandy AlcantaraNo one might have predicted that Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Younger winner, would have the very best ERA (7.22) amongst Main League pitchers with a minimum of 90 innings thrown. Since coming back from Tommy John surgical procedure, the 29-year-old Alcantara hasn’t appeared like himself from his spotty command to his various pitch usages. Will the All-Star break assist Alcantara regroup? — Christina De Nicola
Mets: LHP Sean ManaeaClearly the Mets’ prime pitcher in 2024, Manaea didn’t throw a pitch this 12 months till the ultimate sport of the primary half. As quickly as he did, he started reminding everybody why he’s such an important a part of this workforce. Manaea’s low-slot, crossfire supply resulted in seven fast strikeouts in Kansas Metropolis. And whereas he did wind up shedding that sport, his affect was nonetheless clear. Nonetheless, Manaea is pitching with a free physique in his left elbow, which is a minimum of a bit worrisome. He’ll must show his sturdiness for a Mets workforce very a lot invested in his ace upside. — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: OF Dylan CrewsCrews, the No. 2 total decide within the 2023 Draft, has been on the 10-day IL since Might 21 due to a left indirect pressure. When he returns, he’ll look to get into an offensive rhythm in his first full season within the Majors. Previous to his damage, Crews batted .196 with seven residence runs and 15 RBIs in 45 video games. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: 1B Bryce HarperHarper spent most of June on the injured listing due to irritation in his proper wrist. His first-half numbers are removed from what he expects from himself. But when Harper returns to kind within the second half, the Phillies’ offense has a chance to take off — particularly if Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber proceed to provide as they did within the first half. — Todd Zolecki
Brewers: OF Sal FrelickThere are a handful of dates one can choose to pinpoint the place the Brewers turned their season in the fitting path. One in every of them is June 12, when Frelick moved as much as the leadoff spot completely. Since then the Brewers are 20-7 whereas main the Majors in runs per sport (5.85) and on-base share (.351) and rating second in common (.285). However now there’s an enormous query mark going into the second half after Frelick left Sunday’s finale with a left hamstring damage. Supervisor Pat Murphy stated the event “made my coronary heart harm,” even earlier than the workforce obtained the outcomes of an MRI scan. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: 3B Nolan ArenadoFinger and shoulder accidents late within the first half wore down the 34-year-old Arenado, who has slashed simply .246/.305/.388 (.693 OPS) with 13 doubles, 10 residence runs and 42 RBIs. Arenado, who’s determined to play for a championship contender earlier than retirement, has talked about how a lot enjoyable he’s had enjoying for a Playing cards membership that may be a shocking playoff contender. Is that sufficient to make Arenado wish to stay in St. Louis? Or will the 10-time Gold Glover and eight-time All-Star reignite potential trades to a contender? — John Denton
Cubs: OF Kyle TuckerAll eyes will probably be on Tucker down the stretch (and past) for the North Siders. The Cubs went all-out to amass the star outfielder, sending Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith and Hayden Wesneski to the Astros to safe one 12 months of the All-Star proper fielder. Tucker has lived as much as the billing, batting .280 with 17 homers, 19 doubles, 4 triples, 56 RBIs, 22 steals, 68 runs and as many walks (60) as strikeouts (60) in 95 video games. It was an October-or-bust resolution to commerce for Tucker, and the Cubs are in playoff place as hoped. After that, the following job will probably be to attempt to entice him to remain in Chicago fairly than exit by way of free company after one season. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: RHP Mitch KellerKeller is a frontrunner of the rotation and has been one of many workforce’s most constant performers all 12 months. He’s additionally arguably the highest pitcher on the commerce block forward of the deadline. His destiny may very well be an indicator of how shut the Pirates really feel they’re to competing. The Pirates might roll into subsequent 12 months with maybe one of the best prime 4 in baseball: Keller, Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones. In addition they want extra hitters, and a Keller commerce might assist accomplish that. — Alex Stumpf
Reds: RHP Hunter GreeneGreene, who entered 2025 because the workforce’s ace, has slow-rolled his approach again from a Grade 1 proper groin pressure since happening the injured listing for the second time in early Might. Regardless of a clear MRI on July 7, he reported signs and canceled a rehab project. It is being left as much as him to find out when he can resume pitching. However contemplating Greene is a man with a long-term contract who intends to be a frontrunner, the membership needs him again sooner fairly than later. When he’s, he might be among the finest starters in baseball. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: RHP Zac GallenSome sturdy performances by Gallen out of the break might assist his commerce worth ought to Arizona elect to maneuver him. If he struggles, do the Diamondbacks cling on to him and make him a qualifying provide to be able to get a Draft decide for him? These are the questions that GM Mike Hazen should wrestle with. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: SS Mookie BettsBetts had arguably probably the most disappointing first half of any Dodger — and of his profession. His .696 OPS earlier than the All-Star break was his worst in a full season, practically 100 factors decrease than his next-closest mark (.792 in 2015). He is dealt with his place change to shortstop properly, but when he can get up his bat, it may very well be extra impactful for the Dodgers than any Commerce Deadline acquisition. — Sonja Chen
Giants: DH Rafael DeversDevers has been enjoying by a groin problem and decrease again irritation since coming over from the Crimson Sox, which has hampered his manufacturing on the plate, however the Giants are hoping he’ll be capable of use the All-Star break to get wholesome and return to his slugging methods within the second half. Devers has been restricted to DH duties to this point, however the Giants count on him to make his first base debut as soon as he will get previous his bodily illnesses. — Maria Guardado
Padres: RHP Michael KingKing was the Padres’ Opening Day starter and their Sport 1 starter within the postseason final 12 months. He posted a 2.90 ERA throughout 10 begins by mid-Might. After which he missed two months with a proper shoulder/lengthy thoracic nerve damage. The Padres have persevered within the rotation — and the current return of Yu Darvish definitely helps with that. However a wholesome King immediately makes the rotation extra formidable, notably in a brief playoff collection. On that entrance, King seems to be on his approach again. He’s throwing bullpens and will face hitters within the close to future. An early August return isn’t out of the query. — AJ Cassavell
Rockies: SS Ezequiel TovarLast 12 months completed fortunately, with Tovar successful his first Gold Glove and looking out each bit the workforce’s chief. However two accidents decreased his effectiveness or prevented him from taking part in a bitter first half. With the potential for large change on the roster, it’s going to be as much as Tovar to determine how he’ll lead the following chapter of Rockies baseball — on the sphere and off. — Thomas Harding
