Can injured star gamers return in time to make an influence earlier than the top of the yr? Will midseason acquisitions repay? What would possibly 2026 appear to be?
These are simply among the principal questions dealing with MLB groups with the Commerce Deadline full and the second half properly underway. By the point the common season ends Sept. 28, they’re going to all be answered.
With the assistance of MLB.com’s 30 beat writers, right here is the most important query dealing with every membership down the stretch.
Blue Jays: Who will Shane Bieber be for the Blue Jays?
If Bieber returns from Tommy John surgical procedure and recaptures his outdated type, that may assist to catapult the Blue Jays from a World Sequence contender to a reputable favourite. He’s anticipated to make two extra rehab begins in Triple-A to get his workload up, however all indicators have been encouraging up to now, and it traces up completely for a playoff push in Toronto. The Blue Jays have sufficient succesful starters of their rotation stocked with veterans, however Bieber is out of the blue this group’s largest variable and has a ceiling not like another starter on this roster. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: When do Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers get the decision?
Common supervisor Mike Elias stated final Friday that each Basallo (O’s No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 general) and Beavers (O’s No. 3) are “virtually there” by way of getting promotions to the large leagues. Each proceed to knock loudly on the door within the meantime. With the O’s struggling and set to concentrate on improvement down the stretch, it feels inevitable that these two prime prospects will present up in The Present in some unspecified time in the future, probably even quickly. However till they do, the most important query in Baltimore stays — when will Basallo and Beavers get right here? — Jake Rill
Rays: Will Shane McClanahan pitch this season?
McClanahan final appeared in a Main League sport on Aug. 2, 2023. His profession since then has recognized nothing however ache: Tommy John surgical procedure adopted by a nerve concern in his left triceps this spring. His rehab project was not too long ago halted by biceps tendinitis, however McClanahan has resumed throwing. No matter the place the Rays sit within the Wild Card standings upon McClanahan’s return, getting a have a look at him earlier than the top of the yr would assist shed some mild on what the membership can count on from its bona fide ace in 2026. — Brian Murphy
Pink Sox: Can the beginning pitching maintain up?
For weeks, Pink Sox supervisor Alex Cora stated the Pink Sox can be positive so long as they pitch. Some eyebrows had been raised when Dustin Could was the one beginning pitching addition on the Commerce Deadline slightly than somebody thought of extra of the frontline selection. At this level, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello are offering nice assist behind Garrett Crochet. Boston’s probabilities of attending to the postseason may relaxation on whether or not that may proceed. Bear in mind additionally that Crochet has already surpassed his profession excessive in innings. — Ian Browne
Yankees: Can they get their protection below management?
No group has given up extra unearned runs since July 1, and of the MLB-worst 23 whole errors the Yankees have dedicated, virtually half belong to Jazz Chisholm Jr. (6) and Anthony Volpe (5). That hasn’t precisely helped Max Fried, whose ERA over that interval is pushing 6.00, and making Camilo Doval a key Deadline acquisition solely made the workers extra reliant on groundouts. — Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru
Guardians: Will the offense be sufficient?
With the third-lowest OPS in MLB getting into Tuesday, Cleveland’s offense has left one thing to be desired. José Ramírez and Steven Kwan have completed their jobs, and Kyle Manzardo has been stable at designated hitter, however the Guardians aren’t getting a ton from the remainder of their place gamers. They’ve been in a position to overcome that previously due to elite pitching, but when their offense can step issues up, the higher they’ll set themselves up in the case of postseason seeding. — Theo DeRosa
Royals: Can Cole Ragans return and be impactful?
There’ll proceed to be speak concerning the Royals offense this season, however what can’t be stated sufficient is how badly they want their ace. Ragans has been sidelined since June 11 with a left rotator cuff pressure, however he’s on monitor along with his throwing development and may very well be throwing a bullpen by subsequent week. With three starters on the IL, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Noah Cameron have completed a wonderful job anchoring the workers, however Ragans’ ceiling is not like another. To get him again – and see the 2024 model of him – may present as large of a lift as any to this group. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: What does Riley Greene’s greatest type appear to be?
The baseline numbers present Greene hitting peak manufacturing because the 24-year-old enters his prime years, together with profession highs in dwelling runs and RBIs. However he has put up these numbers via a curler coaster of a season that features a 1-for-32 hunch in April, a 30-for-81 tear via a lot of Could, and a number of other peaks and valleys since. His strikeouts and chase fee have exacerbated the streakiness, they usually may make him a considerably less complicated matchup for stacked pitching staffs within the postseason. The Tigers’ offense goes as Greene goes, so getting him again within the strike zone by October could be a giant assist. — Jason Beck
Twins: When will we see the brand new guys?
Alan Roden is already on the large league roster, and Kendry Rojas most likely received’t arrive till 2025. However three different key items from the Deadline overhaul are at present at Triple-A St. Paul: right-handers Mick Abel and Taj Bradley, and outfielder James Outman. All of them have Main League expertise, and all issue within the group’s future plans. However as of now it’s unknown once they’ll make the quick journey from St. Paul to Minneapolis. — Matthew Leach
White Sox: How legit is that this offense?
Because the second half started, it’s not hyperbole to say that the White Sox have had probably the greatest offenses in baseball. In that point, White Sox hitters rank close to the highest in a bunch of vital offensive classes, which has helped produce probably the greatest data in baseball because the All-Star break. Whereas some regression is prone to come, there’s quite a bit to dream on with this younger core: Colson Montgomery, Edgar Quero, Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth are all producing at a excessive degree proper now. — Brent Maguire
Angels: Was it the best choice to not promote?
The Angels have a number of veterans headed to free company reminiscent of Kenley Jansen, Yoán Moncada, Tyler Anderson, Luis Rengifo and Kyle Hendricks, however they opted to not promote on the Commerce Deadline, as an alternative buying relievers Andrew Chafin and Luis García from the Nationals and infielder Oswald Peraza from the Yankees. Common supervisor Perry Minasian stated he didn’t need to promote as a result of he needed his younger core to expertise enjoying significant video games down the stretch. If the Angels stay in competition, it could give Angels gamers some beneficial expertise, however there’s additionally loads of threat as a result of they might have added to that younger core in the event that they traded away veterans. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: Which gamers will return from the injured checklist — and when?
All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña and starter Spencer Arrighetti have come off the IL previously week, however some large names stay out. DH Yordan Alvarez has been out since early Could after fracturing his proper hand; All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes is rehabbing a major hamstring harm as an alternative of getting surgical procedure; and beginning heart fielder Jake Meyers has been out for a month with a calf pressure. Getting any a kind of gamers again would function an enormous enhance. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: Who could be a part of the 2026 bullpen?
The departure of Mason Miller on the Commerce Deadline left the A’s with a big gap behind their bullpen. How they fill that nearer function and the remainder of their late-inning technique can be a storyline to observe, with relievers Michael Kelly, Elvis Alvarado, Sean Newcomb and Justin Sterner all a part of that blend. The beginning lineup may be very a lot set for subsequent season and past. However the bullpen should be found out over these last two months. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: How a lot of an influence can Bryce Miller and Victor Robles make? And the way a lot will it matter?
The Mariners’ greatest beginning pitcher and greatest place participant within the second half of final season have both struggled, been harm or a mixture of each in 2025. However they’re each eyeing returns from the IL, probably as quickly as the top of August. The Mariners will not essentially want Miller to copy the 1.94 ERA he compiled over his last 15 begins final season, or Robles to supply at a 6-WAR tempo like he did since becoming a member of the membership final June. But when they’ll come anyplace near that manufacturing, it’d elevate an already a lot increased ground to Seattle’s post-Deadline roster. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: Can the offense proceed its scorching stretch?
Rangers pitchers have continued to point out that that is who they’re — an elite workers with the flexibility to maintain the membership in each single sport. However as Texas has gotten again within the Wild Card race, it’s been extra concerning the offensive progress and eventually placing runs on the board. Because the starting of July, the Rangers are slashing .249/.322/.414. With gamers like Marcus Semien and Josh Jung lastly enjoying extra intently to their profession ranges, the Rangers look extra just like the model of themselves all people anticipated in Spring Coaching. The entrance workplace added three pitchers — Merrill Kelly, Phil Maton and Danny Coulombe — to the pitching workers on the Deadline. They notably added no bats, with common supervisor Chris Younger emphasizing the idea they’ve within the gamers they’ve on the roster. That can be what probably carries them to the postseason. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: Can they be taught extra about 2026?
There’s seemingly quite a bit for Atlanta to resolve earlier than subsequent season after a extremely disappointing 2025. Among the many subjects: Are the latest enhancements of Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies an indication that they’ve returned to type and can once more be main contributors? Will retaining the catcher/DH duo of Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy within the lineup most nights produce sufficient outcomes to change into probably the most engaging possibility? Will any of their younger pitchers within the Minors — specifically Hurston Waldrep or JR Ritchie — make an impression with regard to the 2026 workers? We’ll see. — Jason Foster
Marlins: How will the pitching maintain up?
Whereas Miami continues to defy expectations, lots of the pitchers proceed to go towards uncharted territory. Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez are getting back from Tommy John surgical procedure, whereas Edward Cabrera has an harm historical past and already has surpassed his profession excessive for innings in a season. The identical may very well be stated for relievers like Ronny Henriquez. Can the likes of Jesus Tinoco, Ryan Weathers and Andrew Nardi return by season’s finish as reinforcements? — Christina De Nicola
Mets: Will the rotation be adequate?
Slightly than add to their flagging rotation on the Commerce Deadline, the Mets selected to herald a trio of relievers. Probably, these strikes improved the group. However the Mets can be in bother if starters like Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes proceed to wrestle, as they’ve all through the second half. Maybe prime prospects Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat may also help in some unspecified time in the future. Both method, the Mets want this unit to be higher. — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: Will James Wooden get again into his offensive rhythm?
Wooden slugged 24 dwelling runs and earned an All-Star choice with a dominant first half of the season. However the 22-year-old, who participated within the Residence Run Derby, has not gotten again right into a rhythm within the second half. In 16 video games because the All-Star break, Wooden is batting .131 and has but to homer. His OPS has dropped from .915 within the first half to .396 within the second half with a rise in strikeouts. Wooden is the driving drive of the Nationals’ offense, and he’ll look to regain his momentum earlier than the offseason. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: Can the offense be extra constant?
A streaky lineup has been the Phillies’ undoing in every of the earlier two postseasons, and Philadelphia is hoping that isn’t the case once more this yr. With arguably one of the best beginning rotation in MLB and a bullpen improved by the acquisition of Jhoan Duran, the Phillies are arrange for fulfillment if they’ll rating sufficient runs. Due to Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Co., they’re normally ready to take action, however they’re vulnerable to chilly spells, too. Will the Phils discover a recipe for sustained, constant success on the plate? — Theo DeRosa
Brewers: Can they proceed to attain with out slug?
The Brewers lead the Nationwide League in runs per sport and OPS because the begin of June, but it surely’s occurred with a mixture of endurance, contact and velocity, and never with energy. GM Matt Arnold thought of buying a bat on the Deadline, however the decisions had been sparse past D-backs slugger Eugenio Suárez, and the costs had been astronomical. And moreover, June acquisition Andrew Vaughn has already given the Brewers a jolt. The final World Sequence winner to complete the common season beneath league common in slugging proportion was the 2012 Giants. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: How will the Playing cards stability “alternative” with fielding one of the best group?
Sellers on the MLB Commerce Deadline for a second time in three years, the Cardinals may shift their focus to enjoying time and at-bats for his or her younger core over the season’s last two months. The problem, nevertheless, is that a few of these selections may run counter to the group attempting to win as many video games as attainable. Supervisor Oliver Marmol stated this week that Alec Burleson will stay within the on a regular basis lineup as a result of he’s earned it with a second straight stable season. Additionally, Iván Herrera will proceed to get appears to be like in left discipline to maintain his bat within the lineup. As for Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker within the outfield and Nolan Gorman and Thomas Saggese at third base, they are going to be used on a rotation foundation within the coming weeks. Ought to Nolan Arenado (proper shoulder pressure) return, it could solely clog the rotation additional. An argument definitely may very well be made that the gamers with extra promise needs to be getting the reps, however Marmol doesn’t need to dole out enjoying time when others are providing considerably extra manufacturing. — John Denton
Cubs: Will the Cubs’ rotation maintain up?
The North Siders didn’t land a frontline starter on the Commerce Deadline, and the pitcher they did land as beginning depth (Michael Soroka) lasted two innings in his Cubs debut and is now on the IL with a proper shoulder pressure. Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton have pitched properly however are past their innings totals from ‘24, once they each handled accidents. Righties Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad are on the IL and aiming to return this month. If the Cubs need to catch the Brewers and final deep into October, they’ll sick afford any extra setbacks with the beginning group. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: Do the Pirates have a more in-depth within the combine?
The Pirates dealt David Bednar to the Yankees this Commerce Deadline, and whereas they don’t have a longtime nearer on the roster, they’ve some choices. Dennis Santana has completed properly in that function at instances this yr, Isaac Mattson has been a pleasing shock, and Braxton Ashcraft definitely has the stuff for the function too (although he might stick as a multi-inning reliever). It’s a two-month tryout, and if the Pirates don’t discover a solution internally, they’ll want so as to add a more in-depth to their offseason purchasing checklist. — Alex Stumpf
Reds: Can the offense constantly energy up down the stretch?
Pitching has stored Cincinnati within the NL Wild Card race, however the offense has been missing large hits these days. The Reds’ .353 slugging proportion because the All-Star break ranks twenty ninth in MLB. If guys like Matt McLain (whose .341 slugging proportion is 166 factors decrease than his 2023 output) and Elly De La Cruz (one homer since June 23) can begin flexing, it may gas the Reds to their first playoff berth since 2020. — Casey Drottar
D-backs: Who’s going to be a part of subsequent yr’s group?
A season that began with a club-record payroll and plans for the postseason has become a two-month have a look at who the Diamondbacks can rely on being a part of subsequent yr’s group. A number of the younger gamers they received again in Commerce Deadline offers, like reliever Andrew Hoffmann and first baseman Tyler Locklear, will get lengthy appears to be like, and sooner or later prime prospect Jordan Lawlar figures to get an prolonged run of enjoying time. Whereas the Diamondbacks might not be within the hunt for the playoffs, the following couple of months may have a big say in what subsequent yr’s version appears to be like like. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: Can Mookie Betts put it collectively?
Now that Freddie Freeman appears to have figured issues out following a chronic tough stretch, the Dodgers want the identical from Betts, who’s on tempo for the worst offensive season of his profession. The Dodgers tried altering issues up by placing Betts within the leadoff spot however have since bumped him again right down to the two-hole. So long as Betts produces at a diminished degree, the identical can be true for L.A.’s lineup general. — Sarah Wexler
Giants: Will Rafael Devers warmth up on the plate?
The Giants misplaced six straight forward of the Commerce Deadline, prompting the entrance workplace to enter promote mode. However they then took two of three from the Mets thanks largely to Devers, who needed to that time struggled since being acquired from Boston. He went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer within the sequence finale, eliciting hopes of an offensive resurgence. If it occurs, and Devers ignites the remainder of the lineup, the Giants would possibly nonetheless have a shot on the postseason. — Manny Randhawa
Padres: Will tremendous bullpen’s superpower be catching LA?
Any membership would have been enthusiastic about buying flamethrower Mason Miller on the Deadline, however within the case of the Padres, it provides them a novel inside monitor on their quest to win their first division crown since 2006, bolstering what was already an unlimited energy. They enter Thursday with one of the best bullpen ERA within the Majors (3.02) by a substantial margin, they usually’ll seemingly be leaned on closely with starter Yu Darvish (elbow) not too long ago returned from harm and Michael King (shoulder) on his method again. — Jesse Borek
Rockies: Who will debut?
What number of prospects will get their first style of Main League motion? Infielder Kyle Karros (Rockies No. 8 prospect), who stood out at Double-A Hartford and has began robust at Triple-A Albuquerque; righty pitcher Gabriel Hughes (No. 15), at Albuquerque finishing a intently monitored comeback after lacking final season due to proper elbow surgical procedure; and lefty reliever Welinton Herrera (No. 21), who pitched within the All-Star Futures Sport throughout his standout season at Hartford, are prime candidates. — Thomas Harding
