Generally, it simply takes one participant to launch a Main League staff to success. Whether or not it is an enormous contributor getting back from harm, a younger star seeking to escape or a veteran hoping to flip the script, each MLB membership has a participant who must ship in the course of the second half of the 2025 season.
With the assistance of MLB.com’s 30 beat writers, this is every staff’s key participant for the second half, which begins Friday.
Blue Jays: DH Anthony Santander
Keep in mind him? Santander was introduced in to be the large, power-hitting addition to the center of this lineup, nevertheless it 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 will add one other extremely invaluable participant to this lineup. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: RHP Kyle Bradish
The Orioles’ rotation might lastly be getting a large increase within the type of Bradish, who underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in June 2024. The 28-year-old right-hander has been going through dwell hitters in Sarasota, Fla., and is nearing a rehab task. It might 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 Lowe
The Rays treaded water as Lowe received off to a gradual begin, which was due partially to unhealthy luck at first of the season. When he received scorching in mid-Might, the staff adopted swimsuit. And when he received damage every 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 invaluable 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 inclined to go as their All-Star second baseman goes. — Adam Berry
Purple Sox: LHP Garrett Crochet
Crochet might be an important participant on the Purple 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 yr and comes into the break at 129 1/3. How nicely he holds up will doubtless have the most important impression on how far the Purple Sox can go this season. — Ian Browne
Yankees: OF Aaron Decide / LHP Max Fried
Let’s cut up this class between the Yankees’ two MVPs up to now — Decide and Fried. Decide is nicely on his approach to a second consecutive AL MVP award, mixing unbelievable offense with terrific protection. The captain is within the lineup nearly on daily basis, 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 Bieber
The Guardians rotation has a 3.80 ERA since June (eighth in MLB), and it might quickly obtain a giant increase. 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 because of soreness. The 30-year-old’s return might additional reinforce a workers that has been frequently regular this season, simply in time for the stretch run. — Tim Stebbins
Royals: SS Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt will all the time carry this staff. 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 publish 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. The whole staff appears to play higher when Witt performs nicely, and a elevate like that may’t be understated for Kansas Metropolis. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: RHP Jack Flaherty
A yr 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 anyplace, not with an opportunity at a second straight World Collection ring. However the Tigers have to 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 López
There have been loads of different components, nevertheless it’s not utterly a coincidence that the Twins’ slide started simply as López hit the injured checklist with a strained muscle in his shoulder. He’s begun throwing off flat floor, so he’s doubtless a superb methods away from entering into video games, however his sturdiness, effectiveness, and management are essential. The earlier he’s again, the extra doubtless the Twins are to make the postseason. — Matthew Leach
White Sox: SS Colson Montgomery
It’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 via 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 should modify to the changes being made towards him. Montgomery’s success is a giant half for this rebuild shifting ahead. — Scott Merkin
Angels: DH/OF Mike Trout
Trout has been stable offensively this yr however hasn’t performed at a famous person 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 discipline 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 Alvarez
Alvarez, who’s been out since Might 2, has had solely 121 at-bats and struggled via April whereas coping with what turned out to be a fractured bone in his combat hand. That’s now healed, however he had two injections in his hand in early July to scale 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 Severino
Merely put, a 5.16 ERA – third highest amongst certified MLB starters – via 20 begins just isn’t what the A’s anticipated once they signed Severino to the biggest free-agent contract in franchise historical past this offseason. The expectation was that he would settle in as their No. 1 starter. As an alternative, he’s carried out as their worst rotation member up to now. 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 Rodríguez
It’s no coincidence that the Mariners pulled off that Detroit sweep on the shoulders of their extremely-talented-but-oft-inconsistent middle fielder, who seemed like a justified All-Star and never the debatable one who was chosen through 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 Basic 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 Seager
It’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 checklist this season with a proper hamstring pressure and was gradual to return again from the second, hitting simply .188/.360/.353 in June. However Seager has seemed extra like himself over the past two weeks going into the break. Many — however not all — of Texas’ offensive woes may 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 II
Harris 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 proper course. The 2022 NL Rookie of the 12 months 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 yr of an eight-year, $72 million deal. However there’s an opportunity the expert middle fielder regains his stability on the plate and exhibits higher plate self-discipline in the course of the second half. His efficiency within the second half might impression offseason plans. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara
Nobody 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 seemed 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 Manaea
Clearly the Mets’ prime pitcher in 2024, Manaea didn’t throw a pitch this yr till the ultimate recreation of the primary half. As quickly as he did, he started reminding everybody why he’s such an important a part of this staff. Manaea’s low-slot, crossfire supply resulted in seven fast strikeouts in Kansas Metropolis. And whereas he did wind up dropping that recreation, his impression 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 have to show his sturdiness for a Mets staff very a lot invested in his ace upside. — Anthony DiComo
Nationals: OF Dylan Crews
Crews, the No. 2 total choose 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 harm, Crews batted .196 with seven dwelling runs and 15 RBIs in 45 video games. — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: 1B Bryce Harper
Harper spent most of June on the injured checklist 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 Frelick
There are a handful of dates one can choose to pinpoint the place the Brewers turned their season in the proper course. One in all 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 recreation (5.85) and on-base proportion (.351) and rating second in common (.285). However now there’s a giant query mark going into the second half after Frelick left Sunday’s finale with a left hamstring harm. Supervisor Pat Murphy stated the event “made my coronary heart damage,” even earlier than the staff received the outcomes of an MRI scan. — Adam McCalvy
Cardinals: 3B Nolan Arenado
Finger 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 dwelling 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 stunning playoff contender. Is that sufficient to make Arenado need 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 Tucker
All eyes can 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 yr 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 determination to commerce for Tucker, and the Cubs are in playoff place as hoped. After that, the following activity can be to attempt to entice him to remain in Chicago somewhat than exit through free company after one season. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller
Keller is a pacesetter of the rotation and has been one of many staff’s most constant performers all yr. 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 yr 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 Greene
Greene, who entered 2025 because the staff’s ace, has slow-rolled his approach again from a Grade 1 proper groin pressure since happening the injured checklist for the second time in early Might. Regardless of a clear MRI on July 7, he reported signs and canceled a rehab task. 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 pacesetter, the membership needs him again sooner somewhat than later. When he’s, he may be top-of-the-line starters in baseball. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: RHP Zac Gallen
Some robust 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 grasp on to him and make him a qualifying supply with the intention to get a Draft choose for him? These are the questions that GM Mike Hazen should wrestle with. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: SS Mookie Betts
Betts had arguably essentially 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, almost 100 factors decrease than his next-closest mark (.792 in 2015). He is dealt with his place change to shortstop nicely, 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 Devers
Devers has been enjoying via a groin subject and decrease again irritation since coming over from the Purple Sox, which has hampered his manufacturing on the plate, however the Giants are hoping he’ll be capable to 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 date, 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 King
King was the Padres’ Opening Day starter and their Sport 1 starter within the postseason final yr. He posted a 2.90 ERA throughout 10 begins via mid-Might. After which he missed two months with a proper shoulder/lengthy thoracic nerve harm. The Padres have persevered within the rotation — and the latest return of Yu Darvish definitely helps with that. However a wholesome King immediately makes the rotation extra formidable, significantly in a brief playoff sequence. 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 Tovar
Final yr completed fortunately, with Tovar successful his first Gold Glove and searching each bit the staff’s chief. However two accidents diminished his effectiveness or prevented him from taking part in a bitter first half. With the potential of huge change on the roster, it will be as much as Tovar to determine how he’ll lead the following chapter of Rockies baseball — on the sector and off. — Thomas Harding
