MLB Baseball Season: Top Three Topics at the Halfway Point and What Lies Ahead

As the 2025 Major League Baseball season reaches its midpoint, the All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta marks a pivotal moment to reflect on the first half and project what’s to come. The season has been a rollercoaster of surprises, standout performances, and unexpected struggles, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Here are the top three topics dominating the MLB landscape in 2025, along with expectations for the remainder of the season.

The Detroit Tigers have been the feel-good story of the 2025 season. They have been defying preseason expectations to emerge as one of the American League’s top teams. They have the best record in the AL and a legitimate shot at the No. 1 seed. The Tigers have transformed from a team projected to hover around .500 to a powerhouse. Their success is anchored by a dominant pitching staff led by Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, who is on pace to repeat with a dazzling 2025 campaign. Skubal’s recent shutout on fewer than 100 pitches, including a 102.6 mph fastball, underscores his elite status. The rotation is complemented by a resurgent Casey Mize and a bullpen that ranks among the league’s best.

Offensively, the Tigers have been buoyed by bounce-back seasons from Javier Báez and Spencer Torkelson. Riley Greene is making a strong case for AL MVP with a projected 40-plus homers and 20-plus steals. The team’s six All-Stars, the most in baseball, reflect their depth and balance. They have the third-best run differential (+87) and the second-best baserunning run value in the majors. Despite their hot start, some analysts caution that their 100-win pace may be unsustainable. Due to their reliance on timely hitting and a relatively weak AL Central.

The Tigers’ second half will hinge on maintaining their pitching dominance and adding offensive firepower at the trade deadline. With Skubal and Mize leading the rotation, the pitching staff should remain a strength. However, injuries to key relievers could test their depth. The offense, while improved, lacks the consistency of elite contenders like the Dodgers or Phillies. Acquiring a big bat—potentially a veteran outfielder or designated hitter—could solidify their lineup and make them a true World Series contender.

Expect the Tigers to face stiffer competition as the schedule toughens, particularly against AL East powerhouses like the Yankees and Red Sox. Their ability to maintain their lead in the AL Central, where the Guardians and Twins are lurking, will be critical. If Detroit can avoid a late-season skid and integrate a deadline acquisition effectively, they could secure a top seed and make a deep playoff run. However, regression is possible if their underlying baseball metrics—such as a reliance on clutch hitting—catch up to them.

The Atlanta Braves, perennial NL East contenders, have been the National League’s biggest disappointment in 2025. Despite high expectations following a 2024 season marred by injuries, the Braves have struggled to find their rhythm. They have been sitting below .500 for much of the first half. Their offense has faltered, with Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies underperforming. The team posted an 11-22 record in one-run games. The pitching staff, while bolstered by the return of Spencer Strider and a strong season from Chris Sale, has been inconsistent. Their closer, Raisel Iglesias, is struggling, and Reynaldo López is limited by injury.

Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return has been a bright spot, as he’s been one of baseball’s best hitters since his debut. Matt Olson is showing signs of regaining his 2023 form. However, the Braves’ inability to score runs consistently and their poor performance in close games have put their playoff streak—unbroken since 2017—in jeopardy. The team’s recent 4-15 stretch from May to June highlighted their struggles. However, a late first-half surge suggests they may be turning a corner.

The Braves’ second half will be a make-or-break period. With Acuña and Strider healthy and Sale remaining a Cy Young contender, the Braves have the talent to climb back into the baseball playoff picture. Their success will depend on addressing offensive weaknesses, potentially through a trade for a reliable bat like Marcell Ozuna, who could be moved if Atlanta falls out of contention. The return of López and continued improvement from young pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach could stabilize the rotation.

The NL East remains competitive, with the Phillies and Mets posing significant challenges. Philadelphia’s veteran-laden roster and strong rotation, led by Zack Wheeler, make them the division favorites. The Mets, despite their pitching injuries, are buoyed by Juan Soto’s resurgence. The Braves will need to capitalize on their favorable second-half schedule to gain ground. If they can string together a hot streak, they could secure a wild-card spot and make noise in October. However, another slow start post-All-Star break could lead to a fire sale, with Ozuna and others potentially on the move.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, affectionately known as “Big Dumper,” has emerged as one of the biggest stories of 2025. He is delivering a historic season at the plate. With 38 home runs through 96 games, Raleigh is on pace for 64. This would shatter Aaron Judge’s AL record of 62, set in 2022. His .948 OPS, 16 homers against lefties, and league-leading eight multihomer games have made him a frontrunner for AL MVP. He could be a potential record-setter for catchers, challenging marks set by Mike Piazza and Buster Posey. Raleigh’s defensive prowess, including a Gold Glove-caliber performance, further cements his status as a superstar.

The Mariners, meanwhile, have flipped their usual script. Typically known for elite pitching, their rotation has struggled with injuries to George Kirby and Logan Gilbert. Their offense—led by Raleigh, J.P. Crawford, Randy Arozarena, and Jorge Polanco—has been a strength. Seattle’s 17-9 tear in May and June has them climbing the AL West standings. They are challenging the Astros and Rangers for the division lead. However, their back-end rotation remains a concern. Along with their lack of consistency from Julio Rodríguez could hinder their postseason aspirations.

Raleigh’s pursuit of the home run record will be a focal point of the second half. His ability to maintain his torrid pace against both right- and left-handed pitching will be key, as will his durability behind the plate. If Raleigh stays healthy and continues to mash, he could not only break Judge’s record but also etch his name in history as one of the greatest catching seasons ever.

For the Mariners, the return of Kirby and Gilbert to full health could restore their rotation to its usual dominance. It would make them a formidable playoff contender. The addition of a mid-rotation starter at the trade deadline could address their pitching depth issues. A hot streak from Rodríguez—known for his second-half surges—could elevate their offense to elite status. The AL West is wide open, with the Astros relying on unproven rookies and the Rangers battling inconsistency. If Seattle can maintain their offensive momentum and shore up their pitching, they could win the division and secure a top-four seed.

In the playoffs, the Mariners’ balanced roster and Raleigh’s heroics could make them a dark horse. They could be capable of upsetting higher seeds like the Tigers or Yankees. However, their lack of postseason experience and reliance on a thin rotation could be their undoing if they face a pitching-heavy team like the Phillies or Dodgers.

As the second half begins, the Dodgers remain the team to beat, with a stacked roster featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and a bolstered rotation that could see Ohtani return to pitching. The Phillies, with their veteran core and elite rotation, are poised for another deep playoff run. The Mets and Yankees remain dangerous despite their challenges. The trade deadline will be pivotal, with teams like the Tigers, Braves, and Mariners likely to be active buyers, while struggling clubs like the Orioles and Padres may sell off assets.

The expanded playoff format ensures a wide-open postseason, where surprises are inevitable. The Tigers’ Cinderella run, the Braves’ potential redemption, and Raleigh’s record chase will keep fans glued to their screens. With stars like Skubal, Acuña, and Raleigh leading the way, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history. As the second half unfolds, expect drama, breakout performances, and a race to October that could redefine the Major League Baseball landscape.