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As the MLB season reaches its second half, fans have plenty to look forward to — from the heated division battles and MVP races to the looming July 31st trade deadline. Excitement is building around surprise teams like the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays as they continue to shake things up.
To help follow all the drama, here are the 15 biggest storylines in baseball today:
1. Will Cal Raleigh deliver the best season ever by a catcher? Fresh off a home run derby win, Raleigh is leading the American League with 38 home runs and 82 RBIs, sporting an impressive .376 on-base percentage and an OPS of 1.011. Eyes are on him as he chases the AL home run record of 62 set by Aaron Judge last year.
2. Can Aaron Judge claim the batting title this year? Last season he narrowly missed out on the Triple Crown, leading in home runs and RBIs but finishing third in batting average. This season, Judge is off to a strong start with a .355 average, aiming to become the 10th Yankee to win the batting crown.
3. The trade deadline on July 31st could reshape many teams — keep an eye on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though they sit fourth in the NL West with a 47-50 record, they possess one of the highest-powered offenses but a struggling pitching staff. Players like Eugenio Suarez, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly could be major trade pieces.
4. The AL East is on fire! The Blue Jays have overtaken the Yankees, holding a narrow two-game lead at the break, while the Red Sox trail just three games behind. After finishing 20 games back last year, Toronto’s climb sets up a thrilling division race.
5. Rookie phenom Jacob Misiorowski is making waves with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 23-year-old has dazzled with 11 hitless innings and one of the longest win streaks by a modern MLB starter, earning an All-Star nod. Can he sustain this success and contend for NL Rookie of the Year?
6. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler is eyeing the Cy Young Award once again. Despite finishing second the past two years, he faces tough competition this season but remains a top contender.
7. Can Juan Soto help the Mets capture their first NL East title since 2015? The Mets built a strong 5.5-game lead in mid-June, and Soto’s arrival boosts their chances against the Phillies, who remain close behind.
8. The MVP race is heating up with Cal Raleigh challenging Aaron Judge, while Shohei Ohtani pushes for another 50 home run season. Meanwhile, Pete Crow Armstrong may surprise as he makes his leap into superstardom.
9. The Atlanta Braves have been disappointing this year, sitting 12.5 games out of first place. Despite high hopes for a World Series run, they’ll need a strong second half to climb back into contention.
10. Baltimore Orioles appear poised to be sellers at the deadline with key players like Ryan O’Hearn, Felix Bautista, and Cedric Mullins potentially moving as the team looks to build for the future.
11. The Houston Astros still control the AL West despite offseason trades. After a rough start, they surged to dominate the division and are backed by strong pitching and a deep bullpen.
12. Ichiro Suzuki will be inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame on July 27th, taking his rightful place alongside legends like CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.
13. Rafael Devers has struggled since his trade to the Giants, possibly due to a hip issue. The team hopes the break will help him bounce back and boost their playoff chances.
14. The Los Angeles face pitching challenges but continue to lead the National League with key starters expected to return from injury soon. The trade deadline will reveal if they add reinforcements or rely on their healthy arms.
15. The Detroit Tigers are surprising everyone, holding an 11.5 game lead in the AL Central. Strong pitching, veteran comebacks, and developing young stars fuel their charge for the division title.
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Fan Take: This roundup highlights why the 2025 MLB season is captivating for fans—from historic individual performances to intense division races and strategic moves at the trade deadline. These storylines could reshape the future of baseball, offering thrilling moments and new legends for fans to cheer.
