The 2025 Major League Baseball season has reached its midpoint, a pivotal time where the contenders solidify their positions and the playoff picture begins to crystalize. With over half the regular season games completed, it’s the perfect moment to look back at the top performers, the surprising narratives, and the teams best positioned for October baseball. Our comprehensive midseason review utilizes advanced projections and player value metrics like AXE to rank all 30 teams, analyze their journeys so far, highlight their dominant storylines, and name the standout First Half MVP for each club. Dive into this detailed report to see who’s leading the charge and what the rest of the season might hold.
Understanding the current MLB landscape requires looking beyond simple win-loss records. This midseason analysis leverages a robust methodology, combining multiple projection systems (including those from FanGraphs, Baseball Prospectus, and ESPN Bet over/unders). These forecasts establish a baseline win expectation for every team. From this baseline, 10,000 simulations of the remaining 2025 schedule are run, generating the win forecasts and crucial postseason probabilities presented here. Player performance is assessed using the AXE index. AXE synthesizes leading value metrics (like WAR from multiple sources) and contextual contributions (such as Win Probability Added). An AXE score of 100 represents the average MLB player value, providing a data-driven basis for identifying each team’s most impactful player in the first half.
MLB Team Rankings and First Half Standouts
As the calendar flips towards the All-Star break, a clear hierarchy has emerged across Major League Baseball, though some surprising teams sit atop the standings. Here’s a look at the league’s competitive structure based on current projections and a deep dive into the first-half performance of each club.
Top Tier: Leading the Charge
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Detroit Tigers
- Chicago Cubs
- Houston Astros
- Philadelphia Phillies
- New York Yankees
- New York Mets
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Seattle Mariners
- San Diego Padres
- St. Louis Cardinals
- San Francisco Giants
- Cincinnati Reds
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Texas Rangers
- Atlanta Braves
- Boston Red Sox
- Minnesota Twins
- Cleveland Guardians
- Los Angeles Angels
- Kansas City Royals
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Baltimore Orioles
- Miami Marlins
- Washington Nationals
- Athletics
- Chicago White Sox
- Colorado Rockies
Projected Wins: 101.4
Playoff Probability: 99.7%
Championship Odds: 24.0%
First-half storyline: Despite a torrent of pitching injuries and some underperformance on the mound, the Dodgers are thriving. Their offense has significantly exceeded forecasts, outpacing projections by nearly 100 park-neutral runs over a 162-game pace. This explosive hitting has compensated for the pitching staff’s challenges, leaving the team well-positioned if their injury luck improves.
First-half MVP: Shohei Ohtani (145 AXE, 1st on Dodgers, 3rd in MLB). Ohtani continues his remarkable two-way production. He boasts an OPS over 1.000 for the third consecutive year. He is on pace to potentially set career highs in home runs and runs scored. His recent return to pitching, looking sharp, adds another dimension to his already historic value.
Projected Wins: 97.9
Playoff Probability: 99.8%
Championship Odds: 14.4%
First-half storyline: The Tigers have experienced a truly spectacular breakout season, marking a historic year for the franchise. Their Pythagorean winning percentage currently ranks among the top five in team history. This performance is reminiscent of legendary Detroit teams from different eras, signaling a return to prominence in MLB.
First-half MVP: Tarik Skubal (138 AXE, 1st on Tigers, 6th in MLB). Skubal has reached an elite pitching tier. He leads the American League in wins. He ranks highly in ERA and strikeouts. His trajectory suggests he could challenge for a second straight pitching Triple Crown, a rare feat accomplished by only a handful of legendary pitchers.
Projected Wins: 96.1
Playoff Probability: 97.2%
Championship Odds: 12.6%
First-half storyline: An offensive explosion has defined the Cubs’ first half. While the addition of Kyle Tucker was key, production has come from throughout the lineup. Chicago is on pace to exceed its park-neutral run forecast by 102 runs. Their current team OPS+ is the best for the franchise in over 140 years, highlighting an unprecedented hitting surge.
First-half Co-MVPs: Kyle Tucker & Pete Crow-Armstrong (139 AXE for both, 1st and 2nd on Cubs, 4th and 5th in MLB). These dynamic outfielders share MVP honors. They have been central to the Cubs’ offensive success. Seven Cubs players have an AXE rating of 110 or higher, demonstrating the depth of talent contributing to their high ranking.
Projected Wins: 94.7
Playoff Probability: 98.5%
Championship Odds: 8.9%
First-half storyline: Despite some predicting the end of their dynasty, the Astros remain firmly in control of the AL West. They have navigated the loss of Kyle Tucker, injuries to Yordan Alvarez, and slow starts from key players. Dominant pitching, particularly from Hunter Brown and the bullpen, has been the foundation of their success, along with strong returns from the Tucker trade acquisition Isaac Paredes.
First-half MVP: Jeremy Pena (137 AXE, 1st on Astros, 8th in MLB). Pena was baseball’s top shortstop during the first half. He played a critical role before recently landing on the injured list. Houston’s resilience in the face of adversity, including Pena’s absence, underscores their established championship pedigree.
Strong Playoff Contenders
Projected Wins: 93.5
Playoff Probability: 93.8%
Championship Odds: 7.6%
First-half storyline: Pitching has been the undeniable strength for the Phillies. Four of the top 11 NL starters by AXE rating belong to Philadelphia’s rotation. This impressive group includes Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo. The potential addition of a healthy Aaron Nola and prospect Andrew Painter could make their rotation baseball’s deepest.
First-half MVP: Zack Wheeler (138 AXE, 1st on Phillies, 7th in MLB). Wheeler is having a career year at age 35. He has posted career bests in key metrics like ERA+, FIP, WHIP, and strikeout rate. He is a co-front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award, performing at an exceptionally high level.
Projected Wins: 92.4
Playoff Probability: 95.8%
Championship Odds: 12.8%
First-half storyline: The Yankees’ season has been a masterclass in improvisation. Their run profile matches projections, but the path has been unpredictable. Pitching has largely held up despite major injuries like Gerrit Cole’s. The offense found consistency around Aaron Judge, overcoming key departures. The team’s trajectory feels uncertain, making the second half a significant test.
First-half MVP: Aaron Judge (159 AXE, 1st on Yankees, 1st in MLB). Judge is performing at an incredibly special level. He is hitting for a high average with exceptional power and on-base skills. He is on pace for 12 WAR while playing every game. Baseball fans, regardless of team loyalty, should appreciate this historic individual performance.
Projected Wins: 89.4
Playoff Probability: 75.7%
Championship Odds: 3.2%
First-half storyline: The Mets started strong but experienced a significant slump in June. They boasted baseball’s best ERA through mid-June, led by their rotation. However, a subsequent stretch saw them post the worst ERAs across the board, coinciding with injuries. For a team built on depth, this sharp decline was unexpected, making July a crucial month.
First-half MVP: Pete Alonso (129 AXE, 1st on Mets, 18th in MLB). Alonso has delivered arguably his best offensive season yet. He has shown an improved ability to hit line drives. His selection slightly ahead of other key players like Juan Soto or Francisco Lindor by AXE is notable.
Projected Wins: 88.2
Playoff Probability: 82.4%
Championship Odds: 4.5%
First-half storyline: The Rays overcame a slow start with a surging offense. They won 27 out of 40 games, scoring significantly more runs than any other team during that stretch. Despite playing in a smaller venue and featuring a roster less known to casual fans, the Rays continue their unique model of success, contending in the AL East.
First-half MVP: Jonathan Aranda (123 AXE, 1st on Rays, 42nd in MLB). Aranda, a 27-year-old first baseman, has seen a dramatic improvement in his hitting profile. He added nearly 100 points to his career batting average this season. His performance has exceeded expectations and made him the top AL primary first baseman by AXE so far.
Projected Wins: 87.5
Playoff Probability: 61.7%
Championship Odds: 2.1%
First-half storyline: The Brewers are succeeding with “more than enough good,” prioritizing depth over star power. They are in playoff contention without relying on any single player having a major breakout. They boast 18 players in the 100-to-119 AXE range, highlighting a roster built on solid, consistent performance across many individuals rather than a few stars.
First-half MVP: Brice Turang (119 AXE, 1st on Brewers, 65th in MLB). Turang combines Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base with improved hitting. He is getting on base more frequently, fueled by a high batting average. His underlying metrics, like line drive and hard-hit rates, show real improvements beyond potential BABIP fluctuations, validating his strong first half.
Projected Wins: 86.9
Playoff Probability: 72.7%
Championship Odds: 1.8%
First-half storyline: The Blue Jays have managed to stay afloat in a competitive AL East. This is notable given some underperformance from key players and bullpen struggles. Their record is currently better than their run differential suggests, raising questions about sustainability. Some factors may improve, or their performance might regress towards their differential.
First-half MVP: Ernie Clement (119 AXE, 2nd on Blue Jays, 63rd in MLB). While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads in AXE, Clement earns recognition for his surprising value. He is a front-runner for the AL Gold Glove at utility player. His high-contact hitting and exceptional defense underscore a major team strength: MLB-best defensive metrics.
Wild Card Aspirants
Projected Wins: 85.6
Playoff Probability: 66.5%
Championship Odds: 2.4%
First-half storyline: Despite injuries impacting their core starting rotation, the Mariners are in playoff position. They have managed to spread out other injuries effectively. The team is currently projected for a wild-card slot. There is optimism that their rotation could return to full strength later in the season, bolstering their chances.
First-half MVP: Cal Raleigh (149 AXE, 1st on Mariners, 2nd in MLB). Raleigh entered the season as one of baseball’s top catchers, known for his power. However, his first half has been extraordinary, far exceeding expectations. He is on pace to potentially break a long-standing single-season home run record for a switch-hitter, all while providing Gold Glove defense behind the plate.
Projected Wins: 85.6
Playoff Probability: 41.3%
Championship Odds: 1.1%
First-half storyline: The Padres entered the season with perceived lineup weaknesses, which have materialized. Despite these gaps, they remain in contention. Star power from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado has been crucial. A deep and effective bullpen has also been a major asset. Addressing remaining roster holes before the trade deadline will be key.
First-half MVP: Fernando Tatis Jr. (131 AXE, 1st on Padres, 15th in MLB). While Tatis Jr.’s production since returning from suspension is slightly below his peak pre-suspension level, he remains an exceptionally good player. He still possesses the potential for moments of true greatness. His performance continues to drive the Padres’ offense.
Projected Wins: 85.5
Playoff Probability: 43.2%
Championship Odds: 1.0%
First-half storyline: The Cardinals have rapidly transitioned, performing better than some expected given front office changes. They took a cautious approach to player acquisition. This opened opportunities for in-house talent to emerge, paying off significantly. Key young players are contributing alongside veterans.
First-half MVP: Sonny Gray (118 AXE, 1st on Cardinals, 76th in MLB). Like the Brewers, St. Louis’ success relies on depth. Gray, a veteran starter, has been the standout performer. He might have been traded without his no-trade clause. He has led a group of solid contributors, many of whom represent the team’s future, like Matthew Liberatore and Masyn Winn.
Projected Wins: 84.4
Playoff Probability: 35.5%
Championship Odds: 1.2%
First-half storyline: The Giants started strong under first-time executive Buster Posey. They made a significant trade for Rafael Devers to boost their power. However, the team has slumped since the acquisition. Their performance post-trade leaves their overall direction uncertain. A power surge from Devers could quickly change their outlook.
First-half MVP: Logan Webb (126 AXE, 1st on Giants, 26th in MLB). Webb is a durable, top-tier starter. This season, he has enhanced his run prevention skills. He leads the NL in innings pitched and has a career-best FIP. While contending for the Cy Young, he faces stiff competition from other top performers in the league.
Projected Wins: 82.5
Playoff Probability: 19.4%
Championship Odds: 0.4%
First-half storyline: The Reds boast an impressive game score winning percentage, among the best in the NL. This is happening despite pitching injuries and slow starts from highly touted prospects. Andrew Abbott has been dominant. A solid group of other starters provides consistent production. This young rotation has the potential for an exciting finish to the season.
First-half MVP: Elly De La Cruz (127 AXE, 1st on Reds, 25th in MLB). De La Cruz is on pace for significant home run and stolen base totals. He is also scoring and driving in runs at a high rate. His OPS+ has improved, partly due to better strikeout rates. His dynamic play makes him a marvel to watch, even as he continues to develop.
Teams Fighting to Stay Relevant
Projected Wins: 82.4
Playoff Probability: 20.9%
Championship Odds: 0.5%
First-half storyline: The D-backs expected to challenge for the NL West title, especially after adding Corbin Burnes. Instead, their season has been disappointing. Burnes’ season ended early, and other key starters have high ERAs. Injuries also weakened the bullpen. The team has too often had to outscore opponents, which has proven difficult.
First-half MVP: Eugenio Suarez (124 AXE, 3rd on Diamondbacks, 37th in MLB). Suarez is slightly behind Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte by AXE but his powerful bat has been crucial. He has exceeded his projection. His performance helped compensate for shortfalls elsewhere, providing significant value relative to recent seasons.
Projected Wins: 81.1
Playoff Probability: 27.3%
Championship Odds: 0.5%
First-half storyline: The defending champions have transformed into a pitch-first team. Their offense, featuring many familiar faces from their championship run, has struggled mightily. Key prospects in important positions have not consistently produced. Their home scoring average is among the worst in MLB, a sharp decline from 2023.
First-half MVP: Jacob deGrom (128 AXE, 1st on Rangers, 20th in MLB). The major bright spot for the Rangers is deGrom’s return and performance. He looks like his dominant self, seemingly improving with each start. The starting rotation, including Nathan Eovaldi and Tyler Mahle, has been a strength for Texas.
Projected Wins: 80.0
Playoff Probability: 11.2%
Championship Odds: 0.4%
First-half storyline: After high expectations following their 2023 performance, the Braves’ season has been a disappointment. Forecasts anticipated a strong bounce-back. However, injuries to key pitchers like Chris Sale have hampered the team. They have even fallen behind other teams in the NL East standings. It has been a dispiriting first half for Atlanta.
First-half MVP: Matt Olson (125 AXE, 1st on Braves, 34th in MLB). Olson’s production isn’t quite at his 2023 MVP-caliber level, but he has been a consistent presence. He has played every game since joining the team. His durability and steady performance stand out on a team plagued by injuries to other key players.
Projected Wins: 79.8
Playoff Probability: 17.8%
Championship Odds: 0.3%
First-half storyline: The narrative surrounding the Red Sox often centers on departed players from their 2018 championship team who are still stars elsewhere. This creates a somber atmosphere around Fenway Park. The trade of Rafael Devers further solidified this perception. A new core has yet to emerge to achieve similar high-level success.
First-half MVP: Garrett Crochet (134 AXE, 1st on Red Sox, 11th in MLB). Crochet pitched well last season for the White Sox in his first starting role. Trading for him was a notable move for the Red Sox front office. While other aspects of Boston’s season are debatable, acquiring Crochet has proven to be a successful decision so far.
Projected Wins: 79.7
Playoff Probability: 18.0%
Championship Odds: 0.3%
First-half storyline: The Twins are another team whose record doesn’t align with their run differential. Their park-neutral runs and runs allowed are near forecasts, but their actual record is worse. A key factor is their poor performance in one-run games. While some might expect this to balance out, it may already be too late for them in the division race, leaving them in a crowded wild card picture.
First-half MVP: Byron Buxton (130 AXE, 1st on Twins, 16th in MLB). Buxton is on pace for his highest game total since 2017. A healthy Buxton is an elite player. He has already surpassed last season’s home run and stolen base totals despite fewer games played. His performance highlights the value he brings when able to stay on the field consistently.
Teams Facing Uphill Battles
Projected Wins: 77.3
Playoff Probability: 8.5%
Championship Odds: 0.1%
First-half storyline: The Guardians offense desperately misses Josh Naylor. Their position player group includes numerous below-replacement level performances. While promoting prospect Kyle Manzardo is understandable, losing a foundational hitter like Naylor significantly hurt a team that was close to the World Series in 2024. Doubts persist about whether Cleveland is prioritizing winning now.
First-half MVP: Jose Ramirez (128 AXE, 1st on Guardians, 24th in MLB). Ramirez continues to deliver consistent elite performance year after year. He is hitting for slightly less power than usual but remains capable of turning that around. This season further solidifies his future Hall of Fame case, as he consistently provides MVP-level value for his team.
Projected Wins: 76.3
Playoff Probability: 6.2%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: The Angels have been a bittersweet surprise, showing resilience despite significant setbacks. They have stayed near .500 against expectations. This is despite another injury to Mike Trout, leadership changes due to Ron Washington’s health issue, and widespread bullpen struggles. Positive developments on the roster are present, but they aren’t yet true contenders.
First-half MVP: Yusei Kikuchi (117 AXE, 1st on Angels, 80th in MLB). The Angels’ rotation has been a relative strength, contributing to their competitive stance. Kikuchi, a 34-year-old lefty, has been a major factor. He has maintained performance gains from last season, providing a consistent presence in a rotation that has often lacked stability in recent years.
Projected Wins: 76.2
Playoff Probability: 5.9%
Championship Odds: 0.1%
First-half storyline: The Royals excel in many areas like defense, baserunning, and pitching. However, their season has been severely hampered by wretched hitting. Their road offense is bad, but their home offense is historically poor. Scoring less than three runs per game at home makes winning incredibly difficult, overshadowing their strengths in other facets of the game.
First-half MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. (134 AXE, 1st on Royals, 12th in MLB). Witt Jr. remains a terrific player, even if his performance isn’t quite at his 2024 peak. He is on pace for elite numbers in doubles and stolen bases. He is also projected for over 7 WAR. His “down” season is still an MVP-level performance for most players and isn’t the reason for the team’s offensive struggles.
Rebuilding and Developing
Projected Wins: 71.8
Playoff Probability: 0.3%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: Rumors about trading Paul Skenes, though not from the team, highlight concerns about the Pirates’ commitment to building a contender around their superstar pitcher. Trading a talent like Skenes in his second season would raise questions about the team’s long-term vision. Skenes has been excellent, but the team itself has not performed well around him.
First-half MVP: Paul Skenes (137 AXE, 1st on Pirates, 9th in MLB). Skenes is performing at a historic level early in his career. Through 41 starts, his ERA remains below two. His ERA+ is exceptionally high, the best ever for pitchers with at least 41 career starts. While some regression is possible, his dominance has been undeniable.
Projected Wins: 71.1
Playoff Probability: 0.7%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: The Orioles’ season has simply “thudded” compared to high preseason expectations. Forecasts projected them for significantly more wins and a high chance of returning to the postseason. The reality of their first half has been far removed from those optimistic outlooks, representing a surprising and disappointing turn of events.
First-half MVP: Gunnar Henderson (119 AXE, 1st on Orioles, 70th in MLB). That Henderson leads the team in AXE is expected, but his lower rating compared to his 2024 MVP-like season reflects the team’s step back. He has shown improvement after a slow start. While there’s no long-term concern for Henderson, his performance mirrors the team’s mystifying struggles.
Projected Wins: 69.7
Playoff Probability: 0.1%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: The Marlins were not expected to contend, with focus potentially shifting to trading assets like Sandy Alcantara. However, they have become one of baseball’s hottest teams, showing resilience under their first-year manager. Despite a bad start, they have played .500 baseball over a significant recent stretch, demonstrating they haven’t quit on the season.
First-half MVP: Kyle Stowers (114 AXE, 2nd on Marlins, 108th in MLB). Stowers earns recognition despite being slightly behind Otto Lopez in AXE. He has made significant strides at the plate. His current season slash line is dramatically improved over his career marks entering 2025. He has become a key contributor to a team playing surprisingly well lately.
Projected Wins: 68.3
Playoff Probability: 0.0%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: Questions linger about the Nationals’ timeline for contention. They possess promising young talent like James Wood, CJ Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore, plus top prospects. However, their winning percentage is worse than in the previous two seasons. They haven’t been near .500 since 2019, emphasizing the need for the young core to make a significant leap forward soon.
First-half MVP: James Wood (135 AXE, 1st on Nationals, 10th in MLB). Wood has lived up to the hype immediately. He has been a real deal impact player since reaching the majors. His combination of explosive power, effortless hitting ability, and advanced plate discipline is rare for his age. His performance offers a major positive sign for the Nationals’ future.
Projected Wins: 65.9
Playoff Probability: 0.0%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: The Athletics briefly teased being a wild-card sleeper before a horrific 3-24 slump derailed their season. During this period, their pitching staff posted an extremely high ERA. While they’ve improved slightly since, their overall team ERA remains poor. Both their home park and road performance reflect a pitching staff that has struggled significantly.
First-half MVP: Jacob Wilson (123 AXE, 1st on Athletics, 44th in MLB). Wilson had an exhilarating start, hitting well above .300. While he has cooled off slightly, he remains exciting to watch and was an All-Star starter. Interestingly, his defensive metrics have been below average, making him almost the opposite type of player compared to his father, Jack Wilson.
Projected Wins: 56.2
Playoff Probability: 0.0%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: The White Sox have undergone significant roster turnover under their new GM. After an initial tear-down phase, the team structure is showing more coherence. Some prospects are performing well in the majors, and the starting rotation has improved with promising arms on the horizon. While they still lose frequently, the long-term outlook feels less bleak than a year ago.
First-half MVP: Adrian Houser (112 AXE, 1st on White Sox, 132nd in MLB). Houser is the only First Half MVP who didn’t start the season with his team. He has performed exceptionally well since being released by Texas and joining the White Sox. His strong performance could make him a trade candidate, fitting the team’s strategy of acquiring and developing talent.
Projected Wins: 41.8
Playoff Probability: 0.0%
Championship Odds: 0.0%
First-half storyline: The Rockies are unfortunately experiencing historic ineptitude this season. They are on pace for an extremely low win total and a very poor run differential. There isn’t a clear rebuilding strategy in place. The team’s struggles are profound, making for a difficult season despite surprisingly consistent attendance.
First-half MVP: Hunter Goodman (116 AXE, 1st on Rockies, 94th in MLB). Goodman has been a bright spot for the struggling Rockies. At age 25, his performance suggests legitimate improvement. Notably, his numbers are better away from Coors Field, indicating his success isn’t solely a product of his home ballpark. He has provided solid production in the first half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on the information provided in this midseason report, here are answers to some common questions about the first half of the 2025 MLB season:
What is the AXE rating and how does it determine the First Half MVPs?
The AXE rating is a proprietary index used in this report to determine each team’s First Half MVP. It combines leading value metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement) from sources such as FanGraphs and Baseball Reference with contextual metrics like Win Probability Added. An AXE score of 100 signifies an average MLB player’s value. The player with the highest AXE rating on each team, or occasionally a close tie, was selected as that team’s most valuable player for the first half, representing a data-driven assessment of overall impact.
How are the MLB playoff probabilities for 2025 calculated in this report?
The playoff probabilities are derived from a projection model based on blended 2025 forecasts from multiple sources, including FanGraphs, Baseball Prospectus, and ESPN Bet over/unders. This composite forecast creates a baseline win expectation for each team. To account for variability and strength of schedule, 10,000 simulations of the remaining 2025 schedule are run based on this baseline. The percentage of simulations where a team makes the playoffs determines its stated playoff probability.
Why were some unexpected players named First Half MVP for their teams?
The AXE rating, which heavily influenced the First Half MVP selections, focuses on overall value and impact relative to an average player (AXE 100). While expected stars like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani often lead their teams, players who significantly outperform their prior production or expectations, or provide exceptional value in specific areas like defense (Ernie Clement) or unexpectedly strong hitting (Jonathan Aranda), can rank highly. This leads to selections based on data-driven first-half performance rather than just reputation, highlighting players who have been most critical to their team’s results so far this season.
Conclusion
The first half of the 2025 MLB season has delivered its share of dominant performances, surprising breakouts, and unforeseen challenges. From the Dodgers’ offensive juggernaut overcoming pitching setbacks to the Tigers’ historic run and individual brilliance from players like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, the league remains captivating. Data-driven metrics like the AXE rating provide a unique perspective on player value, spotlighting both perennial stars and unexpected contributors. As teams look toward the trade deadline and the second half grind, the race for October is set to intensify, promising an exciting conclusion to the season.