The All-Star Game has wrapped up, and now the real second half of the MLB season kicks off Thursday night. The Mets are set to face off against the Phillies in a game on ESPN. This matchup probably seemed more significant when it was first scheduled. Here are some important storylines to follow as the teams head into October.
Judgment Day in the Bronx
One of the biggest developments in the second half will likely revolve around Aaron Judge’s situation.
Judge has been sidelined since June due to a fractured right rib. During the All-Star break, he was slated for imaging tests, and the Yankees are hopeful he can start training soon.
There hasn’t been a specific return date mentioned, with general manager Brian Cashman stating, “Given his healing time, he should be able to return this season.”
This uncertainty could spell trouble for the Yankees.
They entered the break in the top spot for the AL wild-card but had previously discussed how crucial it was not just to make the postseason, but to win the AL East as well.
Last season, they fell one game short, losing to the Blue Jays in the ALDS.
If they want to catch the Rays, who have a three-game lead, getting Judge back in the lineup would be essential.
With him, they are a strong team, but without him, they’ve struggled.
Just three years ago, the Yankees missed the playoffs after Judge injured his toe. This season, despite dominating Washington before the break, the team was lacking without him.
They are not only eager for Judge’s return but are also looking to improve their catcher situation and bullpen ahead of the trade deadline on August 3.
Additionally, all eyes are on George Lombard Jr., who is expected to start making a comeback from a hand injury. The Yankees desperately need help at shortstop as Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe have not performed as anticipated.
Trade Deadline
The August 3 trade deadline is approaching, with Tarik Skubal as a key player to watch—unless the Tigers decide to keep him as they aim for the postseason.
Skubal has recovered from elbow surgery and could become a primary trade target if Detroit opts to go that route.
He’ll become a free agent after the season. The Yankees and Dodgers are both likely interested in acquiring him, but he won’t be the only player of interest. Teams like the Cubs, Braves, and Rays are also in the mix.
Securing Skubal could significantly affect a team’s chances in the postseason.
Sonny Gray might also be on the move, especially if the Red Sox don’t choose to keep him. The Padres, not in a stable position, have closer Mason Miller available, while Luis Arraez, an elite contact hitter, is trying to turn things around for a struggling Giants team.
Could the Dodgers Do It Again?
The Dodgers winning the National League West feels almost like a given at this point.
Los Angeles is on track to grab its fifth consecutive division title, having finished at the top every year since 2013, apart from 2021.
That success has come despite a lackluster season from big-money free agent Kyle Tucker and limited appearances from Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell due to injuries. Both pitchers are expected to be back next month, making their rotation even stronger.
Edwin Diaz is also set to return soon.
Moreover, there’s the ongoing situation with Shohei Ohtani, who has been dealing with some left knee inflammation and missed the All-Star Game. He recently had fluid drained from his knee, but manager Dave Roberts mentioned he should be ready to serve as the DH against the Yankees on Friday.
Who Are These People?
Teams like the Dodgers and Rangers were anticipated to lead their divisions, so it might surprise some to see where they stand as the break wraps up.
Are the White Sox genuinely at the top of the AL Central?
And can the Rays really manage to outpace the Yankees and other high-profile teams in the AL East again?
Both the Twins and Guardians seem to be planning for the future while still keeping their postseason hopes alive.
Another lingering question is the overall quality of these American League teams.
Competition is fierce, and it appears that many top teams are in the National League.
Still, there are some unexpected developments, like the Marlins entering the second half in a wild-card spot, while the Cardinals and Pirates stay close behind.
In contrast, teams like the Giants, Diamondbacks, Padres, and notably the Mets have faced significant disappointments.
Can the emerging teams in both leagues sustain their momentum as the playoffs approach?
A lot hinges on how organizations handle the upcoming trade deadline.
As Minnesota’s Joe Ryan stated, he wishes to remain with the Twins, hoping to give the front office no reason to trade him, unlike last year.
Many of his peers share similar sentiments, and their performances over the next few weeks could influence their organizations’ decisions.
How Bad Would It Get in Queens?
The Mets have become a point of humor in sports this season. Even skeptical fans couldn’t have predicted the extent of their struggles after an offseason overhaul. Carlos Mendoza lost his job in the dugout, despite being one of the least responsible for the team’s failures.
Now, it’s up to President of Baseball Operations David Stearns to rectify the situation.
Juan Soto expressed optimism for a “turnaround” at Citi Field, but that seems unlikely.
More probable is the trade of some bullpen players like AJ Minter and perhaps Luke Weaver. It often gets worse before it gets better, and many are eager to see how Stearns will navigate the upcoming challenges, especially as key offseason acquisitions, including Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., and Devin Williams, struggle with their health and performance.
Manager Carousel
Alex Cora and Rob Thomson have both had successful careers and earned respect across the league, yet they were let go after poor starts with the Red Sox and Phillies, respectively. Their dismissals made quite an impression in their cities, but unlike the Mets, who had already shifted by the time Andy Green took over for Mendoza, Boston and Philadelphia both responded positively to their changes.
In Boston, first-year manager Chad Tracy has led the team back into contention, winning nine straight games after the break, while Don Mattingly, in his third managerial stint, has firmly positioned the Phillies in the wild-card race, largely aided by Zack Wheeler’s return.
Awards Season
Jacob Misiorowski from Milwaukee is having an impressive season on the mound, not just in performance but also in record speed. If he keeps this up, he could be a contender for the National League Cy Young Award, although he missed the All-Star Game due to arm fatigue. If that continues, it might open the door for Philadelphia’s Christopher Sanchez.
In the American League, Judge is hard to stop—unless injuries intervene. Since he’s faced setbacks again, Houston’s Yordan Alvarez has emerged as the frontrunner, followed closely by Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero.
