MLB Power Rankings: Second-Half All-Stars and the Road to October
The All-Star break has come and gone, but the baseball season is far from over. As we head into the second half, teams are looking to make the most of their remaining games to secure a playoff spot. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at which players are poised to make a significant impact in the second half of the season.
Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers
Tucker has been a bright spot for the Dodgers, who are looking to make a three-peat. Despite the team's success, Tucker has been performing like a league-average hitter, which is a disappointment given the team's high expectations. However, with the season still in play, Tucker has the opportunity to turn things around and help the Dodgers reach their lofty goals.
Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
Yelich, who was once a face-of-MLB stardom, has struggled with multiple back injuries, which have impacted his power and availability. Despite this, he entered the break with a 96 wRC+, which is a positive sign. The Brewers, who are close to a World Series appearance, could benefit from Yelich's resurgence in the second half.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees
Chisholm has not had the platform year he hoped for, but the second half and a shot at October can change that narrative. With Aaron Judge sidelined, the Yankees need Chisholm to step up and provide a much-needed boost to the team.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Acuña's presence on the field is crucial for the Braves. When he plays, the team is 37-16, and when he doesn't, they're 20-25. With the team in a tight race for the National League East, Acuña's return can help the Braves regain their usual level of performance.
A Trade Deadline Acquisition, Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays' offense is struggling, and they need a productive hitter to join the lineup. With top-line production coming from a few players, the team is banking on a trade deadline acquisition to help them maintain their high pace.
Alex Bregman, Chicago Cubs
Bregman, who signed a lucrative contract with the Cubs, has been a non-factor for a team with major October aspirations. However, with some historic contributions from Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs are in wild-card territory. Bregman's performance in the second half could be the difference between hosting a series at Wrigley Field and playing on the road.
Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies
Turner, who is on pace for less than one win above replacement, is one of the sport's biggest underperformers. If he can return to his usual self, the Phillies can mount a serious challenge to the Dodgers in the National League.
Jakob Marsee, Miami Marlins
Marsee, who had an outstanding debut last season, has struggled this year with an average below .200 and fewer extra-base hits. The Marlins need Marsee to regain his form to help the team in the second half.
Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox, who are on a 14-game win streak, need Anthony to continue his strong performance. With the team's recent success, Anthony's return could further enhance their chances of a playoff run.
Anthony Kay, Chicago White Sox
Kay, who signed a two-year contract with the White Sox, has had a mixed bag of results. His performance in the second half will be crucial for the team's playoff hopes.
Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, has struggled with a 4.94 ERA in his last 11 starts. However, he has the opportunity to turn things around and help the Pirates regain their form.
Brendan Donovan, Seattle Mariners
Donovan, who was once a Gold Glover, has been sidelined with a hamstring strain. The Mariners need his return to help them regain their form in the American League West.
Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis Cardinals
Liberatore, who is a former top pitching prospect, needs to navigate the workload of a starter. The Cardinals, who are in a rebuild, could benefit from his performance in the second half.
Kyle Manzardo, Cleveland Guardians
Manzardo, who has a lower wRC+ than most first basemen, needs to step up his performance to help the Guardians' struggling offense.
Wyatt Langford, Texas Rangers
Langford, who hinted at his offensive potential in 2024 and 2025, needs to put it all together with Corey Seager sidelined. The Rangers, who chose him with the No. 4 pick in 2023, envision him as a hitter who can carry a lineup.
Keibert Ruiz, Washington Nationals
Ruiz, who signed a long-term contract extension, is in the midst of a strong season and looks like an integral part of the Nationals' future.
Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks
Burnes, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, has the potential to return in September and help the Diamondbacks' struggling pitching staff.
Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Verlander, who is 43 years old, has made only one start for the Tigers. His performance in the second half will be crucial for the team's firsts and lasts.
Manny Machado, San Diego Padres
Machado, who is trending upward, could provide a much-needed boost to the Padres' struggling offense as they cling to relevance in the wild-card race.
The Bullpen, Minnesota Twins
The Twins' bullpen, which includes Eric Orze and Taylor Rogers, has been underperforming. Improving the bullpen could significantly impact the team's playoff chances.
Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
Brown, who finished third in the American League Cy Young voting last season, has been effective but not dominant since returning from a shoulder strain. The Astros need him to step up in the second half.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Guerrero, who did not hit a single home run in his home ballpark, has the potential to turn things around and help the Blue Jays make a deadline decision.
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
Henderson, who has been healthy but not his usual self, needs to regain his form to help the Orioles in the second half.
Eugenio Suárez, Cincinnati Reds
Suárez, who signed a one-year deal with the Reds, needs to improve his performance to help the team regain their form.
Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
Lindor, who has been interrupted by injuries and defensive lapses, needs to step up in the second half to help the Mets regain their form.
Jung Hoo Lee, San Francisco Giants
Lee, who is only 27, could be a valuable addition to a contender's lineup if the Giants can find a taker for his $63 million contract.
Lawrence Butler, Athletics
Butler, who has a .591 OPS, needs to improve his performance to help the Athletics regain their form.
Walbert Ureña, Los Angeles Angels
Ureña, a hard-throwing rookie, has been a pleasant surprise with a 2.88 ERA. The Angels need him to continue his strong performance in the second half.
Jimmy Herget, Colorado Rockies
Herget, who does not throw hard but does miss bats, could be a valuable addition to the Rockies' bullpen if they can find a taker at the deadline.
Maikel Garcia, Kansas City Royals
Garcia, who had a strong case for the AL Silver Slugger award last season, needs to regain his form to help the Royals regain their form.
