The most interesting player on every MLB team for the second half of the season

Shortstop Anthony Volpe was the speak of the Yankees’ spring coaching camp, and after hitting .309 with 10 extra-base hits in 19 video games in March, the Bombers seemingly had no alternative however to take their 21-year-old prime prospect north. Sadly, the transition to the Main Leagues has not come as simply for him because the membership had hoped. Within the first half, Volpe slashed simply .216/.287/.395, and caught out in near 1/3 of his at-bats. New York at the moment sits 4th within the American League East and on the skin wanting in of the AL Wild Card race. If they will make a robust second-half push, having Volpe settle in on the sport’s highest stage and begin contributing like he did within the minor leagues can be an enormous increase. 

The Crimson Sox completed the primary half in final place within the AL East, however that is to not say the season is misplaced by any stretch of the creativeness. At 48-43 Boston is barely two video games again of the ultimate Wild Card spot, they usually’ll be seeking to shut that hole between now and the commerce deadline. With a heated pennant race on the horizon, lots of stress will probably be bestowed upon younger righty Brayan Bello, who has emerged as Boston’s finest beginning pitcher. In 14 begins so far he is labored to a robust 3.04 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP, whereas holding opponents to a .239 batting common and hanging out 70 hitters in 80 innings. After initially being eased in somewhat bit, Bello has fired six or extra innings in eight of his final ten begins, and if the Crimson Sox make a big late-season push, he’ll be a giant cause why. 

Baltimore has been top-of-the-line tales in baseball throughout the first few months, going 54-35 within the first half, whereas sitting solely two video games behind the Rays within the AL East and holding the primary Wild Card place within the American League. And the O’s really feel they are often even higher down the stretch. A part of the rationale for his or her optimism is the current call-up of prime outfield prospect Colton Cowser, the membership’s first-round choose from the 2021 draft. In Triple-A this season Cowser slashed .330/.459/.537 with 10 homers and 10 doubles in 56 video games, and Baltimore feels he’ll simply add to its already spectacular younger core. 

Regardless of a little bit of a gradual starting to the month of July, the Rays have nonetheless been the American League’s finest crew all season lengthy, and till anyone proves in any other case, they will be the favorites to characterize the junior circuit in late October. Tampa Bay has gotten appreciable manufacturing from seemingly in all places on its roster, however the one man that may actually take this crew to even larger heights is second baseman Brandon Lowe. A again damage knocked the 29-year-old out for just a few weeks earlier this summer time, and when he is been wholesome, he is struggled a bit, slashing simply .209/.307/.401 with solely 17 extra-base hits. However Lowe is barely two seasons faraway from blasting 39 homers and driving in 99 runs, and if he can recapture a few of that type, the Rays will probably be close to unimaginable to knock out within the playoffs. 

The Blue Jays seem primed to take part in a heated two-and-a-half-month pennant race, as they at the moment maintain the final playoff spot within the American League, however their grasp on the place is tenuous. To make sure they don’t seem to be overlooked in October, they will want their finest participant, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to take middle stage. After crushing 48 and 32 homers the previous two seasons, Guerrero’s energy has been noticeably down in 2023, as within the first half, he is cleared the fence simply 13 instances and contributed 19 doubles. Maybe his spectacular victory in final week’s Residence Run Derby in Seattle will assist him discover his energy stroke, and if he does, Toronto simply obtained much more harmful. 

The American League Central is baseball’s most up-for-grabs division, and with only a 45-45 report the Guardians will start the second half in first place. A number of of Cleveland’s most essential gamers have struggled to place collectively any consistency so far in 2023, however to me one man stands out as a possible difference-maker within the 2nd half. Final 12 months younger second baseman Andres Gimenez hit .297 with 17 house runs en path to his first all-star look. This season has been a a lot completely different story, as thus far he is slashed simply .248/.320/.389 and has collected solely 25 extra-base hits. He swung that bat higher simply earlier than the break although and is hitting .303 in July, and if he can contribute a giant second half it will go a great distance in the direction of serving to Cleveland win this division once more.  

The Twins led the AL Central for a lot of the first half, and at the moment sit only a half-game behind the Guardians. This might in a short time turn out to be a two-team dash to the end, and each recreation down the stretch will probably be significant. Minnesota boats a reasonably stable rotation headlined by Sonny Grey, Joe Ryan, and Pablo Lopez, however their 4th starter, righty Bailey Ober, does not get practically sufficient consideration. In 14 first-half begins Ober labored to a glowing 2.61 ERA throughout 82.2 innings, whereas posting a 0.97 WHIP, permitting only a .207 batting common, and punching out 79 hitters. The 28-year-old had pitched effectively in restricted motion in every of his first two large league seasons, however he is by no means achieved what he is doing now, and he is fairly presumably blossomed into the most effective American League starter you have not heard of. 

The A’s have drawn lots of consideration this season for his or her futility, however whereas it is gone considerably beneath the radar, the Kansas Metropolis Royals have virtually been simply as dangerous. Kansas Metropolis at the moment sits a putrid 26-65, that means the 2nd half ought to turn out to be totally about giving their younger gamers an opportunity. And to me, that begins with their 2020 first-round choose, infielder Nick Loftin. In 49 minor league video games this season, the Baylor product has slashed .292/.358/.505 with 10 homers, 43 RBI, and 11 doubles. He is snug enjoying second, third, and shortstop, and the Royals ought to prioritize getting a Main League take a look at him and letting him start to develop infield chemistry with Bobby Witt Jr. 

For years now, most baseball observers have recognized that if White Sox outfielder Luis Robert might ever simply keep wholesome the sky was the restrict. Fortunately for followers, in 2023 that has largely been the case. In the course of the first half Robert slashed a terrific .271/.330/.569 with 26 house runs, 51 RBI, and 23 doubles. He was simply chosen to his first all-star crew and has turn out to be one of many recreation’s brightest stars. As an entire Chicago has been largely disappointing–though in an underwhelming division they’re truly solely eight video games again regardless of a tough 38-54 record–and most specialists count on them to promote on the commerce deadline. If that is the case, Robert will clearly turn out to be the primary cause for followers to proceed watching this crew play, and it will likely be fascinating to see what sort of numbers he can put up earlier than the top of the 12 months. 

Much more so than the White Sox, the Tigers are conceivably nonetheless within the AL Central race at simply 5.5 video games again, however that claims extra in regards to the division than it does about them being able to take the subsequent step. If and after they do finally emerge as a legit contender, although, you’d must imagine first baseman Spencer Torkelson would be the largest cause why. Detroit turned infatuated with the ability Torkelson displayed at Arizona State and took him first general within the 2020 draft, however after dominating within the minor leagues he had a troublesome time as a rookie in ’22. This season has been higher, nonetheless, and within the first half he slashed .228/.309/.402 with 12 homers and 45 RBI. The perfect factor that may occur for the Tigers down the stretch is sustained enchancment from their large right-handed slugger, and that’s arguably a very powerful factor to watch with this membership within the 2nd half. 

Shohei Ohtani is palms down a very powerful participant in baseball typically, so how might he not be the Angels consultant right here? Sadly for Los Angeles, although, due to going 1-9 of their final 10 video games, the crew is now seven video games out within the AL West and 5 within the Wild Card. Ohtani would be the largest story within the sport the subsequent few weeks, as everyone watches the Angels place within the standings always. With the famous person set to be a free-agent on the finish of the season, if the Angels are out of the race the right baseball transfer can be to commerce him and dramatically restock the membership’s farm system. However might proprietor Arte Moreno truly abdomen pulling the set off on a deal for his generational expertise?

The Texas Rangers are simply baseball’s most improved crew in 2023, as new supervisor Bruce Bochy has guided a crew that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 to a 52-39 begin they usually’ve basically led the AL West your complete first half. One of many major causes is the constant manufacturing of proper fielder Adolis Garcia, who slashed .261/.331/.517 with 23 homers and a Main League-high 75 RBI earlier than the all-star break. Garcia is way from alone in a dynamic Texas line-up, but when this crew goes to carry off the Astros and win the West they will want him to proceed producing at a excessive stage. 

Mariners’ outfielder Julio Rodriguez was the unanimous American League Rookie of the Yr in 2022 when he hit .284 with 28 homers in 132 video games, however the 22-year-old has skilled a little bit of a sophomore hunch right here in ’23. Within the first half, he slashed .249/.310/.411 with 13 homers, 49 RBI, and 18 doubles, whereas his strikeout % has gone approach up. However it’s definitely not too late for him to rewrite among the narrative. Coming into the second half, the M’s are six video games out within the AL West and 4 again within the AL Wild Card race. If they will go on a late-season run and make the playoffs for the second consecutive 12 months, their most proficient participant should be entrance and middle. 

The Astros are was once the hunted fairly than the hunter, however on the all-star break they discovered themselves in unfamiliar territory–2nd place within the AL West. Houston has nonetheless been glorious, and its 50-41 report has it in Wild Card place for the time being. However the defending champs have a lot larger aspirations than that and absolutely intend to chase down the Rangers for his or her division crown. The approaching return of left-handed slugger Yordan Alvarez will go a great distance towards carrying out that objective. Earlier than injuring his indirect in early June, Alvarez was slashing .277/.388/.589 with 17 house runs and 55 RBI. He was slated to start a rehab task when play resumes, and the Astros hope to have him again earlier than the top of the month. 

Previous to this season getting underway the Athletics despatched helpful left-handed reliever A.J. Puk to Miami in trade for outfielder J.J. Bleday—whom the Marlins had chosen 4th general in 2019. Oakland knew there was a robust probability they might’ve shopped Puk on the commerce deadline anyway, and jumped on the chance to accumulate a left-handed hitter they envisioned being an essential a part of their offensive assault for years to come back. Sadly, so far, Bleday has but to essentially breakthrough. In 155 at-bats earlier than the all-star break he is slashed simply .213/.313/.368 with 5 house runs. At simply 25 years previous the guide on Bleday is decidedly not closed, however Oakland would love to see improved manufacturing from the Vanderbilt product down the stretch. 

The Mets are one of many oldest groups in baseball and a big a part of the rationale they’ve underachieved so badly so far is the dramatic underachievement of a number of of their older stars. However there may be cause for optimism. Early in 2023 New York promoted its prime two prospects, catcher Francisco Alvarez and third baseman Brett Baty, two guys the crew envisions as essential parts of its future. Alvarez has drawn nationwide recognition for his light-tower energy and knack for creating dramatic clutch house runs. Baty however has been good however not nice, and the Mets would like to see him take the subsequent step within the second half. In simply over 200 large league at-bats this season, the Spherical Rock, TX native is slashing .244/.315/.354 with 5 house runs, 20 RBI, and eight doubles. He was a .293 lifetime minor league hitter earlier than his promotion and constantly displayed plus energy, and New York will proceed operating him out on the sizzling nook in hopes that interprets to the large leagues sooner fairly than later. 

The Phillies free-agent addition of shortstop Trea Turner over the winter was seen by many as essentially the most impactful transfer of your complete offseason. Including a legit two-way famous person to a crew that had simply received the Nationwide League pennant was doubtlessly a landscape-shifting transfer, however so far that has not come to fruition. Turner struggled to get his footing within the season’s first half, slashing simply .247/.299/.389 with 30 extra-base hits. He seemed to be on the uptick in June however so far in July he is hit simply .229 and consistency has continued to evade him. We’re speaking a few man that has been an all-star and a World Sequence champion, nonetheless, and if he will get sizzling, it might function the springboard Philly must make one other late-season run. 

It needs to be no shock that the present favourite for the Nationwide League MVP award performs for baseball’s finest crew, the Atlanta Braves. It took Ronald Acuna Jr. some time to get well from the torn ACL he suffered in 2021, and he appeared uncomfortable for a lot of ’22. Not anymore. Within the first half Acuna slashed an otherworldly .331/.408/.582 with 21 homers, 55 RBI, 25 doubles, and an already new career-high 41 stolen bases. Acuna Jr. has a legit probability to turn out to be simply the fifth participant in MLB historical past to go 40/40 and his quest to take action will probably be a significant speaking level down the stretch. 

Main League Baseball hasn’t had a .400 hitter in 75 years, and whereas it will take a monster second half, Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez might come as shut as anybody has shortly. In the course of the season’s first three and a half months Miami’s large offseason commerce addition has slashed .383/.434/.471 with 22 extra-base hits and 42 RBI. He is obtained a good chance to hitch D.J. LeMahieu as the one gamers to win batting titles in each leagues, and he is the first cause the Marlins are one of many league’s largest surprises in 2023. 

The most important prospect the Marlins introduced again from San Diego within the blockbuster Juan Soto commerce final summer time was lefty MacKenzie Gore, who has constantly drawn Clayton Kershaw comparisons since he was drafted third general in 2017. This season the Nationals have given the Wilmington, NC native an opportunity to pitch commonly in a giant league rotation for the primary time, and whereas he is been a bit up and down, he is definitely proven a few of his immense potential. In 18 first-half begins Gore has pitched to a 4.42 ERA and struck out 108 hitters in 89.2 innings. He might do some little bit of a greater job holding the ball within the ballpark and limiting his walks, however Gore is simply 24 years previous, and the Nationals are excited to see continued progress from him within the 2nd half. 

Heading into the 2023 season, right-handed swinging Jordan Walker was thought-about one of many best prospects in all of baseball, and whereas his first half has been somewhat turbulent, it hasn’t stopped his expertise from shining via. The Cardinals took Walker north on the finish of spring coaching earlier than sending him again to Triple-A in late April, however he is been again since early June and has steadily been rising as a stable contributor for St. Louis. In 184 large league at-bats, the 21-year-old has slashed .283/.347/.457 with eight homers, eight doubles, and 25 RBI. The Cardinals unquestionably are among the many largest disappointments in baseball this season and at the moment have the third worst report within the Nationwide League. Probably the most thrilling improvement down the stretch for them can be continued enchancment from Walker, and they need to prioritize getting him extra alternatives. 

For the reason that day he was referred to as up on June sixth, there has merely not been a extra thrilling participant in baseball than Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz. In simply 30 video games the switch-hitter has taken baseball by storm, slashing .325/.363/.524 with 4 homers, 16 RBI, 9 doubles, two triples, and 16 stolen bases. He is turn out to be the face of the Reds resurgence, and is the first cause followers in Cincinnati are keen to attend somewhat longer to see Joe Burrow and the Bengals. Stunningly to specialists who predict this stuff throughout spring coaching, the Reds sit in first place within the NL Central, and it will likely be fascinating to see if De La Cruz and firm can maintain off Milwaukee coming down the stretch. 

Previous to the season, it will not have shocked anybody to study that on the all-star break the Brewers can be locked in a two-team race for the NL Central crown. It will, nonetheless, most likely have come as a shock to study the Reds can be the crew Milwaukee is wanting up at. The deficit is barely a single recreation and the groups nonetheless have six head-to-head video games remaining–all within the first two weeks after the break. For the Brewers to claim themselves and take management of this division, they will want their ace, Corbin Burnes, to pitch significantly better than he did within the first half. In his first 18 begins Burnes labored to a 3.94 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP–both effectively above his profession averages. His walks are up, his house runs are up, and for the primary time since changing into a full-time starter he is hanging out lower than a batter/inning. This can be a case of trusting the again of the baseball card, although, and because the most achieved beginning pitcher concerned on this race, you’d must imagine Burnes might finally play an enormous function in swinging this factor in Milwaukee’s favor. 

At 42-47,  seven video games again within the Central and 6 and a half out within the Wild Card race, the Cubs possibilities of competing for a playoff spot are on life help. However their predicament is definitely not the fault of righty Marcus Stroman, who’s delivering arguably the most effective season of his nine-year profession. The 32-year-old made 19 begins earlier than the break, incomes 9 victories and pitching to a stellar 2.96 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP. He is held opponents to only a .205 batting common, has struck out 98 hitters in 112.2 innings, and has surrendered solely six house runs all season. Stroman was simply chosen to his second all-star crew, and it if the Cubs do not go on a run popping out of the break it will likely be fascinating to see in the event that they dangle him in commerce discussions in hopes of restocking their system. 

Early within the season, the Pirates had been considered one of baseball’s finest tales, although over the previous few weeks they’ve come crashing again to earth in a rush. A part of the rationale the Bucs had been unable to maintain their early season success is that their finest participant, switch-hitting middle fielder Bryan Reynolds, is type of having a down 12 months by his personal lofty requirements. Within the first half the Vanderbilt product slashed .265/.334/.450 with solely 9 homers, 42 RBI, and 21 doubles. Reynolds is as naturally gifted a participant as there may be within the Nationwide League, and it is truthful to surprise if the big contract extension he signed in April was serving as a distraction early on. Regardless, coming down the stretch the Pirates would definitely like to see their star swing the bat like they know he is able to, and construct some momentum heading into 2024. 

The Dodgers have been such a juggernaut during the last decade that it is fairly shocking to see them not main the NL West by themselves on the all-star break. Los Angeles has received this division in 9 of the final ten years and has not missed the postseason since all the best way again in 2012. Heading into the second half they’re in a digital tie with the rising Diamondbacks, and this will probably be a enjoyable race to observe unfold. LA’s most constant participant thus far has simply been outfielder Mookie Betts, who might have a giant say in who in the end takes the division crown. In 86 video games earlier than the break, the 30-year-old slashed .276/.379/.586 with 26 house runs, 62 RBI, and 23 doubles, and if he can proceed producing at that stage he may very well be headed towards the most effective season of his already spectacular profession. 

Whereas the Dodgers and Diamondbacks have justifiably gotten lots of consideration within the NL West, do not overlook the Giants, who getting into the second half, are in place of the ultimate Wild Card spot within the Nationwide League. A part of the rationale for San Francisco’s success is the fast emergence of rookie backstop Patrick Bailey, the crew’s first-round choose in 2020. Bailey has not seemed overmatched in any respect since his Might promotion, slashing .293/.324/.493 with 17 extra-base hits and 26 RBI in solely 40 video games. The 24-year-old switch-hitter has clearly taken Joey Bart’s former title because the Giants catcher of the long run, and the crew is worked up to see what he can proceed to do within the 2nd half. 

It is definitely not a stretch to say that Fernando Tatis Jr. has had a tumultuous previous couple of years, however since coming back from his prolonged PED suspension early this season, it does must be acknowledged that he is confirmed he is nonetheless among the many finest gamers within the sport. In 70 video games, Tatis Jr. has slashed .288/.346/.524 with 16 homers, 44 RBI, 20 doubles, and 14 steals, and he’s definitely to not blame for San Diego’s struggles. The 24-year-old has clearly not but earned again the belief of baseball followers as an entire, however he is one of the crucial bodily proficient gamers within the recreation right now, and within the 2nd half the Padres simply wish to see him proceed to reestablish himself as one of many sport’s elite stars. 

Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen has developed into one of many best beginning pitchers in baseball, and it was cool to see him get some long-awaited nationwide recognition when he was tabbed to start out the all-star recreation this previous week. In 19 first-half begins Arizona’s ace was glorious, working to the tune of a 3.04 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP, whereas holding opponents to a .226 batting common and punching out 125 hitters in 118.1 innings. He is tied for the Main League lead with 11 victories and has performed an enormous half within the Diamondbacks early season success. Arizona seems poised to battle with the Dodgers for the NL West lead for your complete 2nd half, and if they will come on prime they will want Gallen to be entrance and middle. 

It was a troublesome first half for Colorado whose 34-57 report was the worst within the Nationwide League on the all-star break. The main target the remainder of the best way for the Rockies now shifts in the direction of buying and selling their veteran belongings for prospect capital, whereas additionally persevering with to develop their very own proficient younger gamers. And any dialog in regards to the latter begins with the crew’s spectacular rookie shortstop, Ezequiel Tovar. The 21-year-old earned the beginning job in spring coaching and has achieved nothing during the last three and a half months to make the Rockies remorse that call. In 84 video games he is slashed .260/.296/.428 with 31 extra-base hits and 44 RBI, whereas enjoying stellar protection at a premium place. Colorado has lots of points however Tovar is definitely not considered one of them, and the membership is worked up to see him proceed to develop within the 2nd half.