Hey Team 👋

The second half of the MLB season is officially underway, and it’s already bringing the drama. With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams are quickly dividing into buyers and sellers. Some are going all-in, while others are hitting reset. This week’s power rankings look drastically different from the pre-All-Star break list, as clubs start to heat up and zero in on exactly where they need to make a push before July 31.

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Power Rankings and the Trade Deadline Preview⚾

As July 31 draws closer, where does your team stand and what do they need to make a second-half push?

1. Milwaukee Brewers (⬆️8)

In the pre-ASG power rankings, I had the Brewers penciled in for a Wild Card spot. There was just no way they were catching the Cubs. Boy, was I wrong. Brandon Woodruff’s return has been nothing short of electric. On Monday, he allowed just two hits against the Mariners to lock down Milwaukee’s 11th straight win, tying the Cubs atop the NL Central in the process. The Brewers also notched their second straight sweep of the Dodgers last weekend – their third consecutive sweep overall. That 11-game win streak? Classic Brewers baseball: contributions from everywhere on the roster.

Biggest need: OF

2. Chicago Cubs (⬆️2)

The Cubs may not be sitting alone atop the NL Central anymore, but I don’t think they’re sweating it. They’ve been in the driver’s seat all season, and with the easiest second-half schedule in baseball, that shouldn’t be changing anytime soon. Fresh off back-to-back series wins over the Yankees and Red Sox, Chicago looks poised to go all-in at the trade deadline. If they keep doing what they’ve done all season, holding onto the division shouldn’t be a problem.

Biggest need: SP

3. Detroit Tigers (⬇️2)

The Tigers have cooled down since the All-Star break, but they still hold the best record in the American League. After getting swept by the Mariners and dropping a series to the Rangers, they now face a tough four-game series against the Blue Jays. Pulling out a series win won’t be easy, especially with Tarik Skubal on paternity leave. But with the weapons in Detroit’s arsenal and a commanding lead in a weak AL Central, there’s no reason to worry about their second half outlook.

Biggest need: RP

4. Toronto Blue Jays (⬆️2)

The Blue Jays were hot going into the All-Star break. As it turns out, it wasn’t just homestand momentum – they’re the real deal. They just pulled off another sweep against the Giants and continue to improve their record, vying for the best in the American League. The Blue Jays also hold the lead in a stacked AL East, where four of five teams are above .500. Their biggest threat? The Yankees. If the Jays want to hold onto the division lead, they’ll need to match New York’s urgency at the trade deadline and make a meaningful addition.

Biggest need: SP

5. Philadelphia Phillies (🟰)

The Phillies are riding Kyle Schwarber’s MVP momentum into the second half of the season. After stealing the show with his spectacular home run swingoff performance, he launched his eighth career grand slam against the Angels to lock down another win for the Phils. The bats are heating up, but the Mets are right on their heels in the NL East. If the Phillies want another chance at the postseason, they need to bolster their bullpen, which has been a concern all season. Signing David Robertson was a start, but they’ll need a clear difference-maker to stay clear of the Mets.

Biggest need: RP

6. Houston Astros (⬇️4)

Great, just what the Astros needed: Another injury. This time, Isaac Paredes was added to the 10-day IL, becoming the 16th Houston player on the list. Injuries aside, the second half has not been kind to Houston so far. In a homestand that had the potential to bolster an already dominant divisional lead, the ‘Stros got swept by the Guardians before losing a series to the Rangers. Then, they lost a series to Seattle on the road, allowing the Mariners to close the gap in the AL West. Unfortunately for Houston, time is running out and reinforcements from the IL aren’t coming quickly enough. If the Astros want to hold off the red-hot Mariners, they’ll need to add a reliable bat before the deadline.

Biggest need: OF

7. Los Angeles Dodgers (⬇️4)

Like the Astros, the last thing the Dodgers needed was another injury, especially to a key player like Freddie Freeman. After taking a pitch off his left wrist, LA fans held their breath. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative and he seems to be healing quickly. Unfortunately, that’s far from the only issue in LA. The Dodgers just got swept at home (again). Mookie Betts can’t escape his slump, and the pitching rotation is spiraling. Not much is going right for the Dodgers right now. On the bright side, their second-half schedule is manageable, and this team is too talented to self-destruct. If they can add some depth to their rotation and regain some offensive rhythm, they’ll be back on a clear path to the postseason.

Biggest need: RP

8. New York Yankees (🟰)

The Yankees have been great this season – at times. But their inconsistency doesn’t guarantee a ticket to the postseason. They’re still trailing the Blue Jays in a competitive AL East, but their start to the second half has looked much more promising than whatever was going on before the break. They put together an impressive homestand, sweeping the Mariners and avoiding the sweep by the Cubs. Then, they went on the road and picked up a series win in Atlanta. Still, injuries have left holes all over the roster. The good news? GM Brian Cashman confirmed the Yanks are going all in at the deadline. They’ll need to make some big moves to challenge Toronto for the division. But if any team has the pockets to do that, it’s the Yankees.

Biggest need: SP

9. New York Mets (⬇️2)

The Mets are finally getting the pieces they’ve been missing. Kodia Senga and Sean Manaea are back in the rotation, and Francisco Alvarez looks better than ever. On Monday, Alvarez drew two walks and ripped a clutch double to push the Mets ahead of the Angels and lock down a much-needed win. Credit to the Mets for holding down the fort without key contributors, but their second-half schedule is brutal. If they want to stay in the postseason hunt, they’ll need to add some serious star power at the trade deadline to contend with the Phillies for the NL East title.

Biggest need: RP

10. Seattle Mariners (⬆️2)

Cal Raleigh is carrying his Home Run Derby momentum into the second half of the season and proving the Mariners are an offensive force to be reckoned with. He’s just nine homers away from breaking Salvador Perez’s single-season record for a catcher (48) – and with plenty of time left, the real question is whether he can make it to 60. Seattle’s offense, powered by Big Dumper, has produced enough runs to give the Astros a run for their money in the AL West. On the other hand, Seattle’s pitching staff has been middle-of-the-pack, and the bullpen has been struggling. If the Mariners can add another ace or reliever before the deadline, the postseason picture gets a little clearer. Their No. 1 farm system gives them plenty of options at the deadline.

Biggest need: RP

11. Boston Red Sox (⬆️5)

Before the break, the Red Sox clawed their way up to .500 after a 10-game winning streak. Now, they’re consistently hovering above that number – no miracles required.  Back-to-back sweeps of the Rockies and Rays at home have fueled their surge, thanks largely to a pitching staff that flipped the script from liability to strength. Now, they have their sights set on a Wild Card spot. But their second-half schedule won’t do them any favors. If Boston wants to stay in the race, they’ll need to make some key additions before the deadline. 

Biggest need: SP

12. San Diego Padres (⬇️1)

The Padres are taking advantage of the Dodgers’ slide and gaining ground in the NL West. Since the break, they won back-to-back series against the Phillies and Nationals before dropping a series to the Marlins. There’s plenty of potential in this roster, but issues on both sides of the ball continue to hold them back. Offensive struggles have defined their season: They rank 24th in adjusted OPS and 27th in home runs. On the mound, Yu Darvish’s return has been lackluster, as he’s gone 0-2 in his starts. While it would hurt to lose Robert Suarez, who leads the league in saves, trading him could give the Padres a desperately needed offensive piece.

Biggest need: C

13. Cincinnati Reds (⬆️2)

A Wild Card spot is still in play for the Reds, but they’ll need to make some moves in the next week to stay in the hunt. Since the break, they took care of business in their series versus the Rockies and secured an unlikely series win over the Mets at Citi Field. While there aren’t many glaring issues on Cincinnati’s roster, there aren’t many stars either (with the exception of Austin Hays). The Reds have earned the status of the most average team in baseball so far this season. If they want that to change, they need to add a big bat before the deadline.

Biggest need: OF

14. San Francisco Giants (⬇️1)

Rafael Devers may have broken out of his slump for good on Wednesday. He launched two home runs in the Giants 9-3 win over the Braves while going 3-for-5 with four RBIs. What’s even more encouraging? Justin Verlander earned his first win with the Giants after a brutal 0-8 start. Although Devers’ breakout performance was promising, the Giants still need another bat if they’re going to contend for a Wild Card spot.

Biggest need: 2B

15. Tampa Bay Rays (⬇️5)

Before the break, the Rays were already sliding. Their pitching rotation had posted an abysmal 9.00 ERA, and the offense couldn’t make up for the deficit. Unfortunately, those struggles have bled into the second half of the season. They’ve stumbled down to fourth place in the AL East, and it’s going to be tough to catch the Red Sox, Yankees or Blue Jays. To make matters worse, Shane McClanahan has paused his rehab due to bicep soreness. But all hope isn’t lost quite yet. If McClanahan can get back on track to make a timely return and the Rays can add another ace to the rotation, they could make a second-half surge.

Biggest need: RP

16. Texas Rangers (⬆️1)

Earlier this month, the Rangers were the talk of the town – but the postseason wasn’t part of those conversations. Teams were looking to strip the Rangers for parts at the trade deadline, but thanks to an early second-half surge, Texas isn’t looking to sell. Their pitching has remained near perfect. Their offense has shown signs of life but not enough to make a postseason run. A blockbuster move before the deadline could be exactly what the Rangers need to turn this resurgence into a serious playoff push with one of the most dangerous rotations in baseball.

Biggest need: DH

17. St. Louis Cardinals (⬇️2)

The Cardinals came out swinging, but sadly, they couldn’t keep that momentum going. Now sitting third in the NL Central, well behind the Cubs and Brewers, their shot at a division title is all but gone. A Wild Card berth is technically still in play, but St. Louis hasn’t looked like a real contender for a highly-covered NL spot. After the break, they got swept by the Braves and Diamondbacks – two teams you can’t afford to get swept by. At this point, it looks like their best option is to sell before the deadline.

Biggest need: SP

18. Arizona Diamondbacks (🟰)

The Diamondbacks have been treading water since the break – winning some, losing some, and sticking to their usual middle-of-the-pack rhythm. They haven’t made any major statements, but they’ve also avoided major collapses. With several high-impact players drawing attention ahead of the trade deadline, Arizona faces a tough question: trade or stay the course? If your roster is good enough to attract contenders, why rebuild? Then again, the D-backs are hanging around the edges of a playoff spot. With the right moves, they could position themselves for a much stronger run next season.

Biggest need: SP

19. Los Angeles Angels (⬆️1)

Speaking of trade chips, the Angels have plenty. But they’re not in the same predicament as the D-Backs. Even with the talent on their roster, it’s hard to envision this team clawing its way up the AL West or even contending for an AL Wild Card spot. If they do choose to rebuild, it won’t be a quick turnaround like it would be in Arizona. It’ll take some time. With that being said, this season’s deadline presents the perfect window to kickstart the process and build a more sustainable team.

Biggest need: SP

20. Cleveland Guardians (⬆️3)

The Guardians are hot right now. Jose Ramirez opted out of the All-Star Game to focus on the second half of the season, and it looks like he made the right decision. Ramirez has finally found his rhythm and is fueling Cleveland’s offensive resurgence. The Guards have averaged 6.3 runs per game since the break – a marked improvement from their first-half struggles at the plate. Unfortunately, it seems Cleveland’s postseason push is coming too late in the season. The Tigers have all but run away with the AL Central, and it would take a miracle to lock down a Wild Card berth. 

Biggest need: 2B

21. Kansas City Royals (🟰)

The Royals have found themselves in a similar position to the Guardians, minus the recent resurgence. They’ve exhausted all their options at the mound and were forced to turn to 45-year old Rich Hill against the Cubs. That outing went exactly as you might expect – a 6-0 shutout loss. Realistically, a postseason run isn’t in the cards for the Royals, but it doesn’t have to be far off. If they embrace a light selling mentality at the deadline and bolster the bats in their farm system, they could make a quicker turnaround than expected.

Biggest need: SP

22. Minnesota Twins (⬇️3)

The Twins have been on a crazy rollercoaster ride this season, but it seems the ride is over. In May, they went 18-8. In June, they tumbled to 9-18. This month, they’re hovering right around .500, stuck in limbo. That inconsistency has made a legitimate Wild Card push feel more and more unlikely. With plenty of tradable talent on the roster, Minnesota seems poised to hit the reset button and get back to the basics, building from the ground up.

Biggest need: 2B

23. Miami Marlins (⬆️2)

For the Marlins, it’s all about Alcantara. While Miami has kept it interesting over the last two months, they haven’t been working toward anything sustainable for October. Still, the future looks bright. Eury Perez has been well worth the wait, while Kyle Stowers and Agustin Ramirez are flashing serious promise. At this point, it may be worth exploring an Alcantara trade. If they can flip him for high-impact help at more critical positions, it could accelerate their path back to contention.

Biggest need: OF

24. Baltimore Orioles (🟰)

Before the break, the O’s were showing potential for a second-half surge. Since then, they’ve slid below .500, and it doesn’t look like they’re getting back up anytime soon. They were poised to make another postseason run with all their young talent. Instead, they completely flopped. The silver lining? Plenty of young, tradeable talent. Baltimore could be one of the hottest sellers at this deadline. But do they really want to start all over again?

Biggest need: SP

25. Athletics (⬆️2)

While any hope for the postseason disappeared long ago, the Athletics are taking the right approach: evaluating talent for the future. The A’s have explored 20 different rookies this season, focusing their efforts on the future rather trying to salvage a lost year. With most of their roster made up of young, unproven players, the A’s are likely to stay quiet at the deadline—but don’t be surprised if a few of their starting pitchers generate trade interest.

Biggest need: SP

26. Atlanta Braves (⬇️4)

It’s been a frustrating season in Atlanta, to say the least. Despite a disappointing season, they have plenty up for grabs ahead of the deadline. The question now: who are they willing to part with? Atlanta will likely look to retool rather than rebuild, holding onto their current stars like Acuna, Olson, Riley, Strider, Sale and Schwellenbach. But they’ll have to make some sacrifices to get the pieces they need.

Biggest need: SS

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (⬇️1)

The Pirates have been on both sides of the shutout and the sweep this season. Fittingly, they started their second half by getting swept by the White Sox. Needless to say, Pittsburgh will be open for business at the trade deadline. Everyone is fair game, excluding Paul Skenes and Andrew McCutchen. 

Biggest need: 3B

28. Washington Nationals (🟰)

The second half of the season is shaping up to be a fresh start for the Nationals. With both their manager and GM already out, Washington is clearly headed in a new direction with a deadline sell-off next on the list. We may not recognize the team we see in Washington next season, but that’s probably for the better. The Nationals have the opportunity to start from scratch, with new leadership and a clean slate.

Biggest need: SP

29. Chicago White Sox (🟰)

Good news, Chicago fans: Bears training camp is underway! There’s still hope out there, just not on the diamond. On the bright side, the White Sox finally erased their name from the “no sweeps” list, pulling off their first of the season in their first series after the break. And while the season’s been rough, there could still be some value to cash in on at the trade deadline.

Biggest need: SP

30. Colorado Rockies (🟰)

Obviously, the Rockies are looking to sell. Like, an everything-must-go sale. The problem? There’s not a whole lot to work with. Ryan McMahon might be their most appealing trade chip, and with two years and $32 million left on his deal, moving him could help dig Colorado out of at least one of their many holes. The question is whether anyone’s buying.

Biggest need: Everything 

< NEWS >

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