The MLB All-Star break has arrived, with the baseball world gathering in Philadelphia for the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game. As the season passes the halfway mark, several storylines have emerged, including surprising surges, disappointing collapses, and the continued dominance of Shohei Ohtani.
Not New York's Finest
Cal Raleigh, who tore up the American League last year with 38 first-half home runs, has struggled in 2024, managing only nine homers with poor slash numbers. Some Mariners officials blame the World Baseball Classic for his decline, contributing to Seattle's underperformance after reaching the AL Championship Series last season. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge began the season strongly but has been sidelined with a stress fracture in his right rib, with no clear return timeline. His absence, along with Giancarlo Stanton's calf injury, has cooled the Yankees' early momentum, though they entered the break with four straight wins after a 13-loss-in-17-games stretch.
The Mets are in crisis, flirting with the worst record in baseball despite a payroll exceeding $300 million. Manager Carlos Mendoza was fired last month, and president of baseball operations David Stearns faces scrutiny for overhauling the roster with injury-prone players. Fans chant for Pete Alonso, the departed slugger, as attendance dwindles. Owner Steve Cohen supports Stearns, but questions linger about Francisco Lindor's relationship with Juan Soto. The Mets are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline.
The reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays are last in their division, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s decline puzzling the team. Manager John Schneider accused the team of being "bullied by fastballs" during a recent west coast trip where they were shut out for 24 consecutive innings. However, ace Dylan Cease will start the All-Star Game for the AL.
What's Good?
The Chicago White Sox, who lost 324 games over the previous three seasons, are in first place in the AL Central. Their offensive core of Miguel Vargas, Colson Montgomery, and Munetaka Murakami has combined for 64 home runs. The Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers are chasing, with the Tigers experiencing a historic home run surge. Ace Tarik Skubal reportedly wants to stay in Detroit, but the Dodgers may make an offer.
The Tampa Bay Rays are atop the AL standings despite hitting 49 fewer home runs than the Yankees. They have struck out nearly 250 fewer times, relying on station-to-station baseball. The Miami Marlins are in playoff contention, thanks to Otto López, who has the most first-half hits in franchise history. Fans urge ownership to invest rather than trade.
The New Manager Bounce
Don Mattingly replaced Rob Thomson as Phillies manager, guiding the team to a 45-24 record. Philadelphia has been led by NL All-Star Game starter Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler. The Boston Red Sox, under new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, won nine straight games heading into the break after a dismal start. Manager Chad Tracy faces questions about whether the turnaround is sustainable.
The Washington Nationals lead the NL in runs, home runs, stolen bases, and total bases, with James Wood hitting 28 homers, including 10 leadoff shots. However, their pitching is among the worst, with only the Rockies having a worse ERA. The Dodgers continue to dominate the NL West, with Shohei Ohtani on track for another MVP award, though his knee issues are a concern.
Awards
Pete Crow-Armstrong could be NL MVP if not for Ohtani. In the AL, Yordan Álvarez leads with 31 home runs and an OPS over 1.000. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski is favored for the Cy Young with a 0.757 WHIP, despite arm fatigue that kept him out of the All-Star Game. The AL Cy Young race is competitive between Cease and Yankees' Cam Schlittler.
