MLB 1st Half Recap + 2nd Half Preview

Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner talk all things MLB.

The 2025 MLB season has reached its midpoint, and this comprehensive analysis covers every division with in-depth insights, team trajectories, betting odds, and trade deadline expectations. In the National League West, the Dodgers hold a firm lead despite recent struggles, with the Diamondbacks falling apart due to injuries and shifting into sell mode. San Diego and San Francisco trail closely but have struggled with consistency. The NL Central has turned into a race between the Cubs and Brewers. The Cubs benefit from the easiest second-half schedule and are positioned to buy key players, while the Brewers boast bullpen strength and recent form despite a tougher road ahead. The Mets and Phillies lead a tense NL East battle, separated by just half a game, with both teams healthy and ready to spend at the deadline. Meanwhile, the Braves' collapse due to poor road performance has effectively eliminated them from contention. In the American League, the Astros control the AL West, built on elite pitching and a dominant bullpen, while Yordan Álvarez’s return could be pivotal. Seattle is competitive but lacks offensive consistency outside of Cal Raleigh. The Rangers struggle on the road but remain in the wild card hunt. The AL Central is ruled by the Tigers, who lead by 11.5 games with the best record in MLB. Other division teams like the Twins, Guardians, and Royals trail far behind and show little sign of catching up. The AL East is a four-team war among the Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays. The Blue Jays dominate at home but are vulnerable on the road. The Yankees are aggressive buyers with deep pockets, while Boston’s win streak thrust them into the race before a brutal post-break schedule. Tampa Bay has cooled off and may fade. Baltimore, once hyped, is now out of the conversation. Player performance and team value are heavily discussed, such as the Astros' closing combo of Hader and Abreu, the Mariners’ unexpected offense, and concerns over Mookie Betts and the Dodgers' injuries. Betting odds provide deeper context. Dodgers and Tigers lead World Series projections, but analysts recommend the Astros (10:1), Blue Jays (20:1), Padres (28:1), and Mets (9:1) for better returns. These teams combine talent with upside and have the potential to strengthen at the deadline. The episode ends by highlighting key second-half questions: Can underperformers bounce back? Will top teams stay healthy? Who will be the most aggressive buyers? And which wild card hopefuls will surge? The next two months promise a thrilling path to October baseball.

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