Offense Driving Division Leaders
The Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros, Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers lead their respective divisions with their offenses leading the way. Among the 30 teams, each division leader is ranked in the top ten in average, OBP, and OPS. Only Toronto (13th) and Philadelphia (14th) fall outside the top ten in SLG. Offenses are the clear driving force for each division leader.
Bullpens Shining in Houston, Chicago, & Toronto
The Astros, Cubs, and Blue Jays’ bullpens have been electric. Their bullpens see top ten rankings in ERA and WHIP, with only Chicago (14th) falling outside the top ten in opponent batting average. Strong bullpens are crucial, and Houston, Chicago, and Toronto’s have been pivotal through 96 games.
Paul Skenes’ Historic Start to Career
Tuesday night, Skenes became the first pitcher to start in the All-Star Game in each of his first two seasons. This historic achievement sets him apart from those who came before him, and his dominant numbers go deeper. Through a player’s first 43 career starts, Skenes ranks 5th in ERA (1.98), 9th in strikeouts (301), 14th in hits allowed (176), 3rd in earned runs (56), 1st in runs allowed (61), and 11th in baserunners allowed (255). His first two seasons have seen top-five rankings in ERA, WHIP, and batting average against before the All-Star break.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic Season
Earning his first All-Star selection, Seattle Mariner Cal Raleigh entered the All-Star break leading MLB in home runs (38) and RBI (82), which are records for a catcher. He finished Monday night’s Home Run Derby as the first catch and switch-hitter to win the event. During Tuesday night’s All-Star Game, he added another accomplishment, becoming the first player to not only challenge, but successfully challenge on the All-Star Game’s first robot umpire challenge. Raleigh is on pace to break the single-season record, by a catcher, of home runs (48), RBI (148), total bases (355), and OPS (1.096).
Jackson Holliday Flourishing in Second Season
Jackson Holliday’s 2024 season was full of adversity. He received his call to the Majors in mid-April and was sent down to AAA after a ten-game stint. He returned July 31, and while he remained with Baltimore the rest of the season, he endedslashing .189/.255/.311 with five home runs, 23 RBI, and four stolen bases. This season, there is a noticeable difference in the 21-year-old. He looks comfortable, and he’s slashing .259/.308/.414 with 12 home runs, 38 RBI, and nine stolen bases. His approach at the plate has been the key to his rebound. He’s increased his swings at pitches in the strike zone from 62.5% to 68.9% and increased his overall swing percentage from 45.8% to 50.7%. His adjustments during at-bat have improved his contact percentage, swinging strike percentage, called strike percentage, and called swinging strike percentage.
Kansas City’s Maikel Garcia Has Figured It Out
Garcia has been a top ten third baseman through the season, earning his first All-Star appearance. The past two seasons have seen him display great speed and modest power, but this season has seen well-rounded production. In 95 games, Garcia is slashing .297/.354/.454 with eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 18 stolen bases. He is the most underrated player of the 2025 season.
