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New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. John Jones-Imagn Images

AL: What each team needs to focus on in baseball's second half

By David Hill | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 12:13 PM ET

Major League Baseball's second half began last week in earnest. As teams continue fighting for playoff positioning, Yardbarker's MLB writers took a swing at identifying where each club needs to focus its efforts the rest of the way.

(Records and stats are entering play on Monday.)

AL East

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alan Roden rounds second base on his way to a triple against the Chicago White Sox during the seventh inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre. Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Baltimore Orioles (40-49) | Start playing to their capabilities | The Orioles' second-half struggles from 2024, when they posted a 33-33 record, have continued throughout the first half of 2025. If the Orioles are going to return to contention in 2026, their young players need to play up to their potential in the second half.

Boston Red Sox (46-45) | Find a replacement for Rafael Devers | The Red Sox needed to trade Devers after he refused to play first base. While third baseman Alex Bregman will help replace some of Devers' production once he returns from the Injured List, the Red Sox need to add another bat if they are going to make a run to the playoffs.

New York Yankees (49-41) | Add another starting pitcher | Between losing pitcher Clarke Schmidt for the rest of the season and the underwhelming performances of Marcus Stroman and Will Warren, the rotation has become a priority. Pitchers such as Seth Lugo or Sandy Alcantara could make a difference for the Yankees' playoff hopes.

Tampa Bay Rays (49-41) | Strike the balance between buying and selling | The Rays have quietly moved up the standings and currently possess one of the three Wild Card spots. Pitcher Zack Littell is slated to be a free agent after this season and could bring back a needed bullpen upgrade and another young hitter for the future.

Toronto Blue Jays (52-38) | Improve the outfield | The Blue Jays have been one of the biggest surprises in the first half, standing toe to toe with the Yankees as they battle for the AL East title. Finding an upgrade over outfielders Alan Roden, Jonatan Clase and Myles Straw would make a solid lineup all the more dangerous.

AL Central

Detroit Tigers shortstop Trey Sweeney attempts a throw to first base against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox (30-60) | Add more pieces to an emerging core | The White Sox are not going to contend in 2025. They are not likely to contend in 2026 either. However, a solid young core has emerged in Chicago, one that the White Sox can add to at the trade deadline.

Cleveland Guardians (40-48) | Give the kids a chance to prove themselves | The Guardians have tumbled out of playoff contention, yet are not giving prospects such as first baseman CJ Kayfus and outfielder Chase DeLauter a chance. First baseman Carlos Santana and outfielders Nolan Jones and Lane Thomas are not the answer — it is time to see if Kayfus and DeLauter can add another competent bat to a lineup that relies far too much on outfielder Steven Kwan and third baseman Jose Ramirez.

Detroit Tigers (57-34) | Find a shortstop for the playoff push | The Tigers have proven their impressive six-week stretch in 2024 was not a fluke, as they have the best record in the AL. The Tigers’ biggest hole is at short, where Trey Sweeney has not hit enough to establish himself as a viable starting option on a playoff team.

Kansas City Royals (43-48) | Do something to upgrade the lineup going forward | The Royals' lineup has been atrocious outside of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Trading an impending free agent such as Seth Lugo could bring back a desperately needed young hitter for the future.

Minnesota Twins (43-47) | Find another viable starting pitcher | Pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez are as good of a one-two punch as there is in the majors. The problem has been the rest of the rotation. Bailey Ober took a drastic step backward thus far in 2025, while David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson and Zebby Matthews have yet to live up to their potential.

AL West

Athletics pitcher Luis Severino sits in the dugout during the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Sutter Health Park. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Athletics (37-55) | Find a taker for pitcher Luis Severino | Sometimes, adding to a roster comes about by removing a negative influence. Severino has consistently trashed Sacramento and Sutter Health Park since signing with the A’s; the A’s should move on from what has proven to be a mistake.

Houston Astros (55-35) | Bring in a viable outfielder | The Jose Altuve to left field experiment has gone on far longer than it should have. Adding another outfielder at the trade deadline would allow Altuve to move back to second, improving the Astros' overall defense and lengthening the lineup in one move.

Los Angeles Angels (43-46) | Make a run at .500 | The Angels have not finished over .500 since 2015. Although there are too many holes to be a playoff team, even in a wide-open AL playoff hunt, finishing the 2025 season with a winning record would be a springboard for next season.

Seattle Mariners (48-42) | Get into the playoffs | Catcher Cal Raleigh is in the midst of what could be a historic season, leading what has been a solid lineup. If the Mariners continue to hit, they could be dangerous in the playoffs with pitchers Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert backed by a dominant bullpen.

Texas Rangers (44-46) | More consistency from young pitching | Pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are expected to lead the Rangers’ rotation into the next decade. Getting more consistency in the second half could serve as a springboard for 2026 and beyond.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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