Moving into the second half of the MLB season, there are certain players on each team that can make a big difference for their clubs if they have a solid second half. Whether it’s for success this season or success down the road, a good second half from each of these players mentioned, would be crucial for their franchise.
Chicago Cubs – Pete Crow-Armstrong OF
The Cubs are reportedly not going to get any new additions to help the team by the deadline, so Pete Crow-Armstrong needs to have a good second half. One of the best athletes at center field, not a lot of players bring value with their fielding and speed like Crow-Armstrong. While the defense is there, the bat is simply not. The bat is not one you can put in an everyday lineup the way it produces, and Crow-Armstrong can use this second half to get the bat right.
Current stats: .189/.238/.308 | 52 OPS+ | 3 HR | 17 RBI | 17 SB (63 G*)
Chicago White Sox – Andrew Benintendi OF
This could not be an easier choice. The White Sox are dreadful this season and Benintendi is not helping in the slightest. The largest contract in White Sox history is off to an awful start as Benintendi just hasn’t been there this season at the plate. He’s not hitting the ball hard, and he’s striking out more than the league average. A better second half is not at all a tall ask from White Sox fans as Benintendi is currently inked for five years and $75,000,000.
Current stats: .199/.256/.303 | 59 OPS+ | 7 HR | 27 RBI
Cincinnati Reds – Rece Hinds OF
Rece Hinds has surged onto the baseball scene in his first nine games with the Reds. If he can put together a solid second half, that would add a much needed layer of depth to the young Reds lineup. It gives the Reds an exciting bat with a ton of power in the lineup consistently as well, which could be pivotal for a postseason push if they have it in them.
Current stats: .353/.389/.971 | 263 OPS+ | 5 HR | 11 RBI (9 G*)
Cleveland Guardians – Emmanuel Clase RHP
In his third straight year being an All Star, Clase leads the leagues in games finished at 41 and leads the American League in saves with 29. A good second half from Clase can very much equate to more wins as there’s not a better closer in his division and maybe the entire league. Having their closer at his best is crucial towards coming out with a division title.
Current stats: 0.79 ERA | 45.1 IP | 25 H | 39 SO | 5 BB
Detroit Tigers – Reese Olson RHP
Although he just entered the 15-day IL, a good second half from Olson is very much needed if you are the Detroit Tigers. At the possibility of Tarik Skubal being moved along with other starter Jack Flaherty, Olson stepping up would be beneficial for the future of the rotation. Olson’s already put together a decent season for Detroit, and if he can get more whiffs on his slider, his numbers can be even better upon returning.
Current stats: 4-8 | 3.23 ERA | 19 GS | 103.0 IP | 92 SO | 31 BB | 129 ERA+
Kansas City Royals – Salvador Perez C
The Royals have started the second half off hot, and they need their veteran backstop to put together a good second half. Having Perez, a piece of the 2015 World Series team at the top of his game in the second half heading into October could be a massive difference-maker in the Royals success. The 34-year old continues to put together great seasons, and this second half should be no different.
Current stats: .279/.341/.475 | 125 OPS+ | 18 HR | 66 RBI
Milwaukee Brewers – Rhys Hoskins 1B
This is a very valuable bat to have at his best in the postseason. Hoskins is infamous in Phillies recent history for his clutch moments, and that’s surely something the Brewers would welcome. Currently five games ahead of the Cardinals for first place of the NL Central, getting Hoskins going at the plate can further lengthen the gap between the Brewers, and the rest of the Central teams.
Current stats: .213/.306/.416 | 100 OPS+ | 15 HR | 48 RBI
Minnesota Twins – Royce Lewis 3B
When healthy, Lewis is an incredibly valuable bat to have in the lineup as he’s shown in short periods over the past two seasons. While currently on the 10-day IL, if Lewis can stay healthy in the second half, it would be pivotal to the success of the Twins, who have been fairly streaky this season. If the Twins want to make a run to the postseason, having a great player like Lewis in the lineup putting up good numbers can take this team to another level.
Current stats: .292/.354/.685 | 185 OPS+ | 10 HR | 18 RBI (24 G*)
Pittsburgh Pirates – Mitch Keller RHP
The Pirates at the time of writing are six games back of first place, and having Mitch Keller put together a good second half would add a triple threat to this Pittsburgh rotation. Keller’s been good this year, he doesn’t walk many batters, and has a great pitch mix. If he can improve his strikeout numbers, or even somehow pitch to more contact on the ground, he could be dangerous in this second half.
Current stats: 10-5 | 3.34 ERA | 121.1 IP | 108 SO | 32 BB
St. Louis Cardinals – Masyn Winn SS
The Cardinals could use a number of people to step up in the second half. While veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado should undoubtedly have a better second half, a good second half from Winn would cap off a very good rookie season that exceeded all expectations. The glove and arm were expected to come in and be special but the bat has come into its own as well. This team is simply better when Winn is excelling on the field.
Current stats: .284/.332/.411 | OPS+ 109 | 5 HR | 33 RBI