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.
Atlanta Braves – Matt Olson 1B
It’s been a really lackluster season for the Atlanta Braves on offense and that’s partly due to losing their superstar MVP outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Nonetheless, after a season in 2023 that saw him post 50+ home runs, Matt Olson needs to step things up for the Braves in the second half of 2024. With Atlanta currently 8.5 games back as of July 22nd, a big second half from Olson could help close this gap.
Current stats: .222/.300/.392 | 92 OPS+ | 13 HR | 44 RBI
Baltimore Orioles – Adley Rutschman C
The numbers are nowhere near bad, and Adley is still one of the top catchers in baseball. However, the Orioles have struggled slightly so far in the summer months, and while it hasn’t been alarming, having Adley performing better than he is now would be massive for a potential deep postseason run. He’s well above league average as far as hitting goes, but at his best, him and Gunnar Henderson can provide production similar to that of AL East opponents Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
Current stats: .271/.337/.441 | 125 OPS+ | 17 HR | 61 RBI
Boston Red Sox – Brayan Bello RHP
The Red Sox are in the midst of developing and bringing in a new young pitching core, and Bello hopefully can break out in the second half to help develop it further. With Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford having good years so far out of the Boston rotation, Bello can join them if he puts it together in the second half, which would be huge for the future of this Boston rotation even after 2024. If he can get more whiffs and maybe strikeouts as well, he should be able to put together a much more productive second half.
Current stats: 10-5 | 5.27 ERA | 95.2 IP | 92 SO | 34 BB
Miami Marlins – Bryan De La Cruz OF
With the expected firesale that is the 2024 Miami Marlins, Bryan De La Cruz may be one of the only pieces left on the current roster come the end of the season. If that’s the case, the Marlins could really use a good second half out of him. Whether it’s to build up confidence for next season or to raise his value to be traded possibly, Miami could really use a big second half from De La Cruz.
New York Mets – Mark Vientos DH/INF
Vientos is in the middle of a breakout season and his continued success is very important to the future of this Mets roster construction. If the Mets are to move on from Pete Alonso, having Vientos to fill that first base spot can open up the third base corner for Brett Baty, and just give the Mets more options for the future. He’s shown his power, and can be a potential 30-40 home run a year player with consistent playing time.
Current stats: .292/.351/.536 | 152 OPS+ | 12 HR | 33 RBI
New York Yankees – Giancarlo Stanton DH
The record shows that the 2024 Yankees are much better with their DH in the lineup. Having Stanton put together a good second half would fill a huge void in the Yankees lineup. Despite the time missed, Stanton could very well still hit 30 home runs this season, and if he’s able to do so, it would be crucial to the success of this Yankees team.
Current stats: .246/.302/.492 | 119 OPS+ | 18 HR | 45 RBI
Philadelphia Phillies – JT Realmuto C
Getting Realmuto back is a huge boost to this already deep lineup. If they can have Realmuto producing at the top of his game in the second half, that should translate into the playoffs, and having that added bat and glove in the lineup could give the Phillies an even bigger edge over the other NL teams come October.
Current stats: .262/.313/.410 | 103 OPS+ | 7 HR | 20 RBI (52 G*)
Tampa Bay Rays – Yandy Diaz 1B
With the potential to see guys like Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, and even Brandon Lowe dealt from the Rays before the deadline, Yandy stepping up in the second half even more would be the best thing for the Rays. With not a lot of other pieces to fill seats with McClanahan out as well, a great second half would be great to see from a fan’s perspective and the organizations.
Current stats: .273/.329/.396 | 109 OPS+ | 8 HR | 46 RBI
Toronto Blue Jays – Spencer Horwitz 1B/2B
With Bo Bichette hitting the IL and the possibility of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being moved or just not resigning, the Blue Jays need some of their younger guys to step up. Spencer Horwitz continuing the success he’s already had would be huge for the future of this team, and he could even fill that first base gap in the future if needed.
Current stats: .313/.414/.464 | 150 OPS+ | 4 HR | 12 RBI (35 G*)
Washington Nationals – James Wood OF
The future is bright in Washington and it’ll be even brighter if James Wood can put together a good second half. While there’s really no pressure to be amazing now, it would certainly be nice given the rest of the developing prospects are soon to be called up, including Dylan Crews. Wood has shown his ridiculous hit tool and his opposite field power that is undoubtedly generational. The only thing the Nationals can do is ask him to put together good AB’s game in and game out for the rest of this season.
Current stats: .246/.319/.354 | 94 OPS+ | 2 HR | 12 RBI (17 G* recently called up)