The 2018 MLB season is at its midway point (not record-wise), with the All-Star Break upon us. The first-half had its fair share of surprises, exciting moments, and drama. There are divisional races that are shaping up to be really exciting and some excellent player performances that will no doubt lead to lead to some intriguing storylines to keep an eye one. Let’s take a look at a few:
Will the Dodgers continue their hot streak en-route to NL home-field?
The Dodgers are the hottest team in the National League after a brutal 16-26 start. They have withstood a boatload of injuries that have caused them to once again use over ten different starting pitchers and rely on guys from the minors. Their exceptional depth is showing once again, with a new breakout star in injury-replacement Max Muncy.
The boys in blue are on pace for 89 games but are 37-17 (best in the NL) since their turnaround on May 16, which is a 111-win pace over the course of 162 games. They will no doubt hit at least 90 games, and 95 games may be enough finish with the top record in the NL. And is realistic that they can go 42-24 over their last 66 games.
They will no doubt improve the team at the MLB trade deadline, and on the other side, the Chicago Cubs’ rotation has been a bit shaky and their best pitcher, Jon Lester, is not as good as his numbers may suggest, according to his FIP over 4.00. Who knows how long the young and upstart Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies can last or will go.
As of right now, however, the Dodgers are the favorites to win their division and are looking like the team to beat in the NL once again.
Mike Trout’s journey to 50 home runs and an MVP?
Mike Trout is having the best season of his already Hall-of-Fame worthy career. About the only individual thing he has not done with the bat is hit the 50-HR. He was on pace last year before he hurt his thumb and missed an extended amount of time. This year he has 25 in 97 games and 428 plate appearances.
If you did the calculation based on those numbers, he is on pace for 42. However, he has just two long balls in his last 27 games. But in his first 68 games, he had 23 homers and went through a stretch where he hit 11 in justs 23 games. He can get hot and put up ridiculous numbers.
Trout himself has shown us, and Giancarlo Stanton’s hot streak during last year’s second-half gives us proof. And even if the Angels do not make the postseason, it will be interesting whether or not Trout will win his 3rd MVP, even though the Angels miss the postseason.
If he had better supporting casts around him over the years, you could realistically argue he deserves to have five by now.
Will Bryce Harper’s potential last year in Washington be a massive disappointment?
This was supposed to be a massive year for the Nationals. They come in every year with World Series expectations because the talent is there, but always fall short. And this was also Bryce Harper’s walk year, and that has been the talk surrounding the team for a while now.
He is expected to test free agency and see what the biggest offer he can draw is. The belief is that the Nationals aren’t the favorites to retain their own player. And what once was expected to a potentially a record-breaking MLB contract that would price him out of D.C. is turning into a disappointing year for both parties.
Harper has struggled mightily since a strong April, and the Nationals are third-place at 5.5 games back in their division and 4.5 games back of their wild card. And they aren’t trending in the right direction either. They had a 7-18 stretch not too long ago and are 6-5 since. Still underwhelming and not what they want. They may miss the playoffs with Harper having a flop contract year.
The Seattle Mariners’ quest to end a 16-year drought
The Mariners’ postseason drought is well-documented, not making it to the October dance since 2001. This season they are well-positioned to make it. They currently occupy the second wild-card spot and three games up on the A’s. The A’s are hot right now, and the Mariners are falling, 3-7 in their last 10.
However, each season will have a slump, only natural for a 162-game MLB season. They have the talent, and the break could not have come at a better time. Their chase to end such a record will be one to keep an eye on.
Featured Image via Flickr/DandreaPhotography
