SEATTLE, June 21, 2025
home Run Heroics and Division Battles: MLB’s Biggest Strengths Shine
A deep dive into the top teams’ winning formulas.
- The Mets’ pitching and Dodgers’ offense led their leagues.
- pete Crow-Armstrong is a defensive and offensive force for the Cubs.
- Astros’ late-game bullpen is virtually unhittable.
With 29 home runs, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle mariners leads the majors, showcasing the power that is the biggest strength for his team.
As the season heats up, let’s break down which factors are propelling MLB’s top teams.Which teams are riding their offenses, and which teams are depending on a stellar pitching rotation to stay on top?
National League
los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 47-30 (1st in NL West)
Biggest Strength: Offense
Like the Cubs, the Dodgers are on track to have one of the best offenses in franchise history. With a league-leading number of runs scored and a wRC+ of 124, they’re demolishing the competition. Since 2018, the Dodgers have consistently ranked first or second in the NL in runs scored, so this comes as no surprise.
Shohei Ohtani is on pace to possibly become the first player since Lou Gehrig to score 160 runs in a season.Max Muncy’s improved performance since donning glasses on April 30, hitting.281/.420/.541, has added another threat to the lineup.
Philadelphia Phillies
record: 46-30 (1st in NL East)
Biggest Strength: Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez
The Phillies look solid on paper, but their numbers don’t quite match up to the Mets. Even with the Mets’ recent slump, their run differential is plus-60 compared to the Phillies’ plus-42. The Phillies are struggling with their closer situation, ranking low in bullpen win probability added.
But with Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez leading the pitching staff, the Phillies remain a threat. Wheeler is having a career year, boasting a 32.5% strikeout rate. Since returning from the IL, Suarez is 6-1 with a 2.20 ERA.
Chicago Cubs
Record: 45-30 (1st in NL Central)
Biggest Strength: Offense and Defense AKA: Pete Crow-Armstrong
The Cubs’ offense is averaging 5.36 runs per game, nearly matching their 2008 performance of 5.31 and on pace for their best since 1935. Their defense is also top-notch,ranking second in both defensive runs saved and Statcast’s fielding run value.
Who is Pete Crow-Armstrong? The 23-year-old center fielder leads the charge on both sides, posting a 4.3 WAR through 74 games. Metrics place him in the top percentiles for fielding, baserunning, and batting value.
Analytics suggest Crow-Armstrong’s league-worst chase rate might catch up to him, but so far, pitchers haven’t been able to exploit it.
New York Mets
Record: 45-31 (2nd in NL East)
biggest Strength: Starting Pitching
Francisco Lindor,Juan Soto,and Pete alonso are performing well,but the Mets’ rotation has been the key to their success,leading the majors with a 3.03 ERA, even without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Kodai Senga (1.47 ERA), David Peterson (2.60),and Clay Holmes (3.04) have been leading the charge.
The Mets will face challenges soon, as Senga is out with a hamstring injury and Tylor Megill is sidelined with an elbow sprain. Montas has struggled in Triple-A, but Manaea is nearing a return. Jonah tong, with a 1.97 ERA in double-A, could be a valuable addition if needed.
San Francisco Giants
Record: 42-34 (2nd in NL West)
biggest Strength: Front-Line Pitching
The Giants rank third in the majors in ERA and fifth in runs allowed per game. their success relies on Logan Webb (7-5, 2.49 ERA), Robbie Ray (8-2, 2.68 ERA) and relievers Randy Rodriguez, Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers and Erik Miller who all have sub-2.00 ERAs.
Their home park certainly helps, with a 2.89 ERA at home compared to 3.72 on the road. While acquiring Rafael Devers will boost their offense, the pitching staff will still need to shine in low-scoring games. The Giants lead the majors with 18 one-run game wins.
Milwaukee brewers
Record: 41-35 (Tied for 2nd in NL Central)
Biggest Strength: Position Player Durability
The Brewers have been succeeding due to their consistent lineup. Seven players have played at least 70 of their 76 games.This stability helps them avoid weak plate appearances, contributing to their success.
Look for the Brewers to make a move at the trade deadline to bolster their pitching staff.
While no single player is dominating, their consistent lineup might be enough to secure a wild card spot.
St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 41-35 (Tied for 2nd in NL Central)
Biggest Strength: Rotation Stability
The Cardinals are a surprise this season, even without any standout offensive performances. Brendan Donovan and Ivan Herrera are hitting well, but neither is carrying the team.
The rotation has been stable, with the top five starters making at least 14 starts each. This consistency, a change from previous years, has helped them stay competitive.
San Diego Padres
Record: 40-35 (3rd in NL West)
Biggest Strength: The Big Three (Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill)
The Padres are walking a tightrope, with injuries and underperforming players like Luis arraez and Xander Bogaerts. Robert suarez has struggled in save situations. This puts pressure on Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jackson Merrill to carry the team.
With Merrill on the concussion IL, Tatis will need to keep the momentum going for the Padres.
Cincinnati Reds
Record: 39-37 (4th in NL Central)
Biggest Strength: A Young Rotation Finally Emerging
The Reds’ rotation ranks third in Baseball-Reference WAR, with Andrew Abbott (6-1, 1.84 ERA in 12 starts) and Nick Lodolo leading the charge. The key will be keeping their pitchers healthy.
The Reds need to get Hunter Greene back from the IL. Veteran Wade Miley is filling in, but the reds need Greene back to secure a spot in the second half.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 38-37 (4th in NL West)
Biggest Strength: Offensive Depth
After leading the majors in runs scored in 2024, the Diamondbacks are averaging over five runs per game. Corbin carroll,Ketel Marte,and Eugenio suarez lead the way.
The team will have some tough decisions to make at the trade deadline. With several players heading to free agency, the Diamondbacks will be an captivating team to watch.
American League
Detroit Tigers
Record: 48-29 (1st in AL Central)
Biggest Strength: Tarik Skubal
The Detroit offense has improved, ranking fifth in the majors in runs per game. But reigning Cy young Award winner Tarik skubal, who might be on his way to becoming the first repeat winner in the AL as Pedro Martinez in 2000, is the clear strength.
After two tough starts, Skubal is 8-0 with a 1.58 ERA, helping the Tigers rank third in the majors in rotation ERA. But with Jackson Jobe out for the year, Skubal’s importance is amplified.
Houston Astros
Record: 44-32 (1st in AL West)
Biggest Strength: Late-Game bullpen
Houston’s offense has been solid, but the back end of the bullpen has been the key to their surge into first place. Closer Josh Hader is 5-1 and perfect in save opportunities. The team ranks fifth in the majors in bullpen ERA.
with a .146/.233/.236 batting line against them in high-leverage situations, the bullpen has been even better. This performance has helped the Astros to a 14-7 record in one-run games and a 5-0 mark in extra innings.
New York Yankees
Record: 43-32 (1st in AL East)
Biggest Strength: Aaron Judge
For the first two months of 2025, the Yankees’ offense was clicking on all cylinders. Judge was leading the way with a historic start to his season, putting up numbers only Barry Bonds and Babe Ruth had matched over a full season.
During a recent six-game losing streak, Judge went 2-for-23 with 14 strikeouts.Now, can this lineup score enough runs if Judge isn’t superhuman all the time?
Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 42-34 (2nd in AL East)
Biggest Strength: Infield Offense
The Rays lead the majors in stolen bases. The Rays rank third in the majors in OPS,third in home runs and third in runs from their infielders. The Rays overall offense from the four infield positions is good.
but power has arrived with 17 home runs from Junior Caminero and he’s been red-hot of late,hitting .317/.389/.683 as May 23 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs in 26 games.
Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 40-35 (3rd in AL East)
Biggest Strength: Lowest Strikeout rate in Majors
The Jays are a good defensive team and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is posting the best defensive metrics of his career. The Blue Jays have the lowest strikeout rate in the majors. They are five games over .500 even though they’ve been outscored by 14 runs.
maybe the contact rate will eventually turn into more offense if they can turn more of those balls into extra-base hits. With just nine home runs, guerrero is certainly the primary guy to watch in this area.
boston red Sox
Record: 40-37 (4th in AL East)
Biggest Strength: Garrett Crochet
The Red Sox rotation relies on Garrett Crochet. Without him, where would this rotation be? The numbers show Crochet’s importance:
Crochet: 7-4, 2.20 ERA, 10-for-16 in quality starts
Other starters: 15-17, 5.04 ERA, 22-for-60 in quality starts
The Red Sox need to find a way to extend Crochet in games. He’s averaging just over six innings per start.
Even if the young position players start hitting better, the Red sox are going to need more than just Crochet to stabilize the rotation.
seattle Mariners
Record: 38-36 (2nd in AL West)
Biggest Strength: The Big Dumper
The Mariners are third in the majors in road OPS. Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 29 home runs, leads the AL with 63 RBIs, and trails only Judge in OPS. he has played in 73 of Seattle’s 74 games and does his best damage when he starts behind the plate: Twenty-seven of his 29 home runs have come as a catcher.
Raleigh’s 180 wRC+ currently sits second highest for a primary catcher, behind only Mike Piazza’s 183 in 1997.Judge might have MVP all but locked up already, but don’t tell that to the Big Dumper.
While individual player performances drive much of the narrative, team success is built on a foundation of strategic decision-making, talent evaluation, and, of course, a degree of luck. Let’s delve deeper into some key aspects, offering a look at the “secret sauce” behind some of these teams’ standings.
Beyond the Box Score: Advanced Metrics and Player development
The provided analysis offers a snapshot, but modern baseball is fueled by advanced metrics. Beyond ERA and RBI, these stats paint a more complete picture. For example,while the Dodgers’ offence is potent,their success wouldn’t be as high if they didn’t have their grate base running and defence. The Giants may be leaning on pitching,but their team is made up of players who are among the best in baseball because of their defense.
Looking at the Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong is a prime example of how a single player can redefine a team. But the data shows that he has a long way to go. The Giants’ success has a similar narrative, one that highlights the importance of front-line pitching in modern baseball. Looking beyond the win-loss record, it brings to light the importance of scouting and player development. The Tampa Bay rays, a perennial AL contender, are masters of identifying and cultivating talent.Their strategy of using their infielders to take over the game is a great example.
The Impact of Injuries and Roster Construction
Injuries are an unavoidable part of a long baseball season. The Mets are a prime example of a team battling injuries, as their starting pitching has been crucial to the team’s success. yet, with Senga and Megill sidelined, the team’s depth is being tested.The Cardinals also illustrate the importance of a healthy rotation, but consistency is a challenge for all teams. The team standings can shift drastically with key players out of the lineup.
Roster construction is just as significant as player development. the Brewers’ focus on position player durability allows them to avoid weak player appearances. similarly, the Reds and Diamondbacks will be under pressure to make trades.This could be the catalyst they need to propel themselves forward.
The MVP Race and Beyond: Key Storylines to Watch
The MVP race is always a captivating storyline. Aaron Judge provides the Yankees with an undeniable offensive spark, but is relying on Judge a sound strategy? The spotlight is rightfully on Judge, but Cal Raleigh’s performance in Seattle deserves significant attention. This is a player who embodies the power of consistent performance and is a main reason why the Mariners are a threat.
the second half of the season promises more twists, turns, and compelling narratives. Key questions remain: can the Astros’ bullpen maintain its dominance? Will the Red Sox find the supporting pieces to complement Crochet? Can the Jays convert their high contact rate into runs? The answers will shape the playoff picture and define the season’s most exciting moments.
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