MLB First Half Recap
The first half of the 2017 MLB season is at its end. Teams have finished playing every one of their first 89 games. Here are the standings through the first half of the year!
AL East
Team Record GB
Boston 50-39 -
New York 45-41 3.5
Tampa Bay 47-43 3.5
Baltimore 42-46 7.5
Toronto 41-47 8.5
AL Central
Team Record GB
Cleveland 47-40 -
Minnesota 45-43 3.0
Kansas City 44-43 3.5
Detroit 39-48 9.0
Chicago 38-49 9.5
AL West
Team Record GB
Houston 60-29 -
Los Angeles 45-47 16.5
Texas 43-45 16.5
Seattle 43-47 17.5
Oakland 39-50 21.0
NL East
Team Record GB
Washington 52-36 -
Atlanta 42-45 9.5
Miami 41-46 10.5
New York 39-47 12.0
Philadelphia 29-58 22.5
NL Central
Team Record GB
Milwuakee 50-41 -
Chicago 43-45 5.5
St. Louis 43-45 5.5
Pittsburgh 42-47 7.0
Cincinnati 39-49 9.5
NL West
Team Record GB
Los Angeles 61-29 -
Arizona 53-36 7.5
Colorado 52-39 9.5
San Diego 38-50 22.0
San Francisco 34-56 27.0
Here’s a breakdown of each teams first half!
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are leading the AL East so far this season with a record of 50-39. The power numbers have been down for the Sox so far this season, Mookie Betts leads their team with just 16 home runs so far. I think they will pick it up in the second half though. Hanley Ramirez always has that capability to “flip a switch” and turn himself around and I think he’ll do that in the second half. The first half MVP for the Red Sox has to go to Chris Sale though. Sale leads the team in ERA, wins, strikeouts, WHIP, batting average against, innings, and complete games. In 18 games he is 11-4, with a 2.75 ERA, throwing 127.2 innings, and striking out 178 batters, which leads the MLB.
New York Yankees
The first half of the year has been unexpectedly very very very good for the Yankees. A lot of people, like myself expected to be third, or fourth in the AL East, but right now they are in second and only 3.5 games behind the Sox for first. They had first wrapped up for a while this year, but the injury plague hit them. Greg Bird, and Dustin Fowler are both on the 60-Day DL. Tyler Austin, Starlin Castro, Aaron Hicks, and Matt Holliday are all on the 10-Day DL as well. The first half MVP for the Yankees has to be none other than the rookie sensation Aaron Judge. Judge has been a beast all year and is the favorite to win both the AL Rookie of the Year, and the AL MVP awards. So far this season Judge has a .329 batting average, 30 home runs (a New York Yankee rookie record), 66 RBI, 75 runs, .448 OBP, .691 Slugging, and a 1.139 OPS.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are another unexpectedly good team this year. Another team that I wrongly predicted to be last in the AL East. Currently at 47-43 the Rays are just 3.5 games behind the Red Sox and tied with the Yankees for second. The power has been the story for the Rays this season. In 2017 they have hit 132 home runs, driven in 408 runs, and scored 423 runs. The first half MVP for the Rays has to be Corey Dickerson. Dickerson will make his first All-Star appearance on Tuesday, starting at DH for the American League. Dickerson is hitting .312, with 17 home runs, 42 RBI’s, and 60 runs scored. At a close second for first half MVP of the Rays has to be Logan Morrison. The guy is on an absolute tear this year, having a career year. He is hitting .258, with 24 home runs, and 57 RBI’s.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have been going through a tough year this season. They started off the year pretty good contending with the Yankees and Red Sox for first in the East, but the O’s hit a downfall. Now sitting at 42-46, 7.5 games behind the Red Sox. It’s not too late for the Orioles to heat up and make a strong comeback. The first half MVP of the Orioles is a tough decision, but I’m gonna have to go with the rookie Trey Mancini. The rookie is hitting .312, with 14 home runs, and 44 RBI’s.
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto has been one of the most disappointing teams so far this season. Last year they finished 89-73, 4 games back of the Red Sox for first place and tied with the Orioles. They earned a Wild Card spot in the playoffs and went on to lose to the Cleveland Indians 4 games to 1 in the ALCS. This year has been a different story though. There was high expectations coming into his season and they have not succeeded. Currently at 41-47, and 8.5 games back, time is not up, but it’s running out. The first half MVP for the Jays has to be Justin Smoak. Smoak has been hammering the ball this season en route to an All-Star game selection, where he will start at first base for the American League. Smoak is hitting .294, with 23 homers, and 56 RBI’s so far this season.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians are coming off one of the best seasons in franchise history when they reached the World Series, but ultimately fell to the Chicago Cubs in seven games. The Indians are currently at 47-40 which earns them first place in the AL Central. The addition of Edwin Encarnacion in the offseason helped them on offense, but the submergence of Jose Ramirez has really been the big story for the Tribe this year, and that is why Ramirez is my first half MVP for the Indians. Ramirez is hitting .332, with 17 home runs, 48 RBI’s, 10 stolen bases, 62 runs scored, an OBP of .388, a slugging percentage of .601 and an OPS of .988. He also has 27 doubles and 5 triples. Certainly a career year for Jose Ramirez which is why he was granted an All-Star selection where he will start at third base for the American League.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins have been another surprise team this season, currently sitting at 45-43, second in the AL Central. What makes the Twins so special is their young talent. Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, and Max Kepler lead this squad. My first half MVP for the Twins has to be Miguel Sano, Sano leads the Twins in home runs (21), RBI (62), runs (55), and slugging (.538). The Twins are a huge surprise team this year especially after finishing with the worst record in baseball last year.
Kansas City Royals
This team has been on fire as of late. Don’t be surprised if this squad makes a huge push for the playoffs. The Royals are currently 3rd in the AL Central with a record of 44-43. My Royals first half MVP is a tough one but has to be Jason Vargas. Vargas has been a huge surprise this season and has earned him a spot on the all star roster with his 12-3 record, 2.62 ERA, and 78 strikeouts.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are actually trash for the first time in a while. They are currently fourth in the AL Central, with a record of 39-48. Justin Upton is really the only guy that is really producing for this team, and that’s why he gets my first half MVP. He’s hitting .265, with 15 home runs, 54 RBI’s, 6 stolen bases, and 51 runs. Michael Fulmer is a positive force in the rotation, he is 9-6 with a 3.19 ERA, and 84 strikeouts.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are still bad. Last in the AL Central. 38-49 record. I honestly don't have a bunch to say about this team besides the fact that they are terrible. The only guy that really deserves the first half MVP is probably Jose Quintana, 4.49 ERA, 4-8 record, 109 strikeouts. I know his record and era aren't that impressive, but he’s a good pitcher.
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are one of the best teams in baseball right now. Their 60-29 record earns them first place in the AL West. They have been hitting the ball so well this year. It's not only their hitting, it's also their pitching staff. They have been tremendous all year. Dallas Keuchel, and Lance McCullers lead this tremendous staff. This first half MVP award is one of the toughest, but I’m going to have to give it to George Springer. This guy has been one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball. He has 27 home runs currently which is 2nd in the MLB! He’s also hitting .310, with 61 RBI’s in 336 at bats. Other possible candidates could’ve been Jose Altuve (.347 BA, 18 SB, .417 OBP, 13 HR, 50 RBI), or Dallas Keuchel (9-0, 1.67 ERA, 69 SO).
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are second in the AL West but have a ton of work to do to get to first. They are 45-47, and 16.5 games back of first place. The Mike Trout injury really hurt them. Cameron Maybin was a great addition to this squad, and that's why he's my first half MVP. Hitting .245, with 6 home runs, 21 RBI’s and 25 stolen bases. That's not a tremendous statline but he gets it done in the outfield as well.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers were the best team in the AL last year, and now this year they have slipped down to third in the AL West with a 43-45 record, 16.5 games out of first. Veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus has been leading this team, but Yu Darvish gets my first half MVP award. The 2017 All-Star has a 6-8 record, with a 3.49 ERA, with 125 strikeouts.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have been pretty disappointing. Currently in fourth place in the AL West with a 43-47 record, 17.5 games behind first. Honestly it’s pretty hard to decide on this first half MVP, but I think I’m gonna have to give it to Nelson Cruz. He’s hitting .292, with 17 home runs and 70 RBI’s.
Oakland Athletics
The A’s are in last place again. With a 39-50 record, they are 21 games out of first. Khris Davis is my first half MVP. The left fielder is batting .244 this season, with 24 home runs, and 60 RBI’s. The A’s are most definitely in rebuilding mode, so I can't really see them making the playoffs this year.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals are also another hot team right now. They are 52-36 and first in the NL East. They are currently fourth in the major leagues record wise at the break. The young Nationals team is led by outfielder Bryce Harper, and pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer is my first half MVP. Scherzer has a 10-5 record, with a 2.10 ERA, and 173 strikeouts which is second in the MLB. Bryce Harper is also having another good year. He is hitting .325, with 20 home runs, and 65 RBI’s. Daniel Murphy has been hitting the ball very well this year aswell, leading the squad with a .342 batting average. Another surprise this season was Ryan Zimmerman, who was selected as an All-Star starter.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves are below .500, but are still second in the NL East. Sitting at 42-45, the Braves have been a surprise. Their pitching staff has been surprising this season, but their bats have been even better. Freddie Freeman is my first half MVP, even though he was out with the wrist injury for a while. Even with the injury he still leads the team in home runs, with 16. He’s also hitting .348 with 33 RBI’s.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins were talked about to be a Wild Card this season, but they are just 41-46 at the break, and in third place in the NL East. Marcell Ozuna, and Giancarlo Stanton have been leading this squad offensively so far, and on the hill it’s been Dan Straily. Straily is 7-4, with a 3.31 ERA, and 97 strikeouts. Stanton is leading the team in home runs (26), runs (60), and slugging percentage (.572). My first half MVP has to go to Marcell Ozuna though. Ozuna is hitting .316, with 23 home runs, and 70 RBI’s.
New York Mets
The Mets are a disappointing team this season, sitting at 39-47 so far, and in fourth place in the NL East. Rookie Michael Conforto has been hot this year, being the only All-Star on the team. But Jay Bruce is my first half MVP, Bruce is hitting .266, with 23 home runs, and 59 RBI’s to lead the Mets offense.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are still one of the worst teams in baseball. With a 29-58 record, they are in last place in the NL East. With a .333 winning percentage, they are the worst team in baseball. I honestly don’t know who to name the first half MVP. They seriously have no one. I guess I’ll give it to Pat Neshek just cause he was their only All-Star.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are one of the hottest teams in baseball and one of the most surprising. The Brewers are 50-41 and in first place in the NL Central. The addition of Travis Shaw in the offseason was a great trade for the Brew Crew. Shaw is my first half MVP, hitting .299, with 19 home runs, and 65 RBI’s. Eric Thames has also been a great addition to the team as well. He is hitting .248 with 23 home runs and 43 RBI’s.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago is in a huge World series hangover this year. The Cubbies are 43-45 and in second in the NL Central. They didn't even have an All-Star except for Wade Davis who wasn't on the World Championship team.My first half MVP for the Cubs has to be Kris Bryant. Bryant is hitting .269, with 18 home runs, and 38 RBI’s.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are tied for second with the Cubs at 43-45. The Cards always seem to be in the race for a playoff spot, and this year is no different. My first half MVP has to be Carlos Martinez. He may not have the best record at 6-8, but he has 128 strikeouts, which is 8th in the majors right now.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are another disappointing team this season, the loss of Starling Marte due to PED use hurt them. Currently at 42-47, the Pirates are fourth in the NL Central. My first half MVP is a tough one, so I am giving two Co-MVP’s. Andrew McCutchen and Ivan Nova. McCutchen is hitting .294, with 17 home runs, and 50 RBI’s. Nova is 9-6, with a 3.21 ERA, and 67 strikeouts.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are last in the NL Central again this year. Scott Feldman has been leading this pitching staff with a 7-6 record, 3.94 ERA, and 86 strikeouts. But my first half MVP has to be Joey Votto. He earned another All-Star Game selection this year, with a .315 batting average, 26 home runs, and 68 RBI’s.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are the best team in baseball right now, with a 61-29 record, and in first place in the NL West. Clayton Kershaw has been phenomenal all year, leading the pitching staff. Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager have been leading the offense. Kershaw has to be my first half MVP though. Kershaw has a 14-2 record, with a 2.18 ERA, and 159 strikeouts.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are yet another surprise team, sitting at 53-36, and second in the NL West. This MVP was not a tough decision at all, this guy is leading his team in almost every offensive category. This guy is Paul Goldschmidt. Paul was named an All-Star once again, he is hitting .312, with 20 home runs, and 67 RBI’s.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are another surprise team, and their offense and young pitching staff is a big part of their success. Shaker alum Jeff Hoffman is a big part of this young staff, he is 5-1 with a 4.15 ERA, and 50 strikeouts. But the first half MVP of this team is Charlie Blackmon. Blackmon was a surprise All-Star this year and his .319 batting average, 20 home runs, and 61 RBI’s helped him get their.
San Diego Padres
The Padres are in the bottom of the division again, with a 38-50 record, they are in fourth in the NL West. Jhoulys Chacin has been a g=big part of their starting rotation, and Wil Myers has been a big part of their offense. But Chacin is most definitely the first half MVP. He has a 8-7 record, with a 4.32 ERA, and 88 strikeouts.
San Francisco Giants
The last team is well, one of the last teams. The Giants are probably the biggest disappointment this season. At 34-56 the Giants are in last place of the NL West and 27 games back. Their team is very spread out and they don't really have one superstar. Buster Posey is their best player and he gets my first half MVP. Posey is hitting .324 with 10 home runs, and 35 RBI’s.
