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One question per team in the race for the playoffs : American League

There are only three weeks left in the Major League Baseball regular season. And in both leagues, there are questions to be asked (by the teams in the race) about what’s next.

Here’s what we’re wondering in the American League.

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Blue Jays: can the new generation hold out?

It’s no secret that the Blue Jays are a very weak club, and didn’t push hard enough at the deadline. If the starters and forwards can get some support, it will help.

Tigers: will the club run out of gas?

At the start of the season, everything was going well for them. But over the last few weeks, things have become much more difficult. And apart from Tarik Skubal, we don’t know how the club will cope on the mound.

Astros: what can stop this club?

Even if the club loses guys all the time (injuries, transactions, free agents, etc.), there’s a culture there that results in a lot of wins, especially in the playoffs. Will this still be the case in 2025?

Yankees: can Aaron Judge stand up?

Anyone who’s watched baseball in recent years knows that the Yankees aren’t the same team when Aaron Judge isn’t at 100%. He can fix any defensive error with his bat…

Red Sox: will the guys bounce back from the loss of Roman Anthony?

Ever since Roman Anthony got hurt, there’s been a feeling of less energy in the clubhouse. How strong will the guys, including Alex Bregman, be to finish the regular season strong?

Mariners: what is the rotation waiting for?

The Mariners’ rotation was expected to pull the club up, especially after the big additions at the deadline. But if this continues, missing the playoffs will become a real possibility.

Rangers: injuries will hurt, but how much?

Nathan Eovaldi, Tyler Mahle, Jon Gray, Josh Sborz, Danny Coulombe, Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Sam Haggerty, Evan Carter and Adolis Garcia are on the injured list… and the club is in the clear?

Guardians: will the club run out of resources on the mound?

Being caught in the middle of a sports betting controversy just before being able to sell elements (including Emmanuel Clase) at the deadline doesn’t create a great atmosphere in town.

Royals: is it too late?

While the Tigers dominate the division, making the playoffs was always going to be tough for the Royals in 2025. And now, clearly, time is running out for the KC players, who are three games away from the playoffs.

Rays: Is Kevin Cash a magician?

Every year (or almost every year), the Rays surprise. And once again, in 2025, the club is in a position to cause a surprise at the end of the season. Can the manager (continue to) work magic?

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No guarantee that Ha-Seong Kim will be back in Atlanta in 2026

It didn’t take long for Atlanta Braves fans to fall in love with Ha-Seong Kim, who has been on fire since his arrival in Georgia.

However, the question now is whether Braves fans will still be able to sink their teeth into Kim’s prowess in 2026.

Some time ago, almost everyone agreed that the Korean would exercise his sixteen-million-dollar player option for next season, partly because he missed the start of the current campaign while recovering from shoulder surgery, and also had to deal with back, foot, calf and hamstring problems this season.

It made sense, then, for him to choose this avenue and try to rebuild his value next year. But it’s not that simple.

Kim’s agent is the ever-voracious Scott Boras, and next off-season there won’t be many quality shortstops on the market.

Kim will most likely be the best defensive player of the shortstop crop, and if he continues to hit like he’s doing now, the 29-year-old could turn out to be the best player at the number-six position available and end up with a more lucrative, longer contract than his player option.

Perhaps this will prompt Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves to try to retain Kim’s services on the terms of a longer-term contract. Kim’s relationship with Jurickson Profar could also help.

But we must always remain cautious about the chances of a long-term contract extension when Boras is involved.

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Dodgers (again) escape a no-hitter in the ninth

Let’s talk about the Dodgers for a moment.

On Saturday night, Yoshinobu Yamamoto escaped a scoreless, no-hit game after retiring 26 guys in the game. Jackson Holliday hit a home run… and the Dodgers’ reliever finally flinched in a setback against Baltimore.

And last night, though not quite as dramatic, the Dodgers found themselves in a similar situation at home against the poor Rockies.

Tyler Glasnow hadn’t given up a hit in seven innings of work when he gave way to relief following an excellent outing. He had given up one run, so we’re not talking about a typical scoreless, hitless game that was on the line… and what makes it less impressive.

Blake Treinen came up empty in the eighth and Tanner Scott popped up in the ninth. And from there, the club’s trusted reliever gave the Rockies a hit (their first).

It was the Rockies’ only hit of the game.

It really wasn’t as dramatic as last time, since the Dodgers won their game, the starter was gone and a run had already been given up… but it’s noteworthy, nonetheless.

For the Dodgers, who are not in full possession of their resources, to break off another game without a hit is tough.

Note that yesterday, the Padres also won and are still one game away from the top of the division. The Giants also won, as did the Phillies, who faced the Mets. Aaron Nola did well against New York.

The Brewers and Cubs also dropped their games last night, that said.

MLB
PMLB
  • American League standings.
MLB
  • The Guardians brought a no-no in the eighth.

  • Stu Sternberg is expected to keep a minority of the Rays.

  • Sean Murphy undergoes hip surgery.

  • Blue Jays rotation against the Astros.

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Rangers: reinforcements on the way at the height of a playoff race

The Texas Rangers, at the moment, are decimated by injuries. The club, which had aspirations for this season, are currently without the services of Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, Nathan Eovaldi and Tyler Mahle.

It’s hard enough to win in these circumstances, except…

The Rangers are still winning, having won seven of their last 10 games, including two big wins over the Astros this weekend. Suddenly, they’re just a game and a half behind the Mariners for the final playoff spot.

The Royals (half a game) and Guardians (one game) are also within striking distance of the Rangers.

All of which means that the Rangers could use a little reinforcement right now… and it seems to be on the way: Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager could both return next week.

The club is aiming for a return early in the week for Garcia, then a return a few days later for Seager.

https://twitter.com/JeffWilsonTXR/status/1965166863752872108

The club has a big week ahead of it before the two hitters return, as it faces the Brewers and Mets over the next few days. That said, next Monday they begin a three-game series against the Astros… and those games could be division-defining.

At the moment, the Rangers are four games behind the Astros and first place in the division. The Mariners are in the way, but the Rangers can hope to put themselves in a position to catch Houston with a big sequence.

Garcia could be there against Houston… and in Seager’s case, we’re expecting him to return for the series against the Marlins, which kicks off in ten days’ time.

And after a visit from the Twins, the Rangers will finish their campaign with three games in Cleveland against direct rivals in the playoff race. It’s going to be an interesting race right to the end… especially if the Mariners continue to stumble.

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Acquiring Sonny Gray would make sense for the Giants

Like the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, whose visual identity seems to be in a state of perpetual crisis, the San Francisco Giants seem to be searching for their own sporting identity. Unless things turn around, they’ll miss the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. They’re having trouble attracting big names on the free agent market, and the collective seems to be stagnating. So it’s through transactions that they’re trying to improve. The acquisition of Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox is the perfect example.

For the 2026 season, the Giants have only two confirmed starters, Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. The idea of trading for a pitcher in the off-season is anything but far-fetched, and Sonny Gray’s name has been linked to the Bay Area team.

A reliable veteran

With all due respect to the athlete, Sonny Gray is not the type of pitcher who will go to the Hall of Fame. However, he can contribute greatly to the success of the team he plays for. The 35-year-old Gray finished second to none other than Gerrit Cole in the balloting for the Cy Young Trophy in 2023.

The St. Louis Cardinals’three-year, $75 million contract has one year remaining. However, he is due $35 million next season, which could dampen the interest of some teams. What’s more, the team that owns his services has an option for 2027 at $30 million or a buyout at $5 million. That’s a lot of money for an athlete who will be 36 in November and who, for all his talent, isn’t on the same level as Kershaw, Scherzer or Verlander.

Since the Cards have made no secret of their desire to part with him, bringing him back to the West Coast makes perfect sense. After all, he began his career in Oakland and played under current Giants manager Bob Melvin. This could undeniably weigh in the balance this winter for the man who doesn’t necessarily want to be traded.

Twins debacle linked to his departure from Minnesota?

It’s amazing to think, but the Twins have gone from a club playing October baseball not even two years ago to a club in reconstruction.

For Joe Ryan, a former teammate of Gray’s, letting the veteran go was the team’s biggest mistake since he joined the organization. After spending two seasons in Minnesota, Gray wanted to stay, but that wasn’t the case. The way things are going over there, let’s just say his presence on the mound wouldn’t have hurt!

After all, as Sartre said: We are the sum of our choices!

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MLB in brief: Trea Turner out… until the playoffs? | Defensive Elite

Trea Turner out… until the playoffs?

He has a sore thigh and the club hopes to see him back before the playoffs.

Alec Bohm also goes on the injured list. So the lineup is… different, including Bryce Harper as leadoff hitter.

Kyle Tucker’s impact

When will he be back in the game?

Mariners, inevitable?

If they play the right way, they should make the playoffs.

Michael King returns

This is going to feel good.

America’s top recruits

Who are they?

The defensive elite

Ceddanne Rafaela is a machine in center.

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Daulton Varsho misses some aspects of being a catcher

As you know, Daulton Varsho is a former catcher. In Arizona, before becoming a regular outfielder, Varsho played behind the plate for the Desert Team.

In Toronto, he’s an outfielder only. He could go behind the plate in an emergency only.

Early in his career, he was the catcher for Tyler Gilbert’s no-hitter. And on the heels of his appearance on the 6ixinning podcast, he talked about it. Whit Merrifield is a member of the show, by the way.

And in talking about it, Merrifield noted that his former teammate spoke passionately about the receiver position. And he grilled him about it.

You miss being a catcher, don’t you? – Whit Merrifield

I miss calling shots, but I don’t miss being a catcher. – Daulton Varsho

Obviously, right now, it’s illogical to think that Varsho could return behind the plate on a regular basis. After all, catchers do the job they’re asked to do.

But above all, Varsho is so good defensively that cutting out his defensive value in center field would be an ugly decision.

The way he patrols the outfield, keeping him there makes sense. More importantly, if Varsho were to become a catcher, it’s clear that his speed, which allows him to cover a lot of ground, wouldn’t exactly be put to use behind the plate.

So don’t expect a change. But clearly, keep in mind that his past as a catcher, a position where guys see the game differently, should help him perform at his new position.

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Roki Sasaki in rehabilitation

Surprising as it may seem, the Los Angeles Dodgers currently have five healthy starting pitchers, plus Shohei Ohtani.

A lot can change between now and the start of the playoffs, but for now, that may not leave room for Roki Sasaki in the starting rotation if he’s able to make a comeback.

Because let’s just say that, at the moment, nothing is going right for the Japanese, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Oklahoma City at Tripe-A level.

Indeed, Sasaki is experiencing his share of difficulties during his rehab, posting an earned run average of 7.07 in four starts in the minors. What’s more, his fastball velocity has dropped considerably since he threw a few simulated innings at Dodger Stadium last August.

And his manager, Dave Roberts, expected more from his colt.

I’m surprised,” he says. Because the talent level is certainly there. The performances haven’t been there. I think there must be something wrong. And also against AAA hitters, you’d expect more.

Perhaps Roberts shouldn’t be so surprised, since Sasaki had a difficult 2025 season, also struggling in the Majors before his injury. The right-hander made eight starts, posting an earned-run average of 4.72 in 34 innings and a third of work on the mound.

What’s more, Nippon failed to generate as much swing in the gap as he has in the past in his homeland, retiring just 24 batters on strikes during that span.

The Dodgers will therefore be hoping that their young star can get back on track and make a return to the MLB soon, but if not, Sasaki will at least have to show encouraging signs ahead of the next campaign.

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Mariners need Cal Raleigh to wake up

Contrary to expectations, the Seattle Mariners’ pitching corps has had its share of troubles this season, with the possible exception of Bryan Woo, who is lining up one quality start after another.

Instead, it’s the man vying for the American League’s Most Valuable Player award with New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge who has dragged the Washington State outfit along on his shoulders since the start of the current campaign. We’re talking about Cal Raleigh, of course.

And if the Mariners want to qualify for the playoffs, they’ll have to demand even more from their star, who has already given them plenty.

But it won’t be that simple. There’s a reason why it’s so hard to be a great hitter while playing catcher. It’s because the number two position is extremely demanding, and playing as often as Cal Raleigh can only take its toll towards the end of the season.

And that’s exactly what’s been happening since the All-Star break, when Raleigh posted a batting average of .206 with an OPS of .757 over that period.

At the start of the year, when Raleigh was at the top of its game, the Mariners were one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, dominating their opponents more often than not. But when the ambidextrous slugger began to slow down in August, he took Seattle down with him.

If Raleigh is to even have a shot at the MVP award and help its team compete in the fall dance, it will have to get back to its early-season standards, and fast.

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Kyle Tucker with the Dodgers: many executives expect it

We know that many people are tired of seeing the Dodgers sign every big name on the market. But that doesn’t mean the California club’s leaders are going to stop.

In fact, the club, which doesn’t have a 2025 regular season to match expectations, could make a big splash this winter.

If the Cubs don’t manage to keep Kyle Tucker (which is possible, given that the owners don’t always spend enough), the Dodgers could be the favorites to sign him.

That’s what many executives think, according to what Bob Nightengale (USA Today) reported.

Even if things haven’t been so easy for Tucker recently, he’s still a top-quality player. And clearly, several big-market teams are going to snatch him up and offer him a big contract.

The Dodgers clearly need help in the outfield, so Tucker will be a target.

Note that he comes from the Astros, but he’s not “identified” with the signal theft scandal, given that he’s younger. I can’t see fans refusing to accept him if he comes to California.

Right now, the Dodgers have Andy Pages in center field, and he’s not a problem. But in the corners? Michael Conforto isn’t exactly indispensable and Teoscar Hernandez has his ups and downs – especially defensively.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers decided to look for reinforcements in the infield to send Mookie Betts back to right field. But if not, Tucker would obviously be a big addition.

And for that matter, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Teoscar traded this winter either. Would Toronto, which will have to manage George Springer and Anthony Santander at DH, want to add another outfielder who would benefit from being a premium hitter? I don’t know.

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