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We’ve already had a wild first half of the MLB season, full of plenty of ups and downs, surprises, and an incredibly top-heavy American League. But what comes next? All eyes are on the MLB, and the second half won’t disappoint.
Manny Machado Gets Traded to the Phillies, Helps Them Win The NL East
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The Phillies look more and more like Machado’s destination every day. They have a stacked farm system, a great young team and just one hole to fill, the hole of a superstar. Enter Machado. The free agent to be moved to the National League and lights up the second half of the season. After propelling the Phillies to the playoffs, Machado finally gets a taste of winning and decides to re-sign with Philly. This makes them a juggernaut in the National League for years to come.
The Red Sox Win the AL East and Secure Home Field Advantage
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The AL East is going to be a dogfight in the second half. The Red Sox currently own a 4.5 game lead over the Yankees. Expect that to be no more than two games going into the final series of the year when the two teams face off at Fenway Park. The Red Sox will win the division for the third straight year for the first time in club history. Led by MVP candidates Mookie Betts and J.D Martinez, Boston will send the Yankees back to the Wild Card round again for a faceoff with…the Seattle Mariners.
The Marines Break the Longest Active Playoff Drought
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It happened! The Mariners haven’t been to the playoffs since 2001 but led by surprise MVP candidate Mitch Haniger, they shake off their midseason slump, continue their amazing record in one-run games and break the drought. Sadly, that run comes to an end quickly when they meet the Yankees in a one-game playoff at Yankee Stadium.
A smaller prediction, the Mariners will make one last push at the trade deadline to acquire a starting pitcher like J.A Happ to give them an extra arm down the line. They also want to use up the eight million dollar exception given to them by Robinson Cano’s suspension.
The Cubs Turn it On to Win the NL Central
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The Brewers have been one of the best stories in baseball this year, and have really come into their own, led by Jesus Aguilar. But the Cubs still have a star-studded lineup and a pitching staff that isn’t at full strength yet. Yu Darvish will return to form in the second half, and the Cubs are going to go on a magical run to win the NL Central, again.
Javier Baez will make a name for himself as one of the best players in baseball, and Kris Bryant will return to being an MVP caliber player after coming off his shoulder injury. Don’t worry Brewers fans, your team still makes the playoffs! Where they face off with…
The Washington Nationals!
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The Nationals, who come in second in a very close race with the Phillies, earn a spot in a heavily contested NL Wild Card game. With Max Scherzer on the mound, the Nats can’t possibly lose that game. And they don’t. (Sorry Brewers fans) After a torrid run to the NLCS, led by Bryce Harper, Harper decides to stay in Washington, where he gets paid around $375 million.
