Just because there were only five MLB games on for July 24, 2025, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty of intrigue. There are new leaders, ground gained, and the first needle-moving trade, all packed into these five results. Team and player statistics and rankings are per MLB.
The Guardians certainly aren’t the Pursuers, failing to gain ground on a struggling Tigers squad in the AL Central. Should Cleveland finally admit they are out of the hunt, outfielder Steven Kwan showed why Sports Illustrated reports him as the second most likely trade piece, going off for two homers and a walk in this one. The Orioles’ season is essentially a write-off, except for the potential for talent progression. What happened to the blistering young squad from the first half of 2024?
With help from their diamond in the rough, Toronto’s starting pitcher, Eric Lauer, carried the team to the best record in the AL. For their underwhelming starting rotation, his career-best season ERA of 2.61 is vital. This marks Detroit’s ninth loss in the last ten games. The once-steady pitching staff has slipped to a team ERA of 4.76 and a 20th-ranked OPS across the last 30 days. Everything is going terribly for Detroit at this important part of the schedule.
Led by first baseman Willson Contreras’ four RBI, the Cardinals inch within 2.5 games of the final Wild Card spot, currently held by these same Padres. This loss put San Diego on a mini three-game losing streak, but they remain in control of the last entry. Nonetheless, they are .500 across the previous ten, two more wins than their opponents.
This loss, combined with Toronto’s win, drops the Astros to second in the AL. They are still a comfortable bet to win the AL West, although the Mariners, now five games back, are making things more interesting. Despite the mismanaged franchise, the Athletics have a formidable offense. Their top-ten OPS consists of 135 home runs, one for each of their fans. Look for them to be active in the next few days.
Mariners’ fans are ecstatic today, gaining ground on the Astros, but also acquiring some thump. Per MLB, the team traded for first baseman Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks and sent Seattle’s No. 13 prospect, LHP Brandyn Garcia, and No. 16 prospect, RHP Ashton Izzi. Without a homerun, the Angels are golfing up there. Their fourth-place HR total is the only thing keeping fans from turning into angels of boredom.
End Of My MLB Rant
The Mariners’ trade lit the spark, as fans await further fireworks. Which teams think they have a shot, and which will be milking their expendable assets? One could cut the realistic playoff hopefuls line at the AL Guardians and NL Cardinals.
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