MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand at the 2016 All-Star Break

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The MLB All-Star break has arrived, and while our attention will turn to the festivities in San Diego for the next few days, we are also just a couple of weeks from this year's Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.

So how do our MLB power rankings shape up heading into the break?

The Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers continued to limp their way into the break, and we again have a new No. 1 team after the Cleveland Indians charged to the top spot last week but were unable to hold on.

The American League East is shaping up to be a great race as the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox both trail the Baltimore Orioles by just two games, and all three teams find a spot inside the top 10 in this week's rankings.

Further down the line, the Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals are three teams trending in the wrong direction. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros continue to climb, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are again showing signs of life.

One thing remains true: These rankings are a fluid process, with teams moving up or down based on where they ranked the previous week. If a club keeps winning, it will keep climbing—it's as simple as that.

Included in this week's rankings is a look at where each team ranked on Opening Day, as well as its highest and lowest position so far this season.

We've also named a first-half MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year for all 30 teams.

With that, here's a look at where all 30 MLB teams stand at the All-Star break.

RF Jay BruceChris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 29

High: 20

Low: 30

Last Week: 2-4

The Cincinnati Reds were not expected to be a factor in the National League Central when the 2016 season began, and while they've had some impressive individual performances, that's essentially been the case.

A shaky pitching staff has been their biggest weakness, with a 5.46 team ERA that ranks dead last in the majors. That includes a 5.73 ERA from a relief corps that has converted just 14 saves in 31 chances.

Right fielder Jay Bruce and shortstop Zack Cozart appear to be the two most likely Reds the team will deal before the Aug. 1 trade deadline as Cincinnati continues the early stages of rebuilding.

First-Half MVP

• Jay Bruce (.853 OPS, 20 2B, 18 HR, 63 RBI, 48 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Tony Cingrani (40 G, 10/15 SV, 3.20 ERA, 1.246 WHIP, 6.4 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• John Lamb (13 GS, 1-6, 5.43 ERA, 1.529 WHIP, 55 K, 68.0 IP)

3B Evan LongoriaDavid Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 18

High: 15

Low: 29

Last Week: 1-6

The Tampa Bay Rays limp into the All-Star break with a 3-22 record in their last 25 games. They have a minus-78 run differential during that span, and they've gone from 5.5 games back in the AL East to 17.5 out.

While the Rays were by no means the favorites to win the division, a strong starting rotation was expected to once again make them competitive. The staff has been middle-of-the-road, though, with a 4.46 ERA, and the Rays don't have the offensive firepower to bridge the gap.

With so few impact starting pitchers expected to be available at the trade deadline, the time could be now to move someone like Jake Odorizzi or Matt Moore.

First-Half MVP

• Evan Longoria (.863 OPS, 24 2B, 19 HR, 47 RBI, 47 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Alex Colome (31 G, 19/19 SV, 1.69 ERA, 1.094 WHIP, 11.0 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Blake Snell (6 GS, 1-4, 3.69 ERA, 1.579 WHIP, 27 K, 31.2 IP)

SP Julio TeheranBrett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 30

High: 28

Low: 30

Last Week: 3-4

No one is going to confuse the 2016 Atlanta Braves with a contender, but at 16-22 since the start of June they've at least played competitive baseball over the past month or so.

Truth be told, anything above the No. 30 spot heading into the All-Star break has to be considered a successful first half. For this organization, it's all about developing the young talent down on the farm biding time until they're MLB-ready.

First baseman Freddie Freeman and starting pitcher Julio Teheran both enjoyed strong first-half performances as the two established stars remaining on the roster. It's looking more and more like both will be part of the long-term plans, though the same can't be said for closer Arodys Vizcaino, who figures to be a hot commodity at the deadline.

First-Half MVP

• Freddie Freeman (.891 OPS, 21 2B, 16 HR, 34 RBI, 43 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Julio Teheran (18 GS, 3-8, 2.96 ERA, 0.969 WHIP, 107 K, 118.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Mallex Smith (.691 OPS, 14 XBH, 14 SB, 8 DRS, 10.8 UZR/150)

RP Ryan DullMitchell Layton/Getty Images

Opening Day Rank: 22

High: 18

Low: 29

Last Week: 3-4

Injuries have hit the Oakland Athletics hard this season, and the starting rotation has been a revolving door with 11 different pitchers making at least one start. That's left Oakland in fourth place in the AL West and out of contention once again.

Upcoming free agents Rich Hill and Josh Reddick are both healthy once again after spending time on the disabled list, and both should net a quality return before the deadline. Expect plenty of teams to inquire on right-hander Sonny Gray as well, but selling low on him doesn't make much sense.

He hasn't received anything in the way of national attention, but rookie reliever Ryan Dull is quietly having a fantastic season. The 26-year-old has pitched to a 2.01 ERA in 40 appearances, and he's stranded an MLB-best 36 of 38 inherited runners.

First-Half MVP

• Danny Valencia (.854 OPS, 11 2B, 12 HR, 33 RBI, 40 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Rich Hill (13 GS, 9-3, 2.25 ERA, 1.092 WHIP, 90 K, 76.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Ryan Dull (40 G, 6 HLD, 2.01 ERA, 0.716 WHIP, 9.5 K/9)

UT Eduardo NunezBruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 19

High: 19

Low: 30

Last Week: 5-2

The Minnesota Twins ended the first half with a bang, winning three consecutive series and going 9-5 in their last 14 games leading up to the break.

But it's still been a wildly disappointing season for a team that went 83-79 and contended into the second half a year ago. The young core has not progressed as hoped, and a 5.26 ERA from the starting rotation ranks 29th in the majors.

The lack of starting pitching depth on the trade market could allow the team to get out from under one or both of the ill-advised contracts it gave out to Ervin Santana and Ricky Nolasco, as both pitchers have been passable veteran innings-eaters. Third baseman Trevor Plouffe and reliever Fernando Abad could also be on the move.

First-Half MVP

• Eduardo Nunez (.836 OPS, 15 2B, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 46 R, 22 SB)

First-Half Cy Young

• Ervin Santana (16 GS, 3-7, 4.06 ERA, 1.290 WHIP, 68 K, 93.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Max Kepler (.802 OPS, 11 2B, 8 HR, 33 RBI, 21 R)

CF Mike TroutGary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 23

High: 20

Low: 27

Last Week: 4-3

On the plus side, Mike Trout is once again having a phenomenal all-around season for the Los Angeles Angels despite receiving little in the way of protection in the lineup.

On the down side, it looks like the Angels will be wasting another year of their superstar center fielder as they find themselves 16.5 games back in the AL West cellar.

Getting out from under the contracts of Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson will give the team some flexibility this coming offseason, but this is an organization with an expensive, aging core and little hope for the future with the worst farm system in baseball.

First-Half MVP

• Mike Trout (.991 OPS, 21 2B, 18 HR, 58 RBI, 68 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Matt Shoemaker (17 GS, 4-9, 4.45 ERA, 1.320 WHIP, 97 K, 97.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Jett Bandy (.744 OPS, 3 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 7 R)

3B Jake LambJoe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 16

High: 15

Low: 25

Last Week: 1-5

A busy offseason left the Arizona Diamondbacks as a trendy pick to reach the postseason this year. The first half was a rough one, though, and they enter the break with a thud after going 2-12 in their last 14 games.

The starting rotation that was supposed to be vastly improved with the additions of Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller has instead been a weakness once again with a 4.94 ERA that ranks 24th in the league. Greinke has again pitched like an ace after a rocky start, but now he's sidelined with an oblique injury.

The team already traded closer Brad Ziegler, and it doesn't have much else in the way of attractive trade chips. Fellow relievers Tyler Clippard and Daniel Hudson would be of use to a contender in search of bullpen help, but the second half will be all about evaluating who factors into the 2017 plans.

First-Half MVP

• Jake Lamb (.983 OPS, 19 2B, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 49 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Zack Greinke (17 GS, 10-3, 3.62 ERA, 1.162 WHIP, 91 K, 109.1 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Brandon Drury (.756 OPS, 15 2B, 9 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R)

SP Junior GuerraBenny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 26

High: 22

Low: 28

Last Week: 3-3

Most expected the Milwaukee Brewers to battle the Cincinnati Reds to avoid a last-place finish in the NL Central standings. Instead, they enter the All-Star break with a seven-game lead on the Reds and trailing the Pittsburgh Pirates by just seven games for third place.

No one expects the Brewers to close that gap and legitimately contend for a playoff spot, but they've been a competitive club despite being in the early stages of rebuilding.

Big decisions await on Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy, who remain two of the more popular names on the trade market. They could also look to sell high on shortstop Jonathan Villar, opening the door to a second-half promotion for top prospect Orlando Arcia.

First-Half MVP

• Ryan Braun (.881 OPS, 16 2B, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 35 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Jeremy Jeffress (40 G, 23/24 SV, 2.35 ERA, 1.330 WHIP, 6.6 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Junior Guerra (13 GS, 6-2, 3.06 ERA, 1.069 WHIP, 72 K, 82.1 IP)

SP Drew PomeranzJake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 25

High: 20

Low: 30

Last Week: 3-4

The San Diego Padres organization will be front and center the next few days as the host of Monday's Home Run Derby and Tuesday's All-Star Game at Petco Park.

First baseman Wil Myers and left-hander Drew Pomeranz will be representing the team, and they've been two of the few bright spots for a club that has fallen a long way since entering 2015 expecting to contend.

Speaking on Myers, team official Ron Fowler said "he's not going to be traded," while managing partner Peter Seidler added he's "the type of guy we want to build this team around," according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

The same can't be said for Pomeranz, who could be moved while his value is peaking. There are a number of second-tier pieces the Padres could deal as well, such as catcher Derek Norris, outfielder Jon Jay and right-hander Andrew Cashner.

First-Half MVP

• Wil Myers (.873 OPS, 19 2B, 19 HR, 60 RBI, 61 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Drew Pomeranz (17 GS, 8-7, 2.47 ERA, 1.059 WHIP, 115 K, 102.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Ryan Buchter (41 G, 13 HLD, 2.61 ERA, 1.158 WHIP, 13.0 K/9)

SS Trevor StoryIsaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 27

High: 16

Low: 28

Last Week: 3-4

With 5.16 runs of offense per game, the Colorado Rockies enter the break as the third-highest-scoring team in the NL. But their 5.08 ERA once again isn't enough for them to do anything more than hover around the .500 mark.

Third baseman Nolan Arenado, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and rookie shortstop Trevor Story are all having huge offensive seasons, and there have been signs of life in the starting rotation with Tyler Chatwood pitching well and Jon Gray showing flashes of his front-line potential.

Big picture, though, this is still a flawed franchise that doesn't have the pitching to contend and has consistently struggled to develop in-house arms. After finally moving Troy Tulowitzki at the deadline last year, will CarGo be on the move this summer?

First-Half MVP

• Nolan Arenado (.930 OPS, 24 2B, 23 HR, 70 RBI, 60 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Tyler Chatwood (16 GS, 8-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.286 WHIP, 59 K, 95.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Trevor Story (.874 OPS, 20 2B, 21 HR, 57 RBI, 52 R)

CF Odubel HerreraEric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 28

High: 10

Low: 29

Last Week: 5-2

A 24-17 start made the Philadelphia Phillies one of the biggest surprises in baseball, as they were just a half-game back in the NL East standings and pitching as well as any team in the league.

While they've come crashing back to earth with an 18-31 record since that hot start, it's still been a successful season for the rebuilding club. The fanbase will have plenty of cheer about during a second half littered with top prospect debuts.

Jeremy Hellickson has given the Phillies exactly what they were hoping for when they acquired him in the offseason from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander pitched to a 3.92 ERA over 105.2 innings in the first half, providing a durable veteran presence and turning himself into a viable trade chip ahead of the deadline.

First-Half MVP

• Odubel Herrera (.806 OPS, 10 2B, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 49 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Jerad Eickhoff (18 GS, 6-10, 3.80 ERA, 1.257 WHIP, 94 K, 109.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Tommy Joseph (.794 OPS, 7 2B, 11 HR, 21 RBI, 22 R)

1B Eric HosmerBilly Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 3

High: 2

Low: 19

Last Week: 2-5

The Kansas City Royals stumble into the break with a 7-12 record in their last 19 games, and they're tied for third place in the AL Central at seven games behind the Cleveland Indians.

While the Royals have not necessarily relied on dominant starting pitching during their recent run of success, the rotation has been a legitimate issue this season. Their 4.99 starters' ERA ranks 25th in the league, and they have managed just 34 quality starts in 88 games.

It's hard to envision a return trip to the World Series with the trio of Ian Kennedy, Edinson Volquez and Yordano Ventura fronting the staff. They don't have the farm system to pull off a Johnny Cueto-type deal this time around, and there's not a Cueto-type pitcher on the market anyway.

The in-house arms will need to improve for the Royals to have a chance at a repeat.

First-Half MVP

• Eric Hosmer (.831 OPS, 18 2B, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 45 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Wade Davis (30 G, 19/21 SV, 1.23 ERA, 1.023 WHIP, 8.6 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Cheslor Cuthbert (.752 OPS, 9 2B, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 23 R)

RF Carlos BeltranTommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 13

High: 12

Low: 24

Last Week: 4-3

The New York Yankees are by far the most intriguing team in that gray area between buyer and seller, so it's only fitting they would enter the All-Star break sitting right at the .500 mark with their 44-44 record.

Aroldis Chapman and Carlos Beltran will be two of the most coveted rental pieces on the trade market if the Yankees decide to cut their losses and sell. If they kick off the second half with a hot streak, upgrading the starting rotation will be the No. 1 priority.

Non-rental players such as Andrew Miller and to a lesser degree Brett Gardner could also net a significant return if the team decides to sell a bit more aggressively.

With a 7.5-game deficit in the AL East and a 5.5-game deficit with six teams to pass in the wild-card standings, New York will likely wait until the final days of July to decide which direction to go.

First-Half MVP

• Carlos Beltran (.888 OPS, 18 2B, 19 HR, 56 RBI, 45 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Masahiro Tanaka (18 GS, 6-2, 3.23 ERA, 1.111 WHIP, 93 K, 117.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Rob Refsnyder (.705 OPS, 8 2B, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R)

SP Chris SaleCaylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 20

High: 2

Low: 23

Last Week: 3-3

After a meteoric rise up these rankings with a 23-10 start and a precipitous fall during a 6-20 stretch, the Chicago White Sox are once again playing good baseball heading into the break.

They had won five consecutive series before dropping two of three to the Atlanta Braves over the weekend, going 12-7 since June 20 to once again pull within seven games of the first-place Cleveland Indians in the AL Central standings.

Chris Sale and Jose Quintana have been a terrific one-two punch atop the rotation. But James Shields has not been the answer to shoring up the staff, and Carlos Rodon is now sidelined following a freak wrist injury.

If they're going to have any chance of making a second-half push and contending for a postseason spot, the rotation will be the deciding factor.

First-Half MVP

• Todd Frazier (.782 OPS, 9 2B, 25 HR, 57 RBI, 51 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Chris Sale (18 GS, 14-3, 3.38 ERA, 1.040 WHIP, 123 K, 125.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Tim Anderson (.798 OPS, 9 2B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 19 R)

2B Robinson CanoJoe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 17

High: 3

Low: 19

Last Week: 2-5

The Seattle Mariners have looked like bona fide World Series contenders at times this season, but they enter the All-Star break just one game over .500.

They've gone 9-13 in their last 22 games, highlighted by a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles but followed by a three-game sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros.

Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager lead an improved offensive attack that has raised the Mariners' production from 4.05 runs per game last season to 4.89 so far this year, but an inconsistent pitching staff has hurt them.

Losing ace Felix Hernandez to a calf injury has been a big blow, and the retooled bullpen has blown 16 saves in 39 chances and struggled over the past month or so.

First-Half MVP

• Robinson Cano (.923 OPS, 23 2B, 21 HR, 58 RBI, 64 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Taijuan Walker (16 GS, 4-7, 3.66 ERA, 1.140 WHIP, 80 K, 86.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Dae-Ho Lee (.844 OPS, 4 2B, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 22 R)

SP Michael FulmerTommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 9

High: 5

Low: 26

Last Week: 2-5

The Detroit Tigers had once again climbed into the top 10 last week, but series losses to the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays sent them sliding back to the No. 15 spot.

Rookie Michael Fulmer has been a revelation for the starting rotation with a 2.11 ERA over 13 starts, but the staff as a whole remains a weakness and wildly inconsistent behind veteran Justin Verlander and the 23-year-old Fulmer who has never topped 125 innings in a season.

Offense has not been a problem, as the Tigers are averaging 4.79 runs per game and have gotten a boost in the form of a breakout season from Nick Castellanos.

The 24-year-old may have been rushed to the majors two years ago, but he's delivering on his big-time potential with a .302/.342/.534 line that includes 19 doubles, 17 home runs and 51 RBI.

First-Half MVP

• Miguel Cabrera (.878 OPS, 16 2B, 18 HR, 53 RBI, 49 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Michael Fulmer (13 GS, 9-2, 2.11 ERA, 1.096 WHIP, 72 K, 76.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Michael Fulmer (13 GS, 9-2, 2.11 ERA, 1.096 WHIP, 72 K, 76.2 IP)

RP Mark MelanconJustin K. Aller/Getty Images

Opening Day Rank: 11

High: 6

Low: 18

Last Week: 5-2

The Pittsburgh Pirates bottomed out with a 2-13 stretch of games in June that saw them dip to five games below .500, but they managed to right the ship leading up to the All-Star break.

They've gone 12-4 since that rough patch, closing out the first half with series wins over the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs to pull within 7.5 games of the NL Central-leading Cubs and 1.5 games of a wild-card spot.

With Gerrit Cole injured, Juan Nicasio relegated to the bullpen and Jon Niese struggling mightily, the team has called on prospects Tyler Glasnow (Pittsburgh's No. 1 prospect, per MLB.com), Jameson Taillon (No. 4), Chad Kuhl (No. 16) and Steven Brault (No. 17) to all make at least one start over the past month.

Sorting out the second-half rotation will be the Pirates' biggest priority coming out of the break.

First-Half MVP

• Gregory Polanco (.862 OPS, 24 2B, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 50 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Mark Melancon (40 G, 27/28 SV, 1.23 ERA, 0.982 WHIP, 7.9 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• A.J. Schugel (30 G, 2 HLD, 3.48 ERA, 1.045 WHIP, 7.8 K/9)

CF Marcell OzunaGeoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 21

High: 11

Low: 26

Last Week: 4-2

Despite a disappointing first half from superstar Giancarlo Stanton and an inconsistent starting rotation behind ace Jose Fernandez, the Miami Marlins enter the All-Star break at six games over .500 and tied for second in the NL East.

Stanton hasn't matched the production of fellow outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich for most of the season, but he's been on fire of late with a 1.248 OPS, five home runs and 10 RBI in his last nine games.

If Stanton can keep things rolling in the second half and guys like Adam Conley and Wei-Yin Chen can improve in the rotation, this team has a legitimate shot at contending for a postseason berth.

A 16-24 record against the rest of the NL East will also need to improve.

First-Half MVP

• Marcell Ozuna (.892 OPS, 12 2B, 17 HR, 47 RBI, 52 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Jose Fernandez (17 GS, 11-4, 2.52 ERA, 1.016 WHIP, 154 K, 107.1 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Kyle Barraclough (40 G, 18 HLD, 3.25 ERA, 1.389 WHIP, 15.0 K/9)

CF Yoenis CespedesRich Schultz/Getty Images

Opening Day Rank: 4

High: 4

Low: 14

Last Week: 3-4

The New York Mets drop five spots to No. 12 more as a result of their current injury woes than their recent on-field performance.

Yoenis Cespedes was forced to pull out of the All-Star Game after suffering a quad strain. Noah Syndergaard did the same as he continues to pitch through bone chips in his elbow, and he dealt with dead arm in his last start.

Steven Matz is also pitching with a bone spur in his left elbow and is no sure thing to make it through the duration of the second half, so this team is on thin ice at the moment with three key players hurting.

The Mets kick off the second half with a nine-game road trip, so they'll be tested right out of the gates after the break.

First-Half MVP

• Yoenis Cespedes (.955 OPS, 16 2B, 21 HR, 52 RBI, 47 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Noah Syndergaard (17 GS, 9-4, 2.56 ERA, 1.079 WHIP, 128 K, 105.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Steven Matz (16 GS, 7-5, 3.38 ERA, 1.229 WHIP, 90 K, 96.0 IP)

SS Aledmys DiazGary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 8

High: 4

Low: 14

Last Week: 3-4

The biggest question surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals at this time last season was an offense that was averaging just 3.99 runs per game in support of what was the best pitching staff in baseball.

This time around, the offense has been among the best in baseball at 5.17 runs per game. With the starting rotation pitching closer to expectations, the Cardinals could be ready for a big second-half push.

First, they'll need to sort out a bullpen left in flux by the struggles of closer Trevor Rosenthal.

Promoting flame-throwing prospect Alex Reyes, who put on a show at the Futures Game on Sunday, could be the answer to shoring up the relief corps.

First-Half MVP

• Matt Carpenter (.988 OPS, 25 2B, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 56 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Carlos Martinez (17 GS, 8-6, 2.85 ERA, 1.155 WHIP, 91 K, 107.1 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Aledmys Diaz (.915 OPS, 22 2B, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 57 R)

2B Jose AltuveThomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 6

High: 6

Low: 26

Last Week: 5-2

The Houston Astros entered the 2016 season with legitimate expectations for the first time in years, and they struggled to live up to the increased attention early on.

They slid all the way down to No. 26 in these rankings with a 17-28 start, but they've been steadily climbing the rankings in the weeks since.

Since May 22, they have the best record in baseball at 31-13, and with the Texas Rangers' struggles of late, they are right back in the AL West race at 5.5 games back.

The starting rotation is still not where it needs to be, and the bullpen has been shaky outside of surprise All-Star Will Harris. But it's hard to argue with Houston's results over the past month-and-a-half.

First-Half MVP

• Jose Altuve (.954 OPS, 24 2B, 14 HR, 51 RBI, 67 R, 23 SB)

First-Half Cy Young

• Will Harris (39 G, 9/9 SV, 1.62 ERA, 0.949 WHIP, 9.0 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Chris Devenski (23 G, 4 GS, 2.30 ERA, 1.057 WHIP, 7.2 K/9)

DH David OrtizTommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 12

High: 3

Low: 14

Last Week: 5-1

With a series win over the Texas Rangers and a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Boston Red Sox enter the break trailing the Baltimore Orioles by just two games in the AL East.

There's not a better 1-4 in any lineup right now than Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz. That group has led the offensive attack to an MLB-best 5.63 runs per game, and the Red Sox's .833 OPS as a team is nothing short of ridiculous.

Rounding out the starting rotation behind the trio of Steven Wright, David Price and Rick Porcello and solidifying the bullpen will be the focus of the trade deadline.

The Red Sox already picked up a quality relief arm in Brad Ziegler and a much-needed right-handed bench bat in Aaron Hill last week, and there's a good chance they aren't finished dealing.

First-Half MVP

• David Ortiz (1.107 OPS, 34 2B, 22 HR, 72 RBI, 42 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Steven Wright (17 GS, 10-5, 2.68 ERA, 1.211 WHIP, 94 K, 114.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Bryce Brentz (.761 OPS, 2 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R)

SP Marco EstradaBrad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 2

High: 2

Low: 21

Last Week: 6-1

The Toronto Blue Jays closed out the first half with an 10-3 record in their final 13 games, trimming their deficit in the AL East from 5.5 to just two games.

A 3.64 starters' ERA gives the Blue Jays the AL's best starting rotation heading into the All-Star break, and that's with expected ace Marcus Stroman struggling to a 4.89 ERA over 18 starts.

At some point Aaron Sanchez is going to move to the bullpen in an effort to limit his innings, and that's when Stroman will have to give the staff a boost. He's more than capable of doing that, and he looked sharp last time out with three hits and two runs allowed in eight innings of work.

Drew Hutchison is also capable of making an impact. The right-hander allowed six hits and three earned runs in a spot start last week, and he's gone 6-3 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.065 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 87.1 innings for Triple-A Buffalo.

First-Half MVP

• Josh Donaldson (1.017 OPS, 20 2B, 23 HR, 63 RBI, 80 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Marco Estrada (16 GS, 5-3, 2.93 ERA, 0.987 WHIP, 99 K, 104.1 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Joe Biagini (31 G, 2 HLD, 2.91 ERA, 1.441 WHIP, 8.2 K/9)

SP Clayton KershawCharles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 15

High: 4

Low: 16

Last Week: 4-3

The Los Angeles Dodgers have their work cut out for them chasing down the San Francisco Giants, who hold a 6.5-game lead in the NL West.

With Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu both back healthy and Bud Norris throwing well in two starts since L.A. acquired him from the Atlanta Braves, the starting rotation has a chance to be a strength once again in the second half.

First things first—Clayton Kershaw needs to get healthy. He threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday but is not expected to be ready to return following the All-Star break, according to Doug Padilla of ESPN.com.

Offensively, rookie Corey Seager has done a lot of the heavy lifting in the second half. Adrian Gonzalez has posted a 1.151 OPS with five extra-base hits and nine RBI in 10 games so far this month, so perhaps he's finally ready to make a significant impact.

First-Half MVP

• Clayton Kershaw (16 GS, 11-2, 1.79 ERA, 0.727 WHIP, 145 K, 121.0 IP)

First-Half Cy Young

• Clayton Kershaw (16 GS, 11-2, 1.79 ERA, 0.727 WHIP, 145 K, 121.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Corey Seager (.879 OPS, 22 2B, 17 HR, 42 RBI, 60 R)

RP Zach BrittonMitchell Layton/Getty Images

Opening Day Rank: 24

High: 2

Low: 24

Last Week: 4-2

The Baltimore Orioles stumbled a bit with a five-game losing streak at the beginning of the month, but they got back on track last week with series wins over the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels.

That's enough for them to maintain a two-game lead in the AL East standings heading into the break, and they continue to dominate at home with a 33-14 record at Camden Yards.

It's been the same story all season with the Orioles. They have a high-powered offense and a terrific bullpen, but the starting rotation lacks a front-line starter and anything in the way of consistency.

Even at 15 games over .500, it's hard to view the Orioles as a legitimate World Series contender with their current rotation. Expect them to address that weakness with an addition of some sort before the Aug. 1 deadline.

First-Half MVP

• Manny Machado (.944 OPS, 29 2B, 19 HR, 53 RBI, 62 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Zach Britton (38 G, 27/27 SV, 0.72 ERA, 0.823 WHIP, 10.3 K/9)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Mychal Givens (34 G, 8 HLD, 3.35 ERA, 1.438 WHIP, 11.2 K/9)

3B Kris BryantBill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 1

High: 1

Low: 5

Last Week: 2-5

Despite the fact they have seven players making the trip to San Diego for the All-Star Game, the Chicago Cubs should benefit as much as anyone from the opportunity to rest and reset that comes with the midseason break.

After holding the No. 1 spot in these rankings for the first 12 weeks of the season, they drop for the third consecutive week after series losses to the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.

They're now 6-15 in their last 21 games.

Even with those recent struggles, they're the highest-scoring team in the NL (5.23 runs per game), second in MLB in team ERA (3.36), first in starters' ERA (3.09) and first in run differential (plus-139).

First-Half MVP

• Kris Bryant (.962 OPS, 21 2B, 25 HR, 65 RBI, 73 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Jake Arrieta (18 GS, 12-4, 2.68 ERA, 1.093 WHIP, 121 K, 114.1 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Willson Contreras (.948 OPS, 4 2B, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 11 R)

SP Cole HamelsAnthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 5

High: 2

Low: 11

Last Week: 2-5

Another team that welcomes the All-Star break with open arms, the Texas Rangers have gone 3-9 with a minus-42 run differential in their last 12 games.

Kyle Lohse joined the rotation last week as the latest fill-in for the injured trio of Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis. Getting the staff back to 100 percent will be key if the Rangers are going to hold off the Houston Astros in the AL West.

With one of the deepest farm systems in baseball and a front office that has never shied away from the big deadline deal, there's a strong possibility the Rangers will make some moves before the Aug. 1 deadline.

They start the second half with a nine-game road trip, beginning with a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs as those two teams look to get things back on track.

First-Half MVP

• Ian Desmond (.899 OPS, 22 2B, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 65 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Cole Hamels (18 GS, 9-2, 3.21 ERA, 1.330 WHIP, 109 K, 112.0 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Nomar Mazara (.750 OPS, 9 2B, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 36 R)

SP Stephen StrasburgGeoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 10

High: 2

Low: 10

Last Week: 4-3

The Washington Nationals got the best of the New York Mets once again last week, taking three of four from their division rival to close out the first half with a six-game lead in the NL East.

The decision to extend Stephen Strasburg with a seven-year, $175 million deal ahead of his impending free agency is looking better and better each time he takes the ball. He's gone 12-0 with a 2.62 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 106.2 innings in a dominant first half.

He's far from the only standout on a pitching staff that leads the majors with a 3.29 team ERA. It's also tops in the NL in quality starts (57), second in strikeouts (854) and third in opponents' batting average (.231).

Incumbent shortstop Danny Espinosa and the entire starting rotation were impressive in the first half, but shortstop Trea Turner and right-hander Lucas Giolito could make an impact in the second half as well.

First-Half MVP

• Daniel Murphy (.985 OPS, 25 2B, 17 HR, 66 RBI, 53 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Stephen Strasburg (16 GS, 12-0, 2.62 ERA, 1.013 WHIP, 132 K, 106.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Trea Turner (3-for-7, 1 2B)

SS Francisco LindorJoe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 14

High: 1

Low: 22

Last Week: 3-4

The Cleveland Indians' stay in the No. 1 spot was short-lived, but they're not going anywhere as far as their chances of contending for the AL pennant are concerned.

They've built a 6.5-game lead in the AL Central on the strength of a dominant starting rotation and an improved offensive attack that has a chance to be even better once All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley returns.

Brantley has played just 11 games this season after suffering a setback with his surgically repaired right shoulder, but he's on the rehab trail once again.

"Sometimes you try to say things in a PC way, but we are excited," manager Terry Francona said of the progress Brantley has made since a June 21 cortisone shot, per Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer.

First-Half MVP

• Francisco Lindor (.823 OPS, 20 2B, 10 HR, 45 RBI, 60 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Danny Salazar (17 GS, 10-3, 2.75 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, 118 K, 104.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Tyler Naquin (.965 OPS, 7 2B, 9 HR, 22 RBI, 26 R)

SP Madison BumgarnerCharles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day Rank: 7

High: 1

Low: 16

Last Week: 5-1

The San Francisco Giants and ace Madison Bumgarner put an exclamation point on a terrific first half Sunday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

MadBum took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and featured a dominant curveball on his way to striking out 14 in what wound up being a one-hit shutout.

The Giants closed out the first half with an 8-2 record in their final 10 games, building their lead to 6.5 games over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

Considering their recent success has come with the likes of Hunter Pence, Joe Panik, Matt Duffy and Cory Gearrin on the disabled list, it's reasonable to think the Giants can get significantly better even if they don't make any major deadline additions.

First-Half MVP

• Brandon Belt (.928 OPS, 27 2B, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 46 R)

First-Half Cy Young

• Madison Bumgarner (19 GS, 10-4, 1.94 ERA, 0.964 WHIP, 146 K, 129.2 IP)

First-Half Rookie of the Year

• Derek Law (32 G, 5 HLD, 2.90 ERA, 1.097 WHIP, 9.6 K/9)

All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.