Key player for each team in second half 2026

The second half of the MLB season usually comes with a mission. For contenders, it’s getting to the postseason. For others, it’s taking stock and looking ahead to improve for next season.

In either circumstance, there are players who teams want to see contribute because they figure to be an important part of the future, one way or another. With help from MLB.com’s beat writers, here’s a look…