As the 2025 Major League Baseball season approaches its midpoint, it has become evident which teams have excelled offensively and which have struggled. The three most effective lineups have surpassed 300 runs scored, while five teams are still on the verge of reaching the 200-run mark. The Chicago Cubs stand out with an impressive average of 6.0 runs per game, contrasting sharply with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are running at a dismal average of just 2.98 runs per game.

This analysis will provide a comprehensive look at the 'Starting 9' for each of the 30 teams, highlighting the most valuable player (MVP) and least valuable player/position (LVP) based on full-season and full-roster statistics. It is important to note that these assessments are not solely based on individual performances but take into account overall team contributions throughout the season.

For the Colorado Rockies, Jordan Beck leads the team with eight home runs and an OPS of .865, showcasing significant power at the plate, despite the team’s struggles to capitalize on those hits with only nine RBIs from his home runs. In contrast, Kris Bryant’s performance has suffered, as he recovers from injury and has been worth a negative-1.6 bWAR in his lengthy contract. Over in Pittsburgh, Oneil Cruz stands out as the Pirates' most valuable player, contributing significantly with his power and speed, while Bryan Reynolds continues to be a scapegoat due to a lackluster OPS amid high expectations.

On the opposite spectrum, the Chicago White Sox have been buoyed by rookie Chase Meidroth, who is showing promise in his first major league season, while Andrew Vaughn has been demoted back to the minors following disappointing contributions. The Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is also being lauded for his all-around game, as he excels both defensively and on the bases, starkly contrasted by Hunter Renfroe’s struggles leading to his recent designation for assignment.

Evaluating the Texas Rangers, Wyatt Langford is emerging as a promising young talent, while Joc Pederson has been underwhelming in his role despite the team's expectations. In Miami, the Marlins see Kyle Stowers making a name for himself, contrasting with Jesús Sánchez, who has fallen short of expectations after a promising previous season.

The Los Angeles Angels face issues with inconsistency, as highlighted by Logan O'Hoppe's impressive home run totals, while Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon have been plagued by injuries, limiting their contributions significantly. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have struggled offensively despite Rhys Hoskins' impressive batting, with issues on the left side of the infield adding to the team's woes.

Notably, the Detroit Tigers have benefited from Kyle Torkelson's resurgence, but challenges at third base continue to hinder their lineup. Similarly, Aaron Judge is performing outstandingly for the New York Yankees, leading many offensive categories, while their challenges at third base remain a concern. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers is shining in May, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Finally, the Chicago Cubs feature highlights from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, both shining in the offensive landscape, although third base continues to be a weak spot for the team. This overview captures the essence of the MLB season thus far, providing insight into both promising talents and underperformers within the league.