Cal Raleigh's Historic Home Run Chase

Cal Raleigh is on a historic pace, having already smashed 49 home runs this season, breaking Salvador Perez's record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season. With 31 games remaining, Raleigh is on track to hit 61 home runs. However, experts are divided on whether he can maintain this pace.

• Jeff Passan: Believes Raleigh will fall just short of 61, targeting the Mariners' franchise record of 56 set by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1997.
• David Schoenfield: Points out Raleigh's slowed pace post-All-Star break and increased strikeouts, predicting he won't reach 61.

Aaron Judge's WAR Projection

Aaron Judge leads the majors with a 7.3 WAR, but his performance has dipped slightly since the All-Star break. Experts predict his final WAR will be between 8.7 and 9.1, depending on his health and playing time.

• Jorge Castillo: Suggests Judge's recent slump and potential reduced fielding time could limit his WAR to 8.7.
• Bradford Doolittle: Predicts a slightly higher 8.9, considering Fangraphs' projections and Judge's historical performance.

Tarik Skubal's Strikeout Record

Tarik Skubal is on pace for 247 strikeouts, aiming to become the first back-to-back American League Cy Young winner since Pedro Martinez. Experts believe he will reach this milestone, especially with his historically strong September performances.

• Jeff Passan: Confident Skubal will reach 247 strikeouts, given his current pace and upcoming starts.
• Jesse Rogers: Agrees but notes that early clinching by the Detroit Tigers could slightly reduce his innings.

Kyle Schwarber vs. Shohei Ohtani: The NL Home Run Race

Both Kyle Schwarber and Shohei Ohtani are on pace for 55-plus home runs, setting up an exciting race for the National League home run crown.

• Jesse Rogers: Predicts Schwarber will edge out Ohtani with 56 home runs, citing his strong September performances.
• Buster Olney: Expects Schwarber to hit 59 home runs, thanks to his improved performance against left-handed pitchers.

Nick Kurtz's Rookie OPS

Nick Kurtz, with an OPS of 1.026, is on track to become one of the rare rookies to finish the season with an OPS over 1.000.

• Bradford Doolittle: Suggests Kurtz's performance against left-handed pitchers will be the deciding factor, predicting he won't reach 1.000.
• David Schoenfield: Believes Kurtz will achieve this milestone, given his high OBP and careful pitching approach by opponents.

Paul Skenes' ERA Watch

Paul Skenes leads the majors with a 2.07 ERA, but experts predict it will rise slightly as the season progresses.

• Buster Olney: Predicts a lower final ERA due to planned rest by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Freddy Peralta's Quest for 20 Wins

Freddy Peralta is at 15 wins, aiming to become the first 20-game winner since 2023. Experts are skeptical but hopeful.

• Bradford Doolittle: Predicts Peralta will fall short with 19 wins.
• David Schoenfield: Believes Peralta could reach 20 wins, continuing the trend of at least one 20-game winner per season.