New York’s Mets face a decisive late-season sprint as a seven-game skid threatens their playoff hopes, even with Soto delivering MVP-like numbers. The AL Wild Card picture tightens with Seattle closing in on Houston, while the NL race features Mets, Giants, Reds and D-backs all within striking distance. Byes go to the Blue Jays and Tigers in the AL and Brewers and Phillies in the NL, but a final regular-season series tiebreaker will determine some crucial spots.

The stretch run promises volatility: a couple of wins can vault teams into clinching scenarios, while losses can flip a wildcard order overnight. Fantasy managers must monitor lineup shifts, bullpen usage, and park factors as teams jockey for a postseason berth in the two weeks ahead.

Jose Altuve exited Houston’s 6-2 win over Atlanta with right-foot discomfort, a cautious move by manager Joe Espada as the nine-time All-Star tests the issue.

Altuve, who leads Houston with 25 homers and has produced 70 RBIs while appearing in 144 games, sits at 2,378 career hits—second on the Astros’ franchise list behind Craig Biggio after passing Jeff Bagwell earlier this season. His status looms over Houston’s pursuit of the AL West crown, tied with Seattle.

Juan Soto has delivered a star turn in Queens, blasting his 40th homer as the Mets chase a hopeful postseason finish. He sits at 40 HR, 32 stolen bases and 118 walks, placing him in an elite 40 30 100 club with only Bonds and Bagwell ever reaching those marks in the same season window. Soto also joins a rare list of players who have hit 40 homers with different teams in consecutive seasons, underscoring both his power and adaptability while the Mets grapple with a late season skid that could derail big payoffs.

Despite Soto power, the Mets have dropped eight straight and sit 21 30 in the second half, threatening a disappointing end to a contract that reshaped MLBs payroll landscape. The season opens the door to MVP chatter on a personal high note, even as the team fights to salvage a playoff berth. The contract race sits in the backdrop as Soto continues to produce at an historically elite level.