The 2020s in Major League Baseball are halfway through, and it's time to acknowledge the standout performers with the Half-Decade Awards. These awards are based on a mix of statistical analysis and subjective evaluation. The most notable baserunner of the decade is Ronald Acuña Jr., who leads the majors in stolen bases with 143, showcasing an impressive success rate of 80.3%. Despite injuries, Acuña's ability to take extra bases puts him ahead of the competition.

Dansby Swanson has emerged as the best defender, excelling in advanced metrics and leading shortstops in defensive WAR and fielding percentage. Emmanuel Clase is recognized as the top relief pitcher, leading the decade in saves and maintaining a low ERA. Zack Wheeler, despite not winning a Cy Young award, is regarded as the best pitcher of the decade, with impressive innings pitched and ERA statistics.

Aaron Judge stands out as the best hitter, leading in home runs and slugging percentage, while Shohei Ohtani is named the Most Valuable Player for his exceptional offensive and pitching contributions. The Los Angeles Dodgers are crowned the best team of the decade, having secured two championships and consistently appearing in the playoffs.

The life of a baseball fan can be a rollercoaster, especially with the ongoing issues of payroll disparity and team management decisions. The New York Mets' hefty investment in Juan Soto highlights the financial inequalities that frustrate many fans.

This article ranks the top 10 fan bases feeling the heat, starting with the Miami Marlins, who continue to struggle under poor ownership despite a brief playoff appearance. The St. Louis Cardinals, once a powerhouse, now face rebuilding challenges after consecutive non-playoff seasons.

The Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs also find themselves in frustrating situations, with the Cubs failing to capitalize on their market size. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays are grappling with ownership issues that hinder their competitiveness.

As the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox continue to underperform, the Seattle Mariners are left yearning for more from their management. Finally, the Los Angeles Angels, once a model franchise, now endure the longest playoff drought, leaving their fans in despair.

Roansy Contreras, once a top prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has signed with the Cincinnati Reds after being designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers. The 25-year-old pitcher debuted in the majors in 2021, recording a 9-12 record and a 4.83 ERA over four seasons with Pittsburgh.

Contreras joins a Reds rotation that includes Brady Singer and Nick Martinez, providing depth as they aim to improve in 2025. Meanwhile, the Pirates are also looking forward to a promising season with their young talents.

The Boston Red Sox have traded infielder Enmanuel Valdéz to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Joe Vogatsky. This move comes after the Red Sox designated Valdéz for assignment to make room for catcher Carlos Narvaez.

Valdéz had a challenging 2024 season, hitting .214 with six home runs and a negative WAR. The Pirates hope he can regain his form, while Vogatsky, a recent draft pick, joins the Red Sox's farm system.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to improve after consecutive 76-86 seasons, and the health of third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is crucial for their success.

Hayes struggled with back injuries that limited his playtime, but manager Derek Shelton is optimistic about his offseason progress. In 2024, Hayes played only 96 games, significantly lower than his 124 games in 2023, where he excelled offensively and defensively.

If Hayes can maintain his health and return to form, he could be a key asset for the Pirates in their pursuit of postseason success in 2025.