What happened: The Miami Marlins led the majors in winning percentage and ERA in June and ranked fourth in OPS, per Alden Gonzalez. With July approaching, they sit five games over .500 and tied with the San Diego Padres for the final wild-card spot.

Why it matters: A club many pegged as a deadline seller has played its way into postseason contention, a turn that could change how Miami handles ace Sandy Alcantara and other veterans. The longer the same Marlins stay in the race, the stronger the case to hold rather than trade.

What to watch: Watch whether Miami's front office pivots from selling toward holding as the trade deadline nears, with Alcantara's status the clearest signal of its direction.