The season is nearing its halfway point, and clearer delineations between the contenders and the rest of the pack have started to emerge in the various division races. With the July 31 Trade Deadline beginning to loom on the horizon, clubs will soon face decision points as to whether they truly hope to contend this season -- and will strategize accordingly.

In the American League Central, there's a clear postseason favorite in the Twins, a pair of clubs that could swing either way in the Indians and White Sox, and the Royals and Tigers examining which of their trade chips they could deal for prospect help as they continue their rebuilds.

With that in mind, we examined one question that each team in the division needs to answer before they formulate their approach to the upcoming Trade Deadline:

INDIANS

The question: Are they realistically still in contention?

The Indians could have a tough decision to make, as they trail the Twins by double digits in the division, but they're also in the thick of the AL Wild Card hunt, with Mike Clevinger set to return soon and more rotation depth emerging from arms like Zach Plesac and Jefry Rodriguez. If they feel that they can manage another run to the postseason with this roster, Cleveland could simply choose to retain Brad Hand and buckle down for the stretch.

But it's also undeniable that Hand -- with his team-friendly contract and remaining team control -- would be one of the most attractive relief options on the market if the Indians do choose to sell. With Trevor Bauer also serving as a solid trade chip, a sale at the Trade Deadline could net the Indians quite a strong return with an eye towards the future. Much of that decision could depend on how other Wild Card contenders fare in the coming weeks.

ROYALS

The question: When does Dayton Moore begin moving the rentals?

There was some organizational talk three weeks ago about the team setting its sights on the second AL Wild Card spot. Of course, that notion has since vanished.

Now, the Royals' goal is moving some of their players on one-year deals, such as Billy Hamilton, Brad Boxberger, Jake Diekman, Wily Peralta and Homer Bailey (whose salary is essentially being paid by the Dodgers). Diekman has the most value as a left-handed reliever who can hit 97-98 mph. Moore began dealing players last June (Jon Jay, Kelvin Herrera), well ahead of the Trade Deadline. The message out there this year to potential buyers likely is: First come, first serve.

-- Jeffrey Flanagan

TIGERS

The question: Is Matthew Boyd part of the Tigers’ future?

The 28-year-old Boyd has three years of team control left after this season, albeit at arbitration prices. He’s a veteran player who is openly excited about the Tigers' rebuild and about the highly regarded pitching prospects on the way. The work ethic and analytical aptitude he showed in his steady climb from secondary prospect in the David Price trade to staff ace and All-Star candidate arguably makes him a good example and mentor for young pitchers coming up.

• Sources: Tigers open to dealing big-name vets

But if the Tigers have any intention of eventually trading Boyd, they might never find a better return than this summer, for his combination of years of control and performance. Detroit held onto All-Star Michael Fulmer amid strong trade interest in the summer of 2017, the same summer as the Justin Verlander trade, and watched injuries erode Fulmer's trade value ever since, making him a cautionary tale. It’s a healthy debate, not only about Boyd, but about the state and timetable of the Tigers' rebuild.

-- Jason Beck

TWINS

The question: How much more depth does the bullpen need?

This isn't the bullpen that the Twins envisioned at the start of the season, with Ryne Harper, Mike Morin and Tyler Duffey forced into increasingly significant roles due to the early-season struggles of Trevor Hildenberger and Fernando Romero. There's no question, then, that the Twins will be in the market for additional back-end bullpen depth to join Blake Parker, Taylor Rogers and Trevor May. But how much more help will they need?

The Twins have gotten rather successful stints from several of their Minor League free-agent signings out of the bullpen this season, including Harper, Morin and now Ryan Eades. But when push comes to shove, can that bullpen depth be expected to sustain its current degree of success, especially in higher-leverage situations and the postseason? That's what the Twins need to evaluate before they shop for relief help accordingly.

WHITE SOX

The question: What should they do with Alex Colome?

The 30-year-old Colome is still under team control for one more season, and if the White Sox continue their climb into the upper tier of the division next season, he could serve as the team's veteran closer as the Sox push into a window of postseason or championship contention.

But Colome also stands as the White Sox most valuable trade chip on the market, with several championship contenders -- including the Twins -- in need of back-end bullpen help. As Rick Hahn said Monday, the market should dictate what Chicago does. So, if the White Sox ask for a high return and get it, they could move Colome. If they don't get it, he certainly could remain part of their future.

-- Scott Merkin