Grading each team through first half of 2023 MLB season
By Marvin Azrak
With the halfway point of the season here, we’re handing out MLB midseason grades to each team. Who is excelling and who has failed the test?
The All-Star break in MLB has arrived. Every team has played at least 81 of its 162 games. As a result, it is now time to assess each team’s performance with a midterm report card.
Each team will be evaluated based on its preseason win total, current trajectory, and grade categories. The preseason win projections by DraftKings were published on March 29, the day before Opening Day. The team’s grade is based on how their current trajectory compares to their preseason win total.
So let’s dive into it, going division-by-division through all 30 MLB teams and giving out midseason grades to each.
MLB Midseason Grades: AL East
2023 MLB midseason report card — Tampa Bay Rays: A+
- Preseason win projection: 88.5
- Current record: 58-35
- Pace: 101-61
The Rays had a strong start in mid-May and were on track to break the record for the most wins in MLB history at 126. However, they couldn’t maintain their pace and have seen a decrease in their slugging. In June, they hit only 25 home runs compared to the 61 they hit in March and April.
Despite this, they’re still considered one of the best teams in baseball. They’ve hit the most home runs in the American League this year (137) and have the most stolen bases (111).
However, their power outage has caused their grip to slip. They’re facing some challenges with Cy Young favorite, Shane McClanahan, landing on the Injured List, and they’ve already lost Jeffrey Springs for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Drew Rasmussen landed on the IL two months ago as well and his status has not been updated.
Despite these setbacks, the Rays remain in a good position in the AL East and may choose to ride out their current situation.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Baltimore Orioles: A
- Preseason win projection: 76.5
- Current Record: 54-35
- Pace: 98-64
It’s interesting to note that the Orioles only suffered a three-game losing streak for the first time two weeks ago. Their previous losing streak happened in May during back-to-back games against the Braves and Rays, resulting in a 3-3 record overall.
Despite this, the team has consistently managed to avoid prolonged losing skids. They’re on track to have the sixth-best record in the league. Additionally, rookie star Gunnar Henderson and sophomore star Adley Rutschman have been performing well for the past seven weeks, adding to the team’s overall success and making it more believable that they will continue to perform well.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Toronto Blue Jays: B
- Preseason win projection: 91.5
- Current record: 50-41
- Pace: 89-73
The Blue Jays possess a strong starting rotation except for Alek Manoah and an outstanding closer in Jordan Romano, who leads the American League with 26 saves. Furthermore, six players on the team, including Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Daulton Varsho, Matt Chapman, and Danny Jansen, have double-digit home runs.
Despite these advantages, the team has yet to meet their expectations for the season, staying close in the wild-card race but never breaking through. The struggles are largely due to their 7-20 record against the AL East. Bo Bichette and Matt Chapman have stood out and are likely to receive votes for the MVP award, while Kevin Gausman has a chance at the Cy Young award.
2023 MLB midseason report card — New York Yankees: C
- Preseason win projection: 93.5
- Current Record: 49-42
- Pace: 87-75
The Yankees are still in contention for a playoff spot and had a historic moment last week with Domingo Germán’s perfect game against Oakland.
However, this season hasn’t gone as planned due to several key injuries. Players like Aaron Judge, Harrison Bader, Giancarlo Stanton, and Josh Donaldson have only played 156 games out of a possible 354. Carlos Rodón, who signed to a six-year, $162 million deal didn’t make his Yankees debut until this weekend, and Nestor Cortes went on the injured list just days after his rotation mate, Luis Severino, made his season debut in May. Severino has struggled himself with a 7.38 ERA on the season.
The grade is because the Yankees have had more players on the injured list than any other team this season, and they still have the potential to perform better. At least managment is taking notice. Following Sunday’s 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs in the rubber game of their three game series, Brian Cashman fired hitting coach Dillion Lawson and hired Sean Casey. The move came as a surprise for it was the first time Cashman had switched coaches in the middle of a season.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Boston Red Sox: B
- Preseason win projection: 78.5
- Current Record: 48-43
- Pace: 85-77
Despite being in the basement, the Red Sox have performed well in the highly competitive AL East, with a 15-11 overall record against the top teams in their division.
However, they have struggled in interleague play, particularly at home, where the Marlins, Pirates, and Cardinals swept them. Despite winning series against division leaders like Arizona, Milwaukee, and Atlanta, they have an 11-18 record against National League teams.
To make up ground in the playoff race, the Red Sox must perform well in upcoming games against NL teams like the Cubs, Mets, Braves, and Giants, as they aim to avoid becoming sellers at the trade deadline.