Grading each team through first half of 2023 MLB season
By Marvin Azrak
MLB Midseason Grades: AL Central
2023 MLB midseason report card — Cleveland Guardians: C
- Preseason win projection: 86.5
- Current Record: 45-45
- Pace: 81-81
The Cleveland Guardians started the season with a 10-9 record but have struggled since then. However, their offense has shown signs of improvement in recent games, with players like José Ramírez and Josh Naylor stepping up their game in June. The improvement briefly allowed the Guardians to surpass the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
Fans are now excited about rookie catcher Bo Naylor, who debuted on June 18. Yes, he’s struggling with a .196 batting average, but there’s hope for the future. There’s also hope for Clevland in 2023. The AL Central is swimming in a pool of mediocrity. Can the Guardians take advantage?
2023 MLB midseason report card — Minnesota Twins: C
- Preseason win projection: 83.5
- Current Record: 45-46
- Pace: 80-82
Minnesota’s pitchers, including Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Pablo López, have impressed this season, each with an ERA below 4.00. Additionally, Jhoan Duran has been successful in his ninth-inning appearances, earning 15 saves.
However, their offense has struggled with a .232 batting average which is ranked 25th in the league. Although they’re in the playoff race, the team competes in the 2023 AL Central, potentially the weakest division in history.
The Twins have made significant investments in their roster, including giving Carlos Correa $200 million over six years, compared to their divisional competitors, but they have yet to see the desired outcome.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Detroit Tigers: C
- Preseason win projection: 69.5
- Current Record: 38-48
- Pace: 72-92
In late May, the Tigers were doing surprisingly well, coming within one game of the Twins and reaching nearly .500. However, their fortunes quickly changed when their top players, Eduardo Rodriguez and Riley Greene, were sidelined with injuries. As a result, the team’s record plummeted from 25-26 to 27-39 in just two weeks.
Despite having several players on the IL, the Tigers have managed to maintain a mediocre record over their last 16 games. However, they are still expected to be a 65-70 win team and may be looking to sell at the trade deadline. Regardless, they’ll always savor the combined no-hitter they notched against Toronto this weekend.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Chicago White Sox: F
- Preseason win projection: 82.5
- Current Record: 38-54
- Pace: 67-95
Although the White Sox are 16 games below .500, the AL Central division is determined to prevent them from giving up. They’re only eight games back of the Twins, putting them closer to a playoff spot than the Red Sox and giving them an easier route than the Padres.
However, apart from Luis Robert Jr. and Jake Burger, this season has been a huge letdown for the White Sox, and it seems likely they will have to sell off some players at the trade deadline.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Kansas City Royals: F
- Preseason win projection: 69.5
- Current Record: 26-65
- Pace: 46-116
The Royals wasted no time trading their most valuable asset, Aroldis Chapman, to the Rangers for pitcher Cole Ragans and 17-year-old prospect Roni Cabrera. By doing so, they turned him into a three-month rental instead of a two-month rental and potentially got more out of the deal.
However, it’s unfortunate that the Royals have had a rough start to the season and are already resigned to playing for a draft position. The new lottery system for the top six picks has made the race between Kansas City and Oakland for the worst record less interesting. Let the tank race begin!