Fansided

Grading each team through first half of 2023 MLB season

By Marvin Azrak

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 05: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates his solo home run with Sean Murphy #12 in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 05, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 05: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates his solo home run with Sean Murphy #12 in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 05, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves. (Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

MLB Midseason Grades: NL East

2023 MLB midseason report card — Atlanta Braves: A

  • Preseason win projection: 94.5
  • Current Record: 60-29
  • Pace: 109-53

Currently, the Atlanta Braves are the top team in baseball, overtaking the Tampa Bay Rays.  Their recent record of winning 12 out of the last 15 games, including taking two of three from the Rays in Tampa Bay proves this. The Braves have been performing well in various aspects of the game. Ronald Acuna Jr. has been a valuable player for Atlanta and is a strong contender for the National League MVP award.

Despite several injuries, the Braves have managed to stay on top with the help of a deep lineup led by MVP-caliber play from MLB jersey-selling leader Ronald Acuna Jr. and catcher Sean Murphy, along with impressive performances from young starter and all-star Bryce Elder and a stable of relivers. Notably, staff ace Max Fried and Kyle Wright, MLB’s only 20-game winner last season, have only made five starts each and are expected to be on the IL until after the All-Star break.

However, the Braves have overcome their absence and earlier IL stints for key players, including catcher Travis d’Arnaud, center fielder Michael Harris II, closer Raisel Iglesias, and shortstop Orlando Arcia, who returned from a fractured wrist without going on a rehab assignment, and turned in an All-Star worthy first half performance.

Atlanta has a franchise record of eight all-stars (Ronald Acuna Jr., Sean Murphy, Orlando Arcia, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder), including their entire infield, headed to Seattle.

2023 MLB midseason report card — Miami Marlins: A

  • Preseason win projection: 76.5
  • Current Record: 53-39
  • Pace: 93-69

Although some may consider the Marlins fortunate, they have consistently performed well throughout the season. Their -5 run differential indicates they should have a record of 45-47, but they continue to impress.

The team boasts talented players like Luis Arraez, who maintains a batting average near .400, and Jorge Soler, with a team-leading 23 home runs. While reigning CY Young winner Sandy Alcantra has struggled, 25-year-old Jesuses Lezado has stepped up.

The Marlins have a strong record of 28-13 since May 26, particularly in one-run games. Although they have struggled against the NL East leaders, Atlanta, with a record of 1-10, they have performed well against teams like Oakland, Kansas City, Washington, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. Despite doubts, the Marlins may surprise as active buyers at the trade deadline.

2023 MLB midseason report card — Philadelphia Phillies: C

  • Preseason win projection: 88.5
  • Current record: 48-41
  • Pace: 87-75

As of June 2, the Phillies had a record of 25-32. They were tied with the Nationals for last place in the NL East. However, they have turned their season around and have been one of the best teams in baseball, with a record of 23-9. They are now in contention for a playoff spot.

Last week, their 19-4 rout of Washington gave them a positive run differential for the first time this season. They also swept the Rays 3-0 in Tampa Bay, before dropping their series in Miami.

Despite their improvement, the reigning NL champs still have a ways to go to meet the expectations set before the season. It would be a significant boost to the team if Bryce Harper, who has not hit a home run since May 26, could regain his form.

2023 MLB midseason report card — New York Mets: F

  • Preseason win projection: 91.5
  • Record: 42-49
  • Pace: 76-86

Mets owner Steve Cohen invested $445 million to improve the team, but they’re losing instead of winning. Money alone can’t build a winning team. Although they’re fourth in the NL East, the Mets can still enter the playoffs through the Wild Card route.

The Mets had a great season last year with 101 wins, but they’ve struggled despite having mostly the same players this year.

Manager Buck Showalter is known for his meticulous approach, but the team has made errors and mental mistakes. Despite criticism, the Mets support Showalter and don’t blame him for their poor play. The struggles of Max Scherzer (4.31 ERA), Justin Verlander (3.60 ERA), and their bullpen without Edwin Diaz (4.12 ERA) haven’t helped matters.

2023 MLB midseason report card — Washington Nationals: B

  • Preseason win projection: 59.5
  • Current record: 36-54
  • Pace: 65-97

Despite being projected for the worst record in baseball at the start of the season, the Nationals have pleasantly surprised many. While they plan to trade Jeimer Candelario, one of their most valuable players, breakout star Lane Thomas and young pitchers Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore have stepped up. Additionally, the under-25 Keibert Ruiz, CJ Abrams, and Luis García clubs have shown they can play daily.

The Nationals’ focus this season has been on finding building blocks for the future rather than winning games.

Home/MLB