Grading each team through first half of 2023 MLB season
By Marvin Azrak
MLB Midseason Grades: NL Central
2023 MLB midseason report card — Cincinnati Reds: A
- Preseason win projection: 65.5
- Current Record: 50-41
- Pace: 89-73
Even before calling up Elly De La Cruz on June 6, the Reds were starting to heat up, winning seven out of 12 before the rookie’s triumphant arrival. But since getting their star prospect on the roster, they’ve been 22-8. Joey Votto returning helps too.
Whether they win the NL Central remains to be seen, but the Reds will probably be the first team to reach the over on their preseason win total.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Milwaukee Brewers: B
- Preseason win projection: 85.5
- Current Record: 49-42
- Pace: 87-75
The Brewers have been consistently close to the top of the NL Central division throughout the season, sometimes even taking the lead by a couple of games. However, they have also been a close second. As the regular season nears its end, they are likely to still be in the running for the NL Central crown.
There are some concerns, though. Will pitcher Brandon Woodruff recover from his shoulder injury in time? Can Corbin Burnes, who has performed well this season with a 4.00 ERA, step up and help the team finish strong? Christian Yelich, who had a great June with a .311 batting average, could also make a significant contribution and potentially replicate his NL MVP form from five years ago.
Despite not meeting preseason expectations, it still seems like Milwaukee’s division to lose.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Chicago Cubs: B
- Preseason win projection: 77.5
- Current Record: 42-47
- Pace: 76-86
The Cubs have the potential to follow in the Mariners’ footsteps from last season by becoming a strong contender after a surge in early July. They possess exciting young talents such as Nico Hoerner, All-Star Justin Steele, Christopher Morel and Patrick Wisdom.
However, despite this, the Cubs have yet to achieve a winning record and remain an unpredictable team one month before the trade deadline.
They could either improve and win the NL Central or struggle through a relatively easy second half of July before potentially trading their stars, including All-Star Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger.
2023 MLB midseason report card — Pittsburgh Pirates: B
- Preseason win projection: 68.5
- Current Record: 41-49
- Pace: 75-87
Despite the solid performances of veteran players Rich Hill, Andrew McCutchen, and Carlos Santana, the Pirates have struggled in recent months.
While young players like Mitch Keller and Jack Suwinski show promise for the future, the team has only won 22 of their last 60 games after winning 20 of their first 28, putting them in competition with Oakland and Kansas City for the worst record since late April. The Pirates suffered a 10-game losing streak and lost a home series to the A’s.
They will only win their division if they go on a hot streak.
2023 MLB midseason report card — St. Louis Cardinals: F
- Preseason win projection: 88.5
- Current Record: 38-52
- Pace: 68-94
The Cardinals struggled at the start of the season but showed improvement in late May by winning 14 of their last 20 games and moving up to third place in the division, only four games behind.
However, their success was short-lived as they lost 17 of their next 26 games, including a humiliating 14-0 defeat to the Astros in their final game of June. As a result, the outlook for the team in St. Louis during August and September may not be very promising.
There is speculation about whether they will trade some of their pitchers who will become free agents next month or hold onto them, such as Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, Jordan Hicks, and others. If they do decide to trade their pitchers, they may also consider moving Paul Goldschmidt or Tyler O’Neill, who are scheduled to become free agents after next season.