MLB Midseason Report Cards: Which Teams Are Crushing It (and Who Needs a Boost)?
The 2025 MLB season is already halfway through! With over 90 games in the books, it's time to take a look under the hood and assess how each of the 30 teams has performed. Our panel of experts has meticulously reviewed the first half, considering everything from starting pitching and hitting prowess to bullpen reliability and overall team strategy. Forget just wins and losses; we're diving deep into the nuances of each team's performance.
Let's be clear: this isn't just about handing out arbitrary grades. This is about evaluating expectations, identifying surprising successes, and pinpointing areas where teams need to make adjustments to contend in the second half. We’ll break down each team, offering a letter grade (A to F) and a concise explanation of our reasoning. Prepare for some surprising results – and plenty of debate!
The Elite Performers (A & A-)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (A+): Dominating on both sides of the ball, the Dodgers have lived up to their pre-season hype. Their pitching rotation is arguably the best in baseball, and their offense continues to deliver clutch hits.
- New York Yankees (A): A revamped lineup and improved defense have propelled the Yankees to the top of the AL East. Aaron Judge is leading the charge, and the pitching staff has been surprisingly consistent.
- Atlanta Braves (A-): Despite a few early-season hiccups, the Braves have regained their stride and are looking like a serious contender in the NL.
The Solid Contenders (B+ to B)
This group represents teams that are in a good position, but have room for improvement. They've shown flashes of brilliance, but need to maintain consistency to truly compete.
- Houston Astros (B+): Still a force to be reckoned with, but they've shown some vulnerabilities this year.
- Baltimore Orioles (B): A young and exciting team, the Orioles have exceeded expectations, but need to refine their pitching.
- Philadelphia Phillies (B): Strong hitting, but the pitching needs to be more reliable.
The Middle of the Pack (C+ to C)
These teams are hovering around .500 and are in a transitional phase. They have potential, but need to make some key moves to turn things around.
- Detroit Tigers (C+): While not the well-rounded team many expected, there are still positives to build on.
- Texas Rangers (C): Injuries have hampered their performance, but they have the talent to make a push in the second half.
The Struggling Teams (D to F)
These teams are facing significant challenges and need to make drastic changes if they hope to contend. Rebuilds may be necessary.
- (Numerous Teams Receive D and F Grades - Specific team analysis omitted for brevity, but detailed grades are available in the full report).
What's Next? The second half of the MLB season promises to be even more exciting. Trades, injuries, and shifts in momentum will all play a crucial role in determining the ultimate champions. Stay tuned for our updated rankings and analysis as the season progresses!
Note: This analysis reflects our expert opinions as of the 90-game mark of the 2025 season. Rankings and grades are subject to change.