With June approaching, approximately two full months of the 2026 MLB regular season have elapsed—about one-third of the schedule. It's time to assess all 30 teams and assign grades based on standings, underlying performance, and preseason expectations.
Grades reflect whether teams exceed, meet, or fall below reasonable expectations. A strong team with low expectations can earn a better grade than a powerhouse underperforming. Pleasant surprises receive higher marks than disappointing favorites.
AL West
Oakland Athletics: B-
The Athletics sit atop the AL West despite hovering near .500 with negative run differential. The division has been notably weak, leaving first place within reach. The rotation has exceeded expectations on a park-adjusted basis, and catcher Shea Langeliers emerges as a potential AL MVP candidate.
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: D
Baltimore's rotation has faltered severely. Trevor Rogers, a 2025 breakthrough star, owns a 6.96 ERA through nine starts. The offense lacks sufficient production, with Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward delivering merely adequate results. Should the Orioles remain competitive at the trade deadline, veterans including Rogers, Ward, Chris Bassitt, Ryan Helsley, and Andrew Kittredge could attract trade interest.
Boston Red Sox: D+
Boston ranks last in the American League in home runs—a deficiency predictable entering the season. Too many lineup spots produce zero production daily. Ceddanne Rafael excels but profiles better as a sixth or seventh hitter rather than third. The Red Sox could dangle Aroldis Chapman and Sonny Gray as trade chips if they elect to sell.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox: C+
After consecutive historically poor seasons (41-121 in 2024, 60-102 in 2025), Chicago began 2026 at 6-13 but has since dominated. They posted a seven-of-eight winning streak, reaching multiple games above .500 for the first time in years. The two-year, $34 million signing of Munetaka Murakami proved exceptional. Alongside Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas, the White Sox now possess one of baseball's most powerful lineups. Davis Martin has also excelled on the mound.
Cleveland Guardians: B+
Despite ranking in the bottom third of the majors in batting average and OPS, Cleveland pitches effectively—particularly in generating swings and misses, leading MLB in strikeouts. The Guardians barely earned this grade, sitting at .500 as late as May 10 (21-21). Since then, they've accumulated wins and seized control of the AL Central, quietly piling up victories.
Note: The Detroit Tigers section appears incomplete in the source material.