MLB Report Card Grades for All 30 Teams at the End of April | Bleacher Report

One down, five more to go.

Amazingly, the first month of the 2018 Major League Baseball season is just about in the books. We don’t know everything about every team yet. But since we know more now than we did at the end of spring training, it’s a good enough time to issue early report cards to all 30 teams.

These grades are based in part on teams’ records, but more so on how they’ve performed in key facets of the game: offense, defense, starting pitching, relief pitching and so on.

We’ll go in alphabetical order by city.

Note: All records and stats are current through play on April 25.

Ralph Freso/Getty Images

Record: 16-7

It seems that the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rise back to relevance in 2017 was the real deal.

What drove the D-backs’ 93-win season a year ago is the same thing that’s driving their excellent encore in 2018: run prevention. Patrick Corbin is spearheading a starting rotation with a 3.55 ERA, and it’s been a group effort to get the bullpen’s ERA to an MLB-best 1.84.

To be fair, D-backs pitchers owe a fair amount of their success to the guys with the gloves. They’re responsible for the National League’s most efficient defense.

The goal now should be to get the team’s offense, which is sputtering with a .709 OPS, up to par. It may not be there yet, but there’s hope. Paul Goldschmidt, David Peralta and A.J. Pollock are doing their part, and they’ll have strong support once Jake Lamb and Steven Souza Jr. are healthy.

Grade: B+

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Record: 13-10

The Atlanta Braves lost 90 games in 2017 at least in part due to their lackluster offense. That isn’t the case thus far in 2018.

The Braves rank high among Senior Circuit teams in many offensive categories, including first in runs with 127. It hasn’t all been resident superstar Freddie Freeman, either. Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Kurt Suzuki and Nick Markakis have also given pitchers fits.

Speaking of pitchers, Braves starters have been solid in their own right with a 3.33 ERA. That figure will be on shaky ground if Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz and Sean Newcomb can’t kick their early walk troubles, but it does underscore how there’s some good stuff in this staff.

Atlanta also has a bullpen built around a strong core. Together, Arodys Vizcaino, Shane Carle, Dan Winkler, A.J. Minter and Peter Moyland have combined for 57 appearances and a 1.67 ERA.

Grade: B

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Record: 6-18

Props to Manny Machado, who’s been the superstar the Baltimore Orioles always expect him to be. And props to Dylan Bundy, who’s been the ace the Orioles always hoped he would be.

Pretty much everyone else should be ashamed.

Bundy aside, the Orioles are once again putting up with poor starting pitching. He has a 1.42 ERA, but everyone else has combined for a 6.53 ERA.

Traditionally, the Orioles have overcome less-than-stellar work from their starters by scoring a ton of runs, playing great defense and locking down games with a deep and dominant bullpen. That isn’t happening in 2018, though.

Their offense is scoring just 3.2 runs per game. Their defense is dead last in efficiency. And their Zach Britton-less bullpen has a 4.57 ERA.

At this rate, the best the Orioles can hope for is a good first step into a rebuild at the trade deadline.

Grade: F

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Record: 18-5

You know you’re doing something right when you’re one of only 30 teams in MLB history to win at least 18 of its first 23 games.

Even beyond that, the Boston Red Sox have plenty to be proud of.

They’ve carried out an offensive onslaught that’s produced an .796 OPS and 5.7 runs per game. With Mookie Betts leading the way, the Red Sox rank second in slugging percentage (.455) and first in strikeout rate (18.6 percent). Unless you’re Sean Manaea, that’s a tough code to crack.

Just as important are all the runs Boston’s starting pitchers have prevented. Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello are heading a unit with a 2.59 ERA, which ranks second in MLB.

Neither the Red Sox’s defense nor their bullpen are as elite as their offense or starting pitching, but neither has been a big enough weakness to stand in the way of a historic start.

Grade: A

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Record: 11-10

The Chicago Cubs’ offense is still doing what it’s been doing for most of the last four seasons: bludgeon opponents with a deep and well-rounded attack. It boasts a .778 OPS and 5.8 runs per game.

The only twist is that Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo or Kyle Schwarber aren’t the ones leading the charge. It’s Javier Baez, who manager Joe Maddon went so far as to liken to Manny Ramirez.

“He’s got that kind of abilities at the plate,” Maddon told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. “It’s just a matter of maturing as a hitter, which he will.”

The Cubs have also enjoyed a 2.83 ERA from their bullpen. All they need now is for their star-studded rotation to look the part. Jon Lester has been fine, but Yu Darvish and Chicago’s other starters have combined for a 5.53 ERA.

Oh, and some better weather would also be nice.

Grade: B-

David Banks/Getty Images

Record: 5-16

As the weather warms up, so too should the Chicago White Sox’s offense.

The team bears a modest .705 OPS and has scored 3.7 runs per game, but the underlying numbers offer more encouragement. Although White Sox hitters may be striking out a lot (25.9 K%), they’re hitting the ball at an average of 90.1 mph when they do make contact. That’s tied for third in MLB.

That doesn’t mean the White Sox are a contender waiting to happen, however.

While their offense has underachieved, their pitching staff has been genuinely bad, with an MLB-worst 5.74 ERA. The team’s hurlers haven’t been helped by their defense, which is among the least efficient units in MLB.

When it comes down to it, the White Sox are only about halfway to being a legitimate threat in the AL Central.

Grade: D+

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Record: 5-19

Well, let’s see here. The Cincinnati Reds have the worst record in MLB and they’ve already axed their manager. What more do you need to know?

[Chatter in earpiece]

Do my job better? Fine.

Despite having a solid defense behind them, Reds pitchers have still coughed up a 5.36 ERA that ranks at the bottom of the National League. And even Joey Votto (.700 OPS) hasn’t been immune to a teamwide slump that’s rendered just a .645 OPS and 3.5 runs per game.

Look, there’s no sugarcoating it, OK? The Reds are bad, and they should feel bad about being so bad.

Grade: F

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Record: 13-9

It may be a new year, but it’s still markedly difficult to score against the Cleveland Indians.

Despite Josh Tomlin’s efforts to undermine the whole rotation, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Mike Clevinger have cut through opposing hitters to the tune of a 2.13 ERA. In the bullpen, the next run either Cody Allen or Andrew Miller give up will be their first.

With respect to the talent these guys have, they wouldn’t be doing as well without their team’s defense. The Indians have by far the most efficient defense in MLB thus far.

As for their offense…well, even calling it a work in progress would be a stretch. They’ve managed just a .657 OPS and scored 3.5 runs per game. The only hitters who don’t need to heat up are Jose Ramirez and Michael Brantley.

Everyone else, please do.

Grade: B

Matt York/Associated Press

Record: 14-12

It’s been more of a struggle for the Colorado Rockies than their record lets on.

They’re getting what they expect out of their top hitters—i.e., Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story—but the whole lineup has produced just a .700 OPS and 4.3 runs per game. Once the Coors Field adjustment is applied, it rates as one of MLB’s most inferior offenses.

The Rockies have also played inefficient defense, which is of no help to a pitching staff with a 4.85 ERA. And the team’s supposed super-bullpen hasn’t been very super. Wade Davis and Adam Ottavino haven’t been able to rescue it from a 5.30 ERA.

Add it all up, and there’s plenty of evidence that the Rockies are lucky to have the record they have.

Grade: D+

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Record: 10-12

In a surprising twist, the Detroit Tigers are not terrible.

Miguel Cabrera is bouncing back nicely from a rough 2017 with a .329 average and .929 OPS. With strong support also coming from Nicholas Castellanos and Jeimer Candelario, the Tigers are managing a solid .744 OPS and 5.0 runs per game.

Also helping to keep Detroit afloat is its starting rotation, specifically the part that contains Michael Fulmer, Francisco Liriano, Matt Boyd and Mike Fiers. They’ve combined for a 3.23 ERA.

“I want to say we expected it, honestly,” Fulmer said on April 11 of the rotation’s success.

However, those four starters have pitched to a bit too much contact (5.9 K/9), which shouldn’t be meshing so well with a relatively weak defense. When the regression comes, Detroit’s bullpen (4.52 ERA) may not be game for picking up the slack.

Grade: C+

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Record: 17-9

The Houston Astros rode a historically great offense to a 101-win season and their first World Series title in 2017. This year, their pitching is taking a turn at the wheel.

The Astros lead MLB with a 2.43 ERA. They owe some of the credit for that to their efficient defense, but their pitchers have downplayed the need for gloves with an MLB-best 10.5 K/9.

Special credit is owed to Gerrit Cole. With a 1.29 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 35 innings, he’s an early contender for the AL Cy Young Award.

“He’s got everything in his arsenal to pitch to the hitter’s weakness, and then the way he’s executing, he’s not missing,” catcher Brian McCann told Jared Wyllys of Sporting News.

Curiously, the Astros offense has yet to catch fire. But with a .748 OPS and 4.9 runs per game, it’s doing plenty.

Grade: A

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Record: 5-17

Re-signing Mike Moustakas is one thing the Kansas City Royals can be proud of, as he’s chipped in a .942 OPS and seven homers.

For that matter, they can also be proud of how Jorge Soler has remade himself into a consistent hitter, as well as how Jakob Junis looks like a budding ace and how Kelvin Herrera seems to have his groove back.

But that’s pretty much it.

The Royals are struggling to win games mostly because their offense has produced fewer runs (72) than any other team. Their pitching staff also doesn’t escape blame, as an ERA as high as 5.18 generally isn’t recommended. Although, to be fair, this team’s defense isn’t what it once was.

A few bright spots? Mostly dark spots? Yup, sounds like a rebuilder.

Grade: D-

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Record: 16-9

The Los Angeles Angels are excelling neither with elite offense (.735 OPS), with elite pitching (4.16 ERA) or with elite defense (tied for 13th in efficiency). 

However, they are getting what they need from important sources.

Mike Trout, for instance, has never looked more like the best player in the world, as he’s racked up a 1.067 OPS and 10 homers. Unless, of course, you want to compare him to Shohei Ohtani, who’s been as advertised as both a pitching and a hitting star.

As a pitcher, Ohtani has been part of a unit that has often bent but not yet broke. Garrett Richards and Tyler Skaggs have helped by forming a solid backbone in the rotation, and the team’s bullpen has managed a 3.25 ERA despite handling an MLB-high 108 innings.

Have the Angels been a little too good? Probably. And yet, it bodes well that they have room for improvement.

Grade: B

John McCoy/Getty Images

Record: 11-12

The Los Angeles Dodgers have come around since a 4-9 start, and some reasons to be optimistic about further improvement are plainly evident.

With a 2.84 ERA over six starts, it doesn’t look like Clayton Kershaw’s velocity loss is going to be too big of a problem. Alex Wood, Kenta Maeda and Hyun-Jin Ryu are also off to strong starts, as are Matt Kemp and Yasmani Grandal on the other side of the ball.

Despite the best efforts of the latter two, however, it’s clear from the Dodgers’ .704 OPS that they miss Justin Turner on offense. He may be just as missed on defense, as the Dodgers rank 20th in efficiency.

And unlike Kershaw, Kenley Jansen’s own velocity issues have been a problem in the early going. That’s undermining a bullpen that has otherwise been solid with a 3.93 ERA.

Grade: C

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

Record: 7-17

The Miami Marlins have given up 56 more runs they’ve scored, which is the worst mark in MLB.

So, that’s how their season is going. Shall we move on?

[Chatter in earpiece]

Remember the Reds slide? Oh, right.

Jarlin Garcia can’t help but flirt with no-hitters whenever he takes the ball, but the Marlins have a 5.29 ERA despite that. They also have the worst OPS (.618) of any National League team, and the second-fewest runs (81). That’s not to mention one of the worst defenses in MLB.

But hey, at least it’s obvious that the Marlins are tanking for the sake of a better future. You’d have to be mentally weak to argue otherwise.

Grade: F

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Record: 16-9

The Milwaukee Brewers could be without Eric Thames for as long as two months as he recovers from a torn thumb ligament, according to Adam McCalvy and Robert Falkoff of MLB.com.

That hurts. Thames was one of Milwaukee’s best hitters in 2017, and he’s been the best hitter on the team this year with a .976 OPS and seven homers.

The Brewers offense may have enough to weather Thames’ absence, however. They’ve only scored 4.2 runs per game, but that masks a solid .719 OPS that stars like Ryan Braun, Travis Shaw, Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain have had a lot to do with.

Elsewhere, Milwaukee’s bullpen (2.47 ERA) is one of the most underrated assets in MLB. That’s due in no small part to Josh Hader, who’s whiffed 31 of the 53 batters he’s faced. Brewers starters aren’t nearly that good at striking batters out (6.8 K/9), but that’s OK as long as the team’s defense remains excellent.

Grade: B

Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

Record: 8-11

The Minnesota Twins are having a grand ol’ time in certain areas.

Look in the direction of Joe Mauer, Brian Dozier, Max Kepler and Eduardo Escobar, for example, and you’ll see four hitters in the midst of terrific seasons. Look in the direction of Jose Berrios, and you’ll see a budding ace with perhaps the nastiest curveball in the game. Likewise, Ryan Pressly appears to be a budding relief ace.

Just about everywhere else you look isn’t pretty, though.

The Twins have scored fewer runs (76) than every team except the Royals. They also have a 4.98 ERA as a team, in part because they’ve hurt themselves with too many free passes.

Put it all together, and even an 8-11 record seems too good for these Twins.

Grade: D

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

Record: 15-7

This looks like a different sort of New York Mets team than the ones we’ve seen in recent years.

Although they haven’t gotten their offense going yet, it has already established itself as a deep, tough-to-navigate unit. It’s less about hitting home runs and more about keeping the line moving, so perhaps it’s no wonder that it’s been particularly adept in high-leverage situations.

On the mound, there’s still a question about how much the Mets can trust the back end of their rotation. But Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard have been terrific, and there are two other major positives on the run-prevention side of things: a bullpen that’s gotten a boost from Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman, and a much-improved defense.

Like the Rockies, the Mets are probably better than the sum of their parts. The difference is that the Mets’ parts add up to more.

Grade: B

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Record: 14-9

It wasn’t an easy road to get there, but the New York Yankees are now what everyone expected them to be: the most dangerous offense team in MLB.

They lead MLB with an .835 OPS, 38 home runs and 142 runs scored. Nobody has contributed as much as Didi Gregorius, but Aaron Judge isn’t far behind. And even despite their struggles, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez have still combined for 10 homers.

“With the lineup we have, it’s a very good lineup. When things are working well, you’ll notice,” Sanchez told reporters.

Power has also defined the Yankees’ attack from the mound, which has produced a 10.2 K/9. That’s helped result in a 4.01 ERA, which allows for plenty of optimism about what the Yankees will be capable of once Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray and their bullpen all get on track.

Grade: B+

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Record: 13-12

Sure, the Oakland A’s are barely above .500. But don’t let that distract you from how much fun they are to watch.

Above all, the A’s can rake. They boast a .792 OPS built mainly on power. Jed Lowrie, Matt Chapman and Khris Davis, in particular, crank out extra-base hits as if it’s their job (which it is).

The A’s also have one of the best young pitchers in the game right now: Sean Manaea. The Red Sox were the hottest team around when he no-hit them on April 21, and that’s just one part of an overall breakout underscored by a 1.23 ERA in 36.2 innings. 

Outside of Manaea, however, Oakland’s run prevention is a mixed bag. They’re short on reliable pitchers in both their rotation and their bullpen, and their defense is a middle-of-the-pack unit.

Grade: B-

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

Record: 15-8

The Philadelphia Phillies have come a long way from the days when new manager Gabe Kapler seemed to be the biggest threat to their potential.

This has a lot to do with a pitching staff that apparently wasn’t wrecked by Kapler’s early-season micromanaging. It has a 3.13 ERA that’s being fed largely through contact management, as only Mets pitchers have allowed lower average exit velocity than the Phillies’ 86.6 mph.

The Phillies offense has also enjoyed hitting at Citizens Bank Park to the tune of a .762 OPS and 5.9 runs per game. Add that to their strong pitching, and their 10-2 record at home begins to make a lot of sense.

All they have to do now is take that show on the road. That’s where the Phillies are only 5-6, no thanks to a .629 road OPS that ranks among the worst in baseball.

Grade: B-

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Record: 13-11

It’s already been a tale of two seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates: 11-4 to start the year, and 2-7 ever since.

That hot start was characterized by better offense than anyone could have reasonably expected from a team that had jettisoned Andrew McCutchen over the winter. The Pirates authored a .795 OPS and scored 5.8 runs per game.

Since then? Just a .660 OPS and 3.9 runs per game.

The Pirates do have some good hitters, but their lack of truly great ones made a regression like this inevitable. Sans Gerrit Cole, they also have a shortage of great pitchers. That helps explain their 4.45 ERA.

Ultimately, the Pirates’ hot start does count for something. But it’s more so the mediocre totality that represents their true quality.

Grade: C+

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Record: 9-17

If nothing else, give the San Diego Padres credit for having some interesting rookies.

With a 1.219 OPS and seven homers, rookie slugger Christian Villanueva has emerged as one of the top hitters in all of MLB. Fellow rookie Franchy Cordero is a Statcast wunderkind. And rookie hurlers Joey Lucchesi and Adam Cimber have both been sensational.

This is a good sign for a rebuilding team, and there’s plenty more talent down in San Diego’s farm system. The future is bright.

The present, however, is pretty dim despite the best efforts of San Diego’s uber-rookies. On the whole, this is a team that can neither hit (.654 OPS), nor pitch (4.14 ERA) nor field (28th in efficiency).

Grade: D

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Record: 11-13

Well, at least the San Francisco Giants aren’t on pace to lose 98 games again.

They have more good players than they did a year ago. That list starts with Johnny Cueto, who’s recovering from a rough year with a microscopic 0.35 ERA. Chris Stratton has also chipped in good work on the mound, and Brandon Belt and Mac Williamson have the look of a dynamic duo on offense.

But none of this has been quite enough.

No thanks to struggles from new additions Andrew McCutchen and Evan Longoria, the Giants offense is managing just 3.2 runs per game. They also miss Madison Bumgarner, as the non-Cueto, non-Stratton parts of their rotation have produced a 5.30 ERA.

The Giants should remain more competitive than they were in 2017, but likely not enough to ease anxiety over whether their championship window is shut for good.

Grade: C

Rick Yeatts/Getty Images

Record: 13-10

Let’s begin with a PSA: Everyone should be paying attention to Mitch Haniger.

The right fielder showed superstar potential when he was healthy in 2017, and he’s realizing it now with a 1.031 OPS and eight homers. Alongside the same ol’, same ol’ from Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz, Haniger’s hot hitting is rescuing the Seattle Mariners offense from total mediocrity.

As it is, though, it’s mediocre enough. The Mariners have mustered just a .726 OPS and 4.2 runs per game.

It takes good pitching to balance out hitting like that, but it’s been a struggle for the Mariners to get that. Their starters have been especially problematic with a 4.81 ERA, although the guys with the bats also bear some of the blame for playing lousy defense behind them.

So, how are the Mariners 13-10? Mostly thanks to Haniger and luck.

Grade: C

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Record: 14-9

The St. Louis Cardinals are enduring struggles by three of their top hitters (Marcell Ozuna, Matt Carpenter, Dexter Fowler) and one of their bright young pitchers (Luke Weaver).

Pretty much everyone else, however, has been on point.

The team’s offense is being carried by Tommy Pham, Jose Martinez and Paul DeJong, with a little help from the evidently ageless Yadier Molina. The 35-year-old is up to an .852 OPS and six homers.

All told, Cardinals hitters have produced a .746 OPS and 5.0 runs per game. That’s more than enough to back a pitching staff that, led by staff ace Carlos Martinez and rocket-armed reliever Jordan Hicks, has compiled a 3.29 ERA.

It all doesn’t have the Cardinals atop the NL Central just yet. But they’re getting there, and they could stay a while once they arrive.

Grade: B+

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Record: 9-13

The Tampa Bay Rays aren’t good, but they’re at least better than anyone could have anticipated.

They’re 8-5 since getting off to a 1-8 start. Much of the credit for that rebound is owed to an offense that’s put up an .814 OPS and scored 5.3 runs per game. Denard Span is enjoying a rebirth, and the Rays are getting good stuff out of C.J. Cron, Joey Wendle and Mallex Smith.

“It’s a lot of guys that believe in each other,” infielder Daniel Robertson told reporters. “We don’t care who we throw out there. It’s just fun to be a part of. Our clubhouse vibe right now is awesome.”

Pitching remains a challenge for the Rays, though. Solving that will ultimately be up to notables like Chris Archer, Jake Faria and Alex Colome, who have come in far under expectations in the early going. 

Grade: C

Richard W. Rodriguez/Associated Press

Record: 9-17

The 84 losses that the Texas Rangers racked up in 2017 sent out a fairly strong signal that it was time for a rebuild. That signal is now even stronger.

The Rangers lineup isn’t functioning well on either side of the ball. They’ve posted just a .675 OPS and 3.6 runs per game on offense, and their defense is the least efficient in MLB outside of Baltimore.

Another big problem is that the Rangers’ patchwork pitching staff isn’t performing better than anyone expected. Sure, Bartolo Colon continues to be an eternal joy. But he’s rescued neither the team’s rotation from a 4.96 ERA nor the team’s bullpen from a 4.36 ERA.

There’s only one silver lining: The trade deadline will be here soon.

Grade: F

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Record: 14-9

The Toronto Blue Jays wouldn’t have gotten anywhere in 2017 if not for Josh Donaldson, Justin Smoak and Marcus Stroman. So far in 2018, one is on the DL and the others are struggling.

And yet, they’re winning games.

Despite Donaldson’s absence and Smoak’s slump, Toronto’s lineup is averaging 5.3 runs per game. Bringing in Curtis Granderson and Yangervis Solarte for depth is paying huge dividends, and Teoscar Hernandez and Luke Maile are breaking out.

While the Blue Jays wait for Stroman to get squared away, they’re getting excellent work from the ever-underrated J.A. Happ and a healthy Aaron Sanchez. They’re also enjoying a spectacular bullpen that leads the AL with a 2.43 ERA.

Ultimately, the only thing the Blue Jays need to police is a defense that’s been a sore spot so far.

Grade: B

Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

Record: 11-14

The Washington Nationals are getting exactly what they need out of Bryce Harper in their lineup, as well as Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark in their rotation.

Everyone else has work to do.

The most noticeable issue is the lack of support around Harper, whose OPS is at 1.045. The only other qualified Nats hitter above .800 is Matt Adams, who operates in a platoon role. Even with the two of them, the Nationals are only managing a good-not-great 4.5 runs per game.

On the bright side, Washington hitters are helping out with strong glovework. But it hasn’t made much of a difference to a bullpen that’s back in the doldrums with a 5.28 ERA.

There should be better days ahead for these Nats. For now, though, they have a hole to climb out of.

Grade: C

Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, Baseball Prospectus and Baseball Savant.