Grading the 2023 season for every MLB team

For the reason that commerce of Paul Goldschmidt 5 years in the past, we have heard that the youngsters are coming in Arizona. They lastly arrived in 2023, with kids Corbin Carroll and Gabriel Moreno contributing significantly together with veterans Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Supervisor Torey Lovullo and pitching coach Brent Strom deserve credit score for piecing collectively the pitching employees behind Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, whereas the acquisition of nearer Paul Sewald on the deadline doubtless put the D’Backs excessive for a playoff spot.

Something in need of a World Collection championship might be a disappointment after the spectacular season Atlanta had in 2023. The offense was historic, led by Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson, whereas the pitching survived simply nice regardless of main accidents to Max Fried and Kyle Wright. Spencer Strider continued to determine himself as essentially the most dominant pitcher within the sport, whereas the bullpen was as deep as any in baseball. The Braves have now had back-to-back 100-plus win seasons after profitable the World Collection in 2021.

Baltimore shocked to publish a profitable report final season, and made one other leap this yr behind their younger roster. The breakout stars had been quite a few, together with Gunnar Henderson, Kyle Bradish, and Grayson Rodriguez, whereas the entrance workplace additionally uncovered main belongings in Yennier Cano, Aaron Hicks, and Ryan O’Hearn. Regardless of an enormous early AL East deficit behind Tampa Bay, Baltimore gained the division with relative ease.

Lacking the playoffs for the second straight yr and falling in need of .500, Boston fired baseball ops head Chaim Bloom. Regardless of the sub-par season, Boston must be inspired by the efficiency of many younger gamers together with Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford. The group entered the yr handicapped by Trevor Story’s harm and Chris Sale’s incapacity to remain wholesome. The brand new entrance workplace head can have rather a lot to work with heading into 2024.

The Cubs acquired essentially the most out of their 2023 roster, ending within the prime 10 in runs scored and the center of the pack in run prevention. The teaching employees efficiently revived Cody Bellinger’s profession, whereas Christopher Morel additionally continued to develop effectively offensively. Marcus Stroman was a Cy Younger candidate early earlier than accidents struck, and Justin Steele maintained elite efficiency the whole season. The group additionally constructed a bullpen nearly out of nothing, led by new nearer Adbert Alzolay and journeyman Julian Merryweather. Chicago’s collapse late within the yr to overlook the playoffs should not be forgotten, however the huge image exhibits progress.

If there is a grade beneath an F, the White Sox could be deserving. The group skilled their fifth 100-loss season in historical past regardless of Spring Coaching expectation of a playoff berth. The White Sox had the second-worst run whole, as bats like Tim Anderson, Andrew Benintendi, and Yoan Moncada carried out effectively beneath expectation. The beginning rotation was almost as poor, with Dylan Stop ending with a 4.58 ERA and Lance Lynn sporting an ERA above 6.00 earlier than getting traded. New GM Chris Getz has his work lower out for him, and it is a shock the group opted to retain supervisor Pedro Grifol.

Cincinnati got here simply in need of a playoff spot, an final result few anticipated after dropping 100 video games in 2022. Just like the Orioles, Cincinnati’s rebuild has produced sooner than anticipated with rookies Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Will Benson, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, Andrew Abbott, and Brandon Williamson delivering instantly. The one discouraging signal was the struggles with efficiency and sturdiness from starters Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, and Nick Lodolo.

Except Jose Ramirez and the Naylor brothers, it is exhausting to see how Cleveland’s offense may have carried out worse. They end the yr close to the underside of the league in runs after disappointing seasons from Andre Gimenez, Steven Kwan, Oscar Gonzalez, and departed gamers Josh Bell and Amed Rosario. The pitching employees additionally had some powerful luck with arm accidents for Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, and Cal Quantrill, although rookies Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen, and Gavin Williams present actual hope. The group has extra younger gamers coming, however want to deal with the lineup within the offseason.

The Rox had powerful luck with accidents, however their struggles weren’t unexpected. Their franchise’s first 100-loss season featured arm accidents to German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela that can alter their 2024 plans, whereas franchise participant Kris Bryant additionally missed half the yr. Colorado noticed some encouraging developments from younger regulars Ezequiel Tovar, Brenton Doyle, and Elehuris Montero, however the group seems nowhere near competing.

Detroit’s sub-.500 season nonetheless deserves a optimistic grade. The beginning rotation was strong with a rebound season from Eduardo Rodriguez, the return of Tarik Skubal from harm, and the emergence of Reese Olson. Whereas close to the underside of the league in runs scored, the lineup additionally noticed breakout seasons from former first-rounders Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson together with Kerry Carpenter. The group might be able to compete within the AL Central if possession is prepared to spend through the offseason.

The defending World Collection champs appeared to be sleepwalking early within the season, however the return of Jose Altuve from harm and acquisition of Justin Verlander helped spur the group again to the playoffs. Houston noticed nice seasons from the standard suspects, together with Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, and Framber Valdez, whereas younger gamers Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz made up for struggles from Jose Abreu and Jeremy Pena.

KC skilled their third 100-loss season since 2018, with new supervisor Matt Quatraro getting a impolite welcoming. With the exceptions of Bobby Witt Jr., the homegrown abilities took an enormous step again. The excellent news is that the group did effectively on the commerce deadline, discovering Cole Ragans and Nelson Velazquez to construct round in 2024.

Nothing in need of the playoffs would have been deemed successful for the Angels within the ultimate season of Shohei Ohtani’s contract. As traditional, expensive accidents to franchise gamers Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon put Anaheim behind the 8-ball, and incremental offseason additions Brandon Drury, Hunter Renfroe, and Tyler Anderson had been unable to choose up the slack. The group compounded their points by shopping for on the commerce deadline as an alternative of promoting Ohtani, after they have little likelihood of competing for a playoff spot.

If solely each “rebuild” was this simple. The Dodgers suffered vital offseason losses, led by Trea Turner, Tyler Anderson, and Cody Bellinger, and in addition noticed Walker Buehler and Gavin Lux endure season-ending accidents earlier than the 2023 season. But, the group nonetheless gained 100 video games as veterans Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and J.D. Martinez powered the offense, and the pitching had simply sufficient depth. The group’s NL West dominance seems unstoppable.

By most analytical measures, the Marlins had been fortunate to win 84 video games and make the playoffs in 2023. The group scored the fewest runs within the NL, completed with a negative-57 run differential, and went a staggering 33-14 in one-run video games. But, the outcomes are what they’re, and the group superior in what was thought of by many to be baseball’s most tough division. A outstanding season from Luis Arraez was the headliner, however sturdy years from Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett, and rookie Eury Perez should not be missed. Possession and GM Kim Ng additionally deserve credit score for going all-in on the commerce deadline, buying David Robertson, Josh Bell, and Jake Burger.

After a sluggish begin, Milwaukee’s pitching got here collectively within the second half with its trio of aces (Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta) pitching as anticipated. All of the whereas, the Brewers additionally broke in a bunch of thrilling younger gamers, together with Brice Turang, Joey Wiemer, and Sal Frelick. William Contreras had a terrific season after being acquired from Atlanta within the offseason, and Christian Yelich remained the chief atop the lineup. Whereas unspectacular, Milwaukee’s 92-win season and NL Central crown are mission achieved.

The Twins returned to the playoffs for the primary time since 2020, albeit in one of many worst divisions in current reminiscence. That should not take away from what the group achieved, with an elite beginning rotation led by Sonny Grey and a deep lineup with rising kids Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, and Matt Wallner. The shortage of contribution from extremely paid stars Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa is a priority going ahead, however would not put a damper on the group’s AL Central division crown.

The group with the best payroll in MLB historical past failed miserably and offered off belongings on the commerce deadline, led by Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Whereas Francisco Lindor and Kodai Senga gave the impression to be cash effectively spent, the checklist of disappointing stars went effectively past Scherzer and Verlander. The Mets are set to regroup within the offseason and noticed promising performances from rookies Francisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio, however a 74-win season was effectively beneath the ground of expectation.

The Yankees had been in a position to retain Aaron Decide and add Carlos Rodon final offseason, however accidents to that pair and a normal lack of depth doomed the group in 2023. The lineup was very skinny as they labored in younger gamers Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, with one other disappointing yr from Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu. Other than Gerrit Cole, the beginning rotation was additionally in shambles. The group hopes an inflow of younger expertise in 2024 turns the tide.

The A’s met expectations in 2023, which is to say they had been one of many worst groups in current reminiscence with 112 losses. For essentially the most half, their odd offseason signings of Jace Peterson, Aledmys Diaz, and Trevor Might did not pan out, and the early returns for Sean Murphy (Esteury Ruiz, Freddy Tarnok, Kyle Muller) do not look good. So as to add insult to harm for Oakland followers, the transfer to Las Vegas took an enormous step ahead. The emergence of Brent Rooker and Ryan Noda had been just a few shiny spots.

Philly needed to tread water early within the yr after the season-ending harm to Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper’s restoration from elbow surgical procedure. They did simply that, and went on to win 90 video games, their highest whole since 2011. When all of it got here collectively within the second half, the offense was a juggernaut with Trea Turner discovering his footing, whereas Kyle Schwarber, Bryston Stott, and Nick Castellanos additionally had strong years, albeit uneven. The bullpen wasn’t the issue we have seen lately following the additions of Craig Kimbrel, Matt Strahm, Gregory Soto, and Jeff Hoffman, and the beginning rotation was deep, led by Zack Wheeler.

The Pirates gave their followers false optimism with a quick begin to the 2023 season between regressing, however 76 wins are particular progress. There have been a number of secondary wins for the group, together with re-signing Bryan Reynolds, breakout years from Mitch Keller and Johan Oviedo, and the arrival of ballyhooed prospects Henry Davis, Endy Rodriguez, and others. Nonetheless, the early lack of Oneil Cruz was disappointing, and the group would not look a lot nearer to profitable a division title than they had been one yr in the past.

An 82-win season from this loaded Padres roster is an enormous disappointment, however we might be remiss to not point out the group’s unhealthy luck. San Diego’s plus-104 run differential was the most effective within the NL, however they completed 9-23 in one-run video games and 2-12 in further innings. The group additionally had a number of nice particular person performances, together with Juan Soto (.930 OPS), Ha-Seong Kim, doubtless NL Cy Younger Blake Snell, Seth Lugo, and Josh Hader. The group is predicted to shed payroll within the offseason, however do not be shocked in the event that they’re again within the thick of the playoff race subsequent season.

After profitable 107 video games and within the NL West in 2021, the Giants hovered round .500 and missed the playoffs for the second straight yr. Their failure so as to add star energy through the offseason got here again to chew them, with a lineup crammed with mediocrity and failure without spending a dime agent acquisitions Michael Conforto and Mitch Haniger to satisfy expectations. The group’s 1-2 punch of Logan Webb and Alex Cobb had been glorious within the beginning rotation, as was the bullpen, however the San Francisco market deserves higher. The group does have a number of strong younger gamers and prospects on the cusp, so the managerial job must be very enticing following Gabe Kapler’s pink slip.

With an early-season harm to Robbie Ray, anemic offense, and terrible bench, the Mariners dug themselves a gap early within the season that was too tough to beat. There have been nonetheless loads of positives for the group, which fell simply in need of a Wild Card berth, as Julio Rodriguez was unstoppable within the second half (.941 OPS), J.P. Crawford had a breakout season, and the beginning rotation was elite. Few groups within the league have a greater beginning 5 getting into the offseason, however will probably be on the entrance workplace to place the group excessive.

The Cardinals entered the season with the best expectations, however the 2023 season became the Adam Wainwright sideshow. The Playing cards legend did not trip out into the sundown gracefully, posting an ERA above 7.00 as his physique failed him at age 41, and the remainder of the pitching employees behind him wasn’t a lot better. The entrance workplace’s incapacity to deal with the pitching employees wasted a yr within the profession of doubtless future Corridor of Famers Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, and even the diehard St. Louis followers had sufficient by the tip of the yr with a 91-loss season, the best whole for the franchise since 1990.

Tampa Bay made the playoffs for the fifth straight yr, profitable 99 video games. Nonetheless, the outcome was a disappointment between squandering an enormous AL East lead and getting ousted within the playoffs. However what may the group have achieved in another way? They misplaced three glorious beginning pitchers in Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, and Jeffrey Springs to main arm accidents, adopted by star shortstop Wander Franco’s authorized points. Nonetheless, the group remained aggressive till the tip, and made extra nice transactions like signing Zach Eflin and claiming Zack Littell and Robert Stephenson. The roster stays very younger, and there isn’t any motive to assume the Rays will not be again to October baseball in 2024.

Hardly ever do the groups making the most important offseason splash additionally ship, however Texas did simply that. It wasn’t precisely how the group drew it up, with the expensive lack of Jacob deGrom to Tommy John surgical procedure and struggles down the stretch, however the Rangers had been in a position to improved by 22 wins and make the playoffs with a revamped pitching employees and Bruce Bochy’s management. Big offensive seasons from Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, and Josh Jung additionally performed an enormous function.

Toronto claimed a Wild Card spot for the third time in 4 seasons, but there appeared to be loads of meat left on the bone for this proficient squad. The lineup was an enormous disappointment, with sub-par seasons from heavy hitters Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, and Alek Manoah fully collapsed within the rotation. The general pitching and protection improved, which made a rapid exit within the playoffs all of the extra disappointing. The Jays are more likely to see some change within the offseason, however can nonetheless be an elite group if the younger hitters carry out as much as their potential.

The expectations had been fairly low when a 71-91 season was successful, however that was the case after the group’s current firesale. The Nats are beginning to see the fruits of their trades with breakout years from Lane Thomas, C.J. Abrams, Keibert Ruiz, Josiah Grey, and MacKenzie Gore. But, the group remains to be distant from competing within the glorious NL East, giving followers little comfort for the continued dropping.