MLB 2025 Regular Season Analysis: Grades and Outlook
With only five crucial days remaining in the 2025 regular season, the fight for divisional titles and wild cards is still in play. It’s time to assess the performance of each team and assign final grades.
The MLB season has been fascinating, without a clear dominant team. This means that, despite spectacular performances, no team received an A+ rating. The ratings are based on overall performance and pre-season expectations. Let’s analyze the ratings by team.Team Evaluation
Milwaukee Brewers: AThe Brewers maintained a consistent level of play. They stood out with a streak of 14 consecutive victories in August. Their run differential of +173 leads the league, and they have the opportunity to surpass the +174 differential of the 1982 ‘Harvey’s Wallbangers’. The combination of pitching, speed, and defense, along with adequate offensive power, will be key in the playoffs.Philadelphia Phillies: A-The Phillies secured their second consecutive National League East title. Although the offense sometimes relied on the power of Kyle Schwarber, the rotation was outstanding and the defense improved. Dave Dombrowski’s acquisitions at the deadline, such as Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader, were impactful. The Phillies are shaping up as favorites for the World Series.Toronto Blue Jays: A-This rating depends on whether the Blue Jays hold the American League East Division title, which would be their first since 2015. George Springer has been their best offensive player, and they have received solid contributions from players like Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, and Davis Schneider. Kevin Gausman’s performance has been key. Their World Series hopes could depend on the performance of closer Jeff Hoffman.Seattle Mariners: B+The Mariners, after an irregular season, recovered at the opportune moment, winning 15 of 16 games in September. This put them on the verge of their first divisional title since 2001 and their second postseason appearance since then. Cal Raleigh has set home run records and the offense has been key. Julio Rodríguez has had a great second half and Josh Naylor has been an important acquisition. If Bryan Woo’s injury is not serious, the Mariners could reach their first World Series.Cleveland Guardians: B+Despite a season marked by the investigation into Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz’s betting, a late-season run combined with Detroit’s collapse has made this a memorable season. Although the team is mediocre, they have beaten the teams they should have and received great pitching, putting them in a position to achieve one of the biggest divisional comebacks in MLB history.Detroit Tigers: BFor over three months, this team deserved an A+. However, the season could be one of the most disappointing in Detroit’s history if they don’t secure the divisional title or at least a wild card. The situation is uncertain after losing important games.Chicago Cubs: BThe Cubs were fun in the first half of the season. The second half was more difficult, due to Kyle Tucker’s injuries and a bad streak by other players. The possibility of playoffs depends on Tucker’s recovery.San Diego Padres: BThe Padres return to the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and could improve their seeding if they win the division title. The bullpen has been their strength, and the offense improved with acquisitions at the deadline. The rotation, with Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish, could be key in October.New York Yankees: BThe Yankees have had a season full of ups and downs. Aaron Judge is having another historic offensive season. The team leads the league in home runs. However, they have had problems with defense and base running. The inconsistency of the bullpen is worrying. If the bullpen recovers, the Yankees will be difficult to beat in the postseason.Oakland Athletics: BThe first year in West Sacramento brought exciting developments for the A’s, including Nick Kurtz’s outstanding rookie season and Jacob Wilson’s performance. The combination of Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, and Kurtz in the 30-home run club, along with the Mason Miller trade, suggests a promising future.Cincinnati Reds: B-The Reds are still in the fight and could improve their ranking if they secure the last wild card spot. Elly De La Cruz’s performance and starting pitching have been key. Success in the last games could be decisive.Los Angeles Dodgers: C+Despite the Dodgers reaching 90 wins and leading the National League West, the season hasn’t been easy. Injuries in the pitching staff and bullpen inconsistency have been problems. A healthy rotation for the playoffs and the good performance of Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani are positives.Boston Red Sox: C+If they don’t make the playoffs, the rating could be much worse. The season has had drama, including the Rafael Devers trade. Despite solid performances, it seems the Red Sox should have secured a playoff spot.Houston Astros: C+The Astros have had a difficult season, with the loss of Alex Bregman, the trade of Kyle Tucker, and the injuries of Yordan Alvarez. Despite these setbacks, they still have the opportunity to win a wild card. The dynasty lives on.Miami Marlins: C+The Marlins have been more competitive than expected. The offense has been stronger than the pitching. The rotation has had problems, and key players have had good seasons on other teams.Arizona Diamondbacks: CThe Diamondbacks are still in the wild card race despite the trades. Geraldo Perdomo’s performance has been remarkable.Texas Rangers: CThe Rangers have had a strange season, with variable performance at home and away. Despite injuries, they have shown flashes of good play.San Francisco Giants: CThe Giants, under the direction of Buster Posey, have performed similarly to previous seasons. Their inability to beat the Dodgers and Padres has been a key factor in their performance.Kansas City Royals: CThe Royals stayed in the playoff hunt until the last week. If Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic had remained healthy, they might have qualified. The search for a power-hitting outfielder continues.Tampa Bay Rays: CThe season has been difficult for the Rays, playing in a training camp and with a schedule that avoided many home games during the summer. The loss of Shane McClanahan didn’t help, and the bullpen has been less reliable.Chicago White Sox: CDespite another season of 100 losses, the White Sox have shown improvement compared to the previous year. The integration of young prospects into the lineup suggests a promising future.New York Mets: C-The Mets’ rating could be worse if they fail to make the playoffs, given the disappointment they have generated. The team, with a payroll of $340 million, has had a disappointing performance.
