2025 MLB Franchise Report Cards: Grades and Offseason Highlights

Reflecting on the 2025 MLB Season

As 2025 comes to a close, it's time to assign report card grades to each Major League Baseball franchise based on their performance during the regular season, postseason achievements, and offseason activities. This analysis considers how each team's results stacked up against preseason expectations to determine whether they exceeded or fell short of their projected win totals.

Franchise Grades Overview

Each of the 30 MLB franchises has received a grade that reflects their overall performance in what was a dynamic year for baseball. Here’s a summary highlighting notable performances and offseason ambitions.

Baltimore Orioles: D

Despite a rough start, the Orioles ended with a winning record over their last 110 games. However, a -12.5 regular-season win total reflects a disappointing beginning. Their aggressive offseason, including the signing of Pete Alonso, shows promise.

Boston Red Sox: B-

The Red Sox returned to the playoffs after a three-year absence, exceeding expectations with a +2.5 win total. Their offseason focuses on trades, notably acquiring Sonny Gray and others, positions them for a competitive 2026.

New York Yankees: D+

Finishing with a +4.5 win total, the Yankees' postseason exit in the ALDS after a much higher preseason expectation was disappointing. Their lackluster offseason thus far has raised questions about their direction.

Tampa Bay Rays: D

The Rays struggled, with a -4.5 win total, exacerbated by key player trades aiming to cut costs. They face a steep challenge to remain competitive in their division.

Toronto Blue Jays: A+

In a stunning turn, the Blue Jays not only exceeded expectations with a +15.5 win total but also advanced to the AL Championship series. Their strong offseason moves solidify their status as contenders.

Chicago White Sox: A-

Fresh off a tough 121-loss season, the White Sox improved significantly, exceeding expectations with a +6.5 record. Their offseason additions, particularly Munetaka Murakami, hint at positive momentum.

Cleveland Guardians: B

Despite a rocky start, the Guardians staged a remarkable comeback, finishing the season with a +5.5 win total. However, their offseason strategy is conservatively focused on boosting their bullpen.

Detroit Tigers: B+

The Tigers turned in a better-than-usual season but faced a tough ALDS exit. Their significant offseason transactions, including re-signing key players, suggest ambitions for continued improvement.

Kansas City Royals: C

With a mostly mediocre performance reflected in a -1.5 win total, the Royals have much to prove in the next season, facing injury woes and searching for consistency in their lineup.

Minnesota Twins: F

After entering the season as favorites, the Twins severely underperformed with a -14.5 win total, signaling a need for drastic changes this offseason.

Athletics: B-

Transitioning to a new stadium, the Athletics displayed potential with a respectable finish, despite needing significant bolstering on the pitching front to reinforce their offense.

Houston Astros: D

Facing their first postseason absence since 2016, the Astros had a quiet offseason marked by cost-cutting moves and minimal upgrades, raising concerns among fans.

Los Angeles Angels: C-

The Angels' offseason activity was busy yet uninspiring, continuing a decade-long streak of losing seasons without substantial improvement.

Seattle Mariners: A

After winning the AL West, the Mariners not only exceeded expectations but also locked in key players like Josh Naylor, aiming for their first World Series appearance.

Texas Rangers: D+

Despite a strong pitching performance from Jacob deGrom, the Rangers fell to a .500 record and need to revamp their strategy moving forward.

Atlanta Braves: F

The Braves faced a disappointing season, reflected in their grade despite offseason efforts aimed at building a better foundation for the future.

Miami Marlins: A

Failing to secure a postseason spot, the Marlins nonetheless established themselves as a surprise contender compared to preseason expectations.

New York Mets: F

After an encouraging start, the Mets collapsed and failed to effectively address their pitching troubles, leading to a bleak offseason.

Philadelphia Phillies: B+

Claiming the NL East title again, the Phillies' effective offseason moves could help solidify their strengths as they look to retain their crown.

Washington Nationals: D-

The Nationals’ season was marred by poor performance and a quiet offseason, requiring significant changes to revitalize the franchise.

Chicago Cubs: B

A solid season for the Cubs ended in a first-round playoff exit, leading to rebuilding efforts combined with maintaining a competitive edge.

Cincinnati Reds: B+

Surprisingly advancing to the playoffs, the Reds must now focus on building for sustained success after a tumultuous postseason.

Milwaukee Brewers: A-

Despite winning the best record in baseball, the Brewers' postseason performance was disappointing, casting a shadow over their high season accomplishments.

Pittsburgh Pirates: C-

The Pirates are attempting to reshape their roster with key signings and trades, aiming to rebound from a lackluster 2025 season.</h3>

St. Louis Cardinals: D+

The Cardinals underperformed compared to expectations and have begun the rebuilding process, trading away key players for future prospects.</h3>

Arizona Diamondbacks: C-

The Diamondbacks are focused on reshaping their roster after a rocky end to the season, hoping to rebound in upcoming years.</h3>

Colorado Rockies: F-

Facing a challenging road ahead, the Rockies ended the year with an abysmal performance and have taken little action to turn the tide.</h3>

Los Angeles Dodgers: A-

Although they fell short of expectations in the regular season win totals, the Dodgers emerged as World Series champions, proving their resilience amidst challenges.</h3>