As the school year kicks off across the nation, it’s time to assess the performance of MLB teams during the 2026 season. The grading system is straightforward: each team’s report card is based on their winning percentage compared to their preseason win total. This evaluation shines a light on the teams that have either exceeded or fallen short of expectations. Here’s a rundown of the grades for each team, highlighting their pleasant surprises and disappointing players.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Preseason Over/Under: 79.5 wins Current Trajectory: 85.8 wins Recent Returns: 26-16 since July 9

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Eduardo Rodríguez has emerged as the ace that the Diamondbacks needed, posting a remarkable 2.50 ERA this season. After struggling in previous years, this performance has been vital for Arizona's playoff hopes.

We Were Expecting More: RHP Zac Gallen has disappointed fans with a 6.34 ERA, putting his emergence as a former ace into question.

Report Card Grade: B+ – The Diamondbacks are in the NL wild-card race, staying competitive despite some setbacks.

Oakland Athletics

Preseason Over/Under: 75.5 wins Current Trajectory: 64.1 wins Recent Returns: 15-43 since June 20

Pleasant Surprise: CF Henry Bolte has proven to be a solid performer after a breakout in Triple-A, despite being a surprise call-up.

We Were Expecting More: DH Brent Rooker, who had been consistent in previous years, has struggled with injuries this season, leading to an underwhelming .670 OPS.

Report Card Grade: F – After a promising start, the A's have spiraled down due to injuries and poor performance.

Atlanta Braves

Preseason Over/Under: 86.5 wins Current Trajectory: 79.1 wins Recent Returns: 11-12 since August 1

Pleasant Surprise: UTIL Mauricio Dubón has become indispensable for the Braves, providing both solid defense and offensive output.

We Were Expecting More: SS Ha-Seong Kim's struggles at the plate have left fans scratching their heads, as he’s yet to hit an extra-base hit this season.

Report Card Grade: A- – Despite their recent inconsistencies, the Braves remain a formidable force in the NL East.

Baltimore Orioles

Preseason Over/Under: 85.5 wins Current Trajectory: 79.1 wins Recent Returns: 5-8 since August 13

Pleasant Surprise: RHP Brandon Young has stepped up, turning in quality starts for the Orioles.

We Were Expecting More: SS Gunnar Henderson has seen a decline in performance, falling below league-average hitting after a promising start.

Report Card Grade: D+ – The Orioles have not bounced back as expected, but there's still hope for a postseason push.

Boston Red Sox

Preseason Over/Under: 88.5 wins Current Trajectory: 91.9 wins Recent Returns: 5-8 since August 13

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Jake Bennett has become a vital part of the pitching staff, despite being an unexpected contributor.

We Were Expecting More: LHP Garrett Crochet has struggled significantly after expectations were high following a solid past season.

Report Card Grade: B- – The Red Sox have rallied after a rough start, showcasing their potential in recent weeks.

Chicago Cubs

Preseason Over/Under: 67.5 wins Current Trajectory: 85.3 wins Recent Returns: 25-24 since July 1

Pleasant Surprise: OF Tristan Peters has emerged as an early rookie of the year contender, excelling at the plate.

We Were Expecting More: RHP Edward Cabrera has struggled mightily after being acquired, hindering the pitching rotation.

Report Card Grade: B – Despite a rocky stretch, the Cubs are performing at a higher level than anticipated this season.

Detroit Tigers

Preseason Over/Under: 80.5 wins Current Trajectory: 76.2 wins Recent Returns: 7-13 since August 7

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Troy Melton has thrived since returning from injury, showcasing a stellar 1.86 ERA in his last outings.

We Were Expecting More: LHP Framber Valdez has not lived up to expectations after a strong past season.

Report Card Grade: D- – The Tigers' struggles this year put them below preseason expectations.

Kansas City Royals

Preseason Over/Under: 70.5 wins Current Trajectory: 62.9 wins Recent Returns: 11-21 since July 22

Pleasant Surprise: RHP Walbert Ureña has emerged as a bright spot, performing well since stepping into a larger role.

We Were Expecting More: Good health has been a significant issue, with core players missing substantial time.

Report Card Grade: F – The Royals' woeful season has left them unable to compete effectively.

Los Angeles Angels

Preseason Over/Under: 103.5 wins Current Trajectory: 97.4 wins Recent Returns: 11-6 since August 8

Pleasant Surprise: RHP Randy Dobnak has found success in a surprising turn of events this season.

We Were Expecting More: LHP Yusei Kikuchi has underwhelmed after being touted as a key rotational piece.

Report Card Grade: D – The Angels' struggles have them languishing in last place despite some individual successes.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Preseason Over/Under: 72.5 wins Current Trajectory: 82.2 wins Recent Returns: 10-7 since August 8

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Justin Wrobleski has stepped up as an unlikely All-Star, helping to fortify the rotation.

We Were Expecting More: OF Kyle Tucker has faced tough times, failing to meet high expectations after a lavish contract.

Report Card Grade: D+ – The Dodgers are second in the league, but still fall short of their impressive offseason projections.

Miami Marlins

Preseason Over/Under: 84.5 wins Current Trajectory: 99.9 wins Recent Returns: 23-14 since All-Star Break

Pleasant Surprise: SS Otto Lopez has emerged as a solid player after a modest start when expectations were low.

We Were Expecting More: RHP Pete Fairbanks has struggled to deliver consistent performances following a high-paid signing.

Report Card Grade: A – The Marlins have pleasantly surprised observers this season, defying expectations.

Milwaukee Brewers

Preseason Over/Under: 72.5 wins Current Trajectory: 77.4 wins Recent Returns: 8-15 since August 1

Pleasant Surprise: 1B/OF Jake Bauers has stepped up to share the load, hitting home runs at a surprising rate.

We Were Expecting More: DH Christian Yelich has struggled significantly, unable to replicate his previous success.

Report Card Grade: A+ – The Brewers have hugely exceeded expectations after losing significant players in prior seasons.

New York Mets

Preseason Over/Under: 90.5 wins Current Trajectory: 92.0 wins Recent Returns: 25-15 since July 8

Pleasant Surprise: RHP Cam Schlittler is having a standout season, leading the team and becoming a surprise contender for the AL Cy Young.

We Were Expecting More: C Austin Wells has taken a significant step back from previous seasons.

Report Card Grade: B- – The Mets are performing better than expected but have struggled in consistency.

New York Yankees

Preseason Over/Under: 89.5 wins Current Trajectory: 89.5 wins Recent Returns: 17-7 since August 1

Pleasant Surprise: OF Derek Hill has added considerable value since joining the Yankees mid-season.

We Were Expecting More: SS Trea Turner has not lived up to the exceptional standard he set in previous years, struggling this season.

Report Card Grade: C – The Yankees are on the cusp of their expected win total but have faced inconsistent play.

Philadelphia Phillies

Preseason Over/Under: 78.5 wins Current Trajectory: 78.0 wins Recent Returns: 10-18 since July 28

Pleasant Surprise: OF Esmerlyn Valdéz has taken critics by surprise with solid performances despite less initial promise.

We Were Expecting More: DH Marcell Ozuna has severely underperformed compared to expectations.

Report Card Grade: C – Inconsistent performance makes it hard for the Phillies to find their footing.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Preseason Over/Under: 83.5 wins Current Trajectory: 87.0 wins Recent Returns: 22-9 since July 24

Pleasant Surprise: 1B Ty France has stepped up unexpectedly, proving invaluable for the Pirates.

We Were Expecting More: DH Marcell Ozuna has been a disappointing factor in the franchise's progress.

Report Card Grade: C – The Pirates were consistent early on but have faltered in the latter part of the season.

San Diego Padres

Preseason Over/Under: 80.5 wins Current Trajectory: 65.8 wins Recent Returns: 7-17 since July 31

Pleasant Surprise: 2B Luis Arraez has had remarkable performances, drastically improving the team’s earlier struggles.

We Were Expecting More: 3B Manny Machado has had a rocky season, with a starting slump impacting overall outcomes.

Report Card Grade: B – A strong finish to the season could help redeem their overall performance.

San Francisco Giants

Preseason Over/Under: 89.5 wins Current Trajectory: 77.4 wins Recent Returns: 8-5 since August 13

Pleasant Surprise: RHP Emerson Hancock has greatly exceeded expectations as a reliable option in the pitching lineup.

We Were Expecting More: C Patrick Bailey's inability to maintain a decent OPS has cost the Giants dearly.

Report Card Grade: F – The Giants have faced significant challenges this season, continuing a trend of mediocrity.

Seattle Mariners

Preseason Over/Under: 69.5 wins Current Trajectory: 79.8 wins Recent Returns: 15-23 since July 8

Pleasant Surprise: OF Jordan Walker has cemented himself as a future star, rewarding the Mariners’ patience during a rough run.

We Were Expecting More: C Cal Raleigh has faced disappointing struggles at the plate, significantly affecting the offense.

Report Card Grade: F – The Mariners are poised for a late push, but they are still recovering from a tumultuous season.

St. Louis Cardinals

Preseason Over/Under: 76.5 wins Current Trajectory: 96.2 wins Recent Returns: 5-8 since August 14

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Shane McClanahan has returned from injury to dominate, cementing his place as the staff ace.

We Were Expecting More: None of the star players have maintained their expected performance levels.

Report Card Grade: A – Despite numerous setbacks, the Cardinals have performed admirably against expectations.

Tampa Bay Rays

Preseason Over/Under: 83.5 wins Current Trajectory: 79.8 wins Recent Returns: 11-16 since July 29

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Jacob Latz has emerged as a reliable closer during a mid-season transition for the team.

We Were Expecting More: IF Carson Williams has disappointed this season, falling short of previous expectations.

Report Card Grade: A+ – The Rays have astounded with their performance, continuing to surprise observers.

Texas Rangers

Preseason Over/Under: 88.5 wins Current Trajectory: 78.6 wins Recent Returns: 11-7 since August 7

Pleasant Surprise: RHP Louis Varland has become a strong closer, turning the tide for the Rangers' bullpen.

We Were Expecting More: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s struggles at the plate have contributed to the Rangers’ underperformance.

Report Card Grade: D- – The Rangers remain competitive, but they have dipped below expectations this season.

Toronto Blue Jays

Preseason Over/Under: 65.5 wins Current Trajectory: 74.4 wins Recent Returns: 7-20 since July 29

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Foster Griffin has been a bright spot, being recognized as an All-Star this season.

We Were Expecting More: 3B Brady House has fallen short of expectations following a promising minor league career.

Report Card Grade: A- – The Blue Jays have outperformed the initial projections, showing signs of life in a competitive division.

Washington Nationals

Preseason Over/Under: 65.5 wins Current Trajectory: 74.4 wins Recent Returns: 11-21 since July 22

Pleasant Surprise: LHP Walbert Ureña has emerged as an unexpected star in the starting rotation.

We Were Expecting More: Both 3B Brady House and OF Dylan Crews have failed to meet expectations, impacting the team’s progress.

Report Card Grade: A- – The Nationals have significantly exceeded expectations for the season thus far.