ESPN Releases Performance Grades for All 30 MLB Teams Following First Five Weeks of 2026 Season
ESPN has published an assessment of all 30 Major League Baseball teams, evaluating performance against preseason expectations, win-loss records, and underlying statistics after the opening month of the 2026 campaign.
ESPN has released performance grades for all 30 Major League Baseball teams following the first five weeks of the 2026 season. The assessment factors in preseason expectations, win-loss records, and underlying statistics to determine how each franchise has performed relative to its projected ceiling. While the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees received top marks for exceeding expectations, several high-profile franchises including the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets earned failing grades due to poor run differentials, pitching struggles, and offensive slumps.
The Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees were the only teams to receive top marks, with the assessment noting that both franchises have significantly outperformed their preseason projections. The Braves lead the majors in runs scored and OPS, with Bryce Elder excelling in the rotation despite injuries to Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach. The Yankees boast a plus-57 run differential, the best in the league, and have seen Ben Rice emerge as the best hitter in baseball.
In stark contrast, three of MLB's richest franchises have struggled significantly over the opening five weeks. The Philadelphia Phillies finished April with a minus-45 run differential, the worst in the league, alongside significant pitching struggles. The Boston Red Sox and New York Mets also received failing grades; the Red Sox have failed to hit or pitch effectively, while the Mets have suffered from an atrocious offensive output with the worst OPS in baseball.
Notable individual stories emerged from the data, including the Pittsburgh Pirates' historic offensive turnaround. The Pirates are averaging 5.26 runs per game through their Saturday win, a pace not seen since 1930. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have demonstrated resilience despite significant injuries to key players including Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Daniel Palencia, and Cade Horton.
The Los Angeles Angels provided a cautionary tale of volatility, led by a strong start from Mike Trout who hit .248 with 10 home runs in April. However, the team collapsed after a 1-11 run, dropping them to the bottom of the American League. Individual statistical anomalies were also highlighted, with A's shortstop Nick Kurtz posting a walk rate of 22.8%, the highest since Barry Bonds in 2007, and Padres outfielder Munetaka Murakami on pace to break the single-season strikeout record.
