Major League Baseball has reached the midpoint of the 2026 regular season, with American League teams earning grades based on standings, performance and preseason expectations.
The Chicago White Sox earned an A after improving from 121 losses two years ago to a position above .500 while contending for the division title. Key contributors include Munetaka Murakami, Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery, who has hit 20 home runs.
Several teams received D grades, including the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. The Orioles remain in the wild-card race despite inconsistency, while the Red Sox are more likely to sell at the deadline than contend. The Mariners have not met expectations after reaching Game 7 of the ALCS in 2025, and the defending champion Blue Jays have lost six straight after briefly returning to .500.
The Tampa Bay Rays stand out with an A, excelling at home with a 31-12 record. The New York Yankees earned a B despite injuries to Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, holding the AL's best run differential.
Detroit and Kansas City received F grades, with the Tigers facing potential trade of Tarik Skubal and the Royals struggling amid injuries.