AL team grades: Angels stink, but what other teams are flunking 2025?

A quarter of the way through a 162-game regular season, several teams clearly are disaster areas. (We're looking at you, Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels.) But several are performing above expectations.

With the official start of summer nearing, Yardbarker MLB writers grade every American League team. (All records and statistics are through Sunday's play.)

AL East

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (15-24)  | Grade: F | Two managers have already been fired (Pittsburgh's Derek Shelton and Colorado's Bud Black). Is Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde next? If Baltimore’s disappointing trajectory continues, it could happen.

BOSTON RED SOX (22-20) | Grade: C+ | Boston would get a "B" if it were more than two games over .500 with the easiest schedule in MLB to this point. Third baseman Rafael Devers seems to be giving the Red Sox a headache. 

NEW YORK YANKEES (23-17)  | Grade: B- | In first in the weaker American League, the Yankees are doing exactly what they should be doing. However, given their ability to weather major injuries and the loss of outfielder Juan Soto with (relative) ease, New York gets a courtesy above-average grade.

TAMPA BAY RAYS (18-22) | Grade: C | There’s nothing spectacular about the Rays, which is precisely why they’ve earned this grade. Thanks to shrewd roster construction, Tampa has always proved to be pesky despite limited payroll. 

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (20-20) | Grade: B- |They’re hanging tough (three games behind the Yankees) after coming into 2025 as a projected cellar dweller. But the big question is whether Toronto is decent or the competition just isn’t stout. — Seth Carlson

AL West

ATHLETICS (21-20)  | Grade: B | A surprisingly competitive A’s team has outperformed expectations. Outfielder Lawrence Butler (six homers) and designated hitter Brent Rooker (10 HRs) were part of an active offseason, signing long-term extensions to be part of the future core. Now, if only the A’s could do something about their owner…

HOUSTON ASTROS (20-19)  | Grade: C |  The Astros are torn between attempting to keep their window of contention open and incorporating younger players in the lineup. The result is a team that has hovered around .500 for most of the season.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (16-23)  | Grade: F |  Another year, another season that is likely to end under .500 for the Angels, making it 10 in a row. This grade may not change for a long time, as the Angels are trapped in a purgatory of a bad roster and a terrible farm system.

SEATTLE MARINERS (22-17)  | Grade: A- |  The Mariners' quest to put together a viable lineup may be over as every regular aside from third baseman Ben Williamson has an OPS+ over 100. Infielder Jorge Polanco, signed to a one-year, $7.75M contract, may be the steal of the offseason. He ranks in the top 10 in the American League in homers (nine, sixth), RBI (28, fifth), batting average (.327, tied for 10th), slugging (.653, second) and OPS (1.026, fourth).

TEXAS RANGERS (20-21)  | Grade: C-  | The Rangers started 8-2 but are 12-19 since. Second baseman Marcus Semien (.179 BA), outfielder Adolis Garcia (.225 BA) and designated hitter Joc Pederson (.130 BA) are disappointments. — Seth Carlson 

AL Central  

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (12-29) | Grade: C- | The White Sox's goals for 2025 revolve around finding players who can be part of the future core. Infielders Chase Meidroth and Miguel Vargas, catcher Edgar Quero and pitcher Shane Smith could be the beginning of a bright future.

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS (23-17)  | Grade: B-  | The Guardians just keep finding ways to win. Closer Emmanuel Clase (4-0) is returning to form and Cleveland has a solid trio in third baseman Jose Ramirez, outfielder Steven Kwan and first baseman Kyle Manzardo. Expect the Guardians to be a factor in the playoff push again this season.

DETROIT TIGERS (26-15)  |  Grade: A+  | The Tigers were expected to contend for a playoff berth, but the best record in the American League and best run differential in baseball (+72) are beyond the most optimistic of expectations. Resurgent years from first baseman Spencer Torkelson (10 HRs, 33 RBI) and center fielder Javier Baez (.300 BA) have helped lead the way for a team that should be dangerous in October.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (24-18)  | Grade: C  | The Royals are, once again, overcoming the worst offensive outfield in the majors because of strong pitching and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (.315 BA). Infielder Maikel Garcia (.306 BA) is a pleasant surprise and may give the Royals a viable 1-2 punch in the lineup, but the lack of firepower elsewhere will continue to limit K.C.'s ceiling.

MINNESOTA TWINS (21-20) | Grade: C | The Twins essentially ran back the same roster and coaching staff, hoping to shake off their late-season collapse in 2024. An eight-game winning streak has the Twins back over .500, but injuries and a disappointing start from shortstop Carlos Correa (two HRs, .231 BA) hang over the franchise. — David Hill