Braves Earn A+, Yankees A, Cubs A- in Early MLB Grades
SkimNews Take
The early season success of some clubs, despite high payrolls across the league, suggests that effective roster construction and player development are currently more influential than raw spending power.
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- Atlanta Braves post an A+ grade, leading majors in runs scored and OPS, and rookie Bryce Elder records a 3‑1 win‑loss and 1.88 ERA after stepping into the rotation.
- New York Yankees earn an A grade, boasting a +57 run differential and a league‑leading WHIP and strikeout‑to‑walk ratio from Cam Schlittler.
- Chicago Cubs receive an A‑ grade, crediting roster depth that mitigates slow starts and injuries, and a balanced offense with Matt Olson hitting 54 home runs last season.
- Jeff Passan grades all 30 MLB teams using preseason expectations, win‑loss records, and underlying statistics, highlighting the gap between rich franchises and over‑performers.
- MLB sees unexpected early‑season parity, with several big‑market teams slipping to Fs while lower‑market clubs climb the standings.
Why it matters: The Braves' 3‑1 start and the Yankees' +57 run differential lift their playoff odds, while the Cubs' A‑ grade signals depth but keeps them out of early‑season revenue spikes.
