Grading the first half of the MLB season

As All Star week sets in, many MLB teams take the extended break to rest up and re-tool to get ready for the upcoming second half of the season.  Most of the decisions throughout the final 81 games of the season are based on the results from the first 81.  Especially with the trade deadline looming, now is the time to evaluate where each of our regional teams stand after playing half their season.

New York Yankees B-

While the Yankees do enter the All Star break on a 4 game winning streak, it's hard to grade this first half very highly.  The Yankees had one of their worst stretches in history throughout late June and early July.  They've lost 15 of their last 22 games, and have scored an MLB worst 73 runs since June 18th.  Granted they are without their two most dangerous right handed hitters in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.  The problem is, there are no signs that either of those two will be back anytime soon.  Despite all this the Yankees do remain in strong positioning to make the playoffs, and are only 3 games behind Tampa Bay in the American League East division.  It'll be very interesting to see what moves they make at the deadline.

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New York Mets D-

I initially had the Mets graded at an F, but we can't ignore the few bright spots on this team. Juan Soto is still hitting the ball incredibly well, the young outfielders in Benge and Ewing have proven they can be 2/3 of the outfield for years to come, and Nolan McLean and Christian Scott will only continue to get better in that rotation. But when you have one of the highest payrolls in baseball and sit 17 games under .500 at the All Star break, there's not much that can help your grade.  Destined to sell at the deadline, this team should look much different a month from today.

Boston Red Sox B

After firing Alex Cora and the rest of their coaching staff, many expected the Red Sox to limp their way to the trade deadline and be heavy sellers.  Multiple lengthy injuries to guys like Crochet and Roman Anthony practically put the nail in the coffin on this Red Sox season.  But a lot of credit has to be given to Chad Tracy and this team for fighting through adversity. They enter the All Star break as the hottest team in baseball, winners of 9 straight, which is why they receive the best grade right now despite not owning a playoff spot right now.