Even the top baseball teams have early flaws. The Braves' rotation is less formidable without Spencer Strider. The Yankees struggle offensively beyond Juan Soto. The Rangers are piecing together their pitching staff, while the Dodgers face challenges on both sides of the ball. It's still early to determine if these flaws are fatal, but they are worth monitoring for the leading teams.

By the Numbers
  • Cleveland Guardians starters have the sixth-lowest strikeout-to-walk ratio in the majors.
  • Baltimore Orioles bullpen has a 4.23 ERA despite Kimbrel's strong performance.
  • New York Yankees have the fourth-most errors in baseball in defense.
Yes, But

While flaws exist, these teams are still leading their divisions, showing resilience and potential.

State of Play
  • The Guardians thrive offensively despite starting pitching challenges.
  • The Orioles struggle with their bullpen and need more from their rotation.
  • The Yankees face inconsistency in their offense and defensive errors.
  • The Royals lack depth in their lineup and outfield, especially against tougher competition.
  • The Red Sox suffer from defensive issues and offensive inconsistencies.
What's Next

Teams will need to address and improve upon these flaws to maintain their early success and compete at a higher level throughout the season.

Bottom Line

While flaws are evident, addressing and correcting these early weaknesses will be crucial for the top baseball teams to sustain their leads and excel in a competitive environment.