As the dust settles from the conclusion of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, the focus is quickly shifting towards the impending trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. With several teams jostling for postseason contention, the landscape of Major League Baseball is primed for some tantalizing developments.
Cardinals on a Roll, Yet Chasing Brewers
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have been an unstoppable force in the National League, boasting a stellar 35-22 (.614) record. Despite this impressive run, they find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, currently holding a 50-46 record. The Brewers sit at 55-42, displaying a commendable level of consistency this season.
The season series between these two Central Division rivals paints a clear picture—the Brewers lead the Cardinals 6-1, creating an uphill battle for St. Louis as they strive to close the gap. Both teams have had their fair share of highs and lows, but recent performances suggest an intriguing finish to their season-long rivalry.
Astros, Phillies, and Guardians: Streaking Since May
It's not just the Cardinals finding success since May 11. The Houston Astros possess a commanding 36-21 (.632) mark, bolstering their aspirations for October glory. Similarly, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown resilience with a 34-22 (.607) record, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals' pace with a 34-21 (.618) record, showcasing some of the league's best baseball over the past couple of months.
Blue Jays Facing Steep Wild-Card Odds
On the other hand, the Toronto Blue Jays have struggled to find their footing this season. Sitting at 44-52 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their postseason prospects appear bleak with FanGraphs placing their playoff odds at a mere 1.8%. The Blue Jays will need a significant turnaround to alter the trajectory of their season.
Cruz's Stolen Bases and Historical Comparisons
Elly De La Cruz has emerged as the league's premier base stealer, leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Cincinnati Reds having played 97 games, Cruz is on pace to swipe an impressive 78 bases by season's end. José Reyes last achieved this feat in 2007, while Ronald Acuña Jr. came close last year with 73 steals. One must look back to 1988 when Rickey Henderson stole 93 bases or to Vince Coleman's remarkable 109 stolen bases in 1987 to find comparable efforts.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a tumultuous season on the mound, using a staggering 31 pitchers due to injuries to key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to shore up their rotation, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team continues to navigate these challenges as they eye postseason stability.
Impressive Pitching Performances
Last season, only five pitchers managed to reach the 200-inning mark, a testament to the evolving nature of pitching roles in modern baseball. Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole were among those who achieved this milestone. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
Rising Stars
Nolan Schanuel's journey to the major leagues has been rapid, becoming the first player to make his MLB debut the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Schanuel's swift ascent underscores the potential for more fresh faces to make an impact in the majors. Among those is Chris Cortez, who posted an impressive 2.78 ERA and notched 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, making him a promising candidate for a major league breakthrough this year.
As teams brace for the trade deadline, the next few weeks promise to bring additional drama and excitement to a season already filled with standout performances and unexpected turns. The narrative of the 2024 MLB season continues to unfold, offering baseball fans plenty to look forward to as the playoff race intensifies.