The 2024 MLB season is approaching a pivotal juncture as the All-Star Game and draft have wrapped up, setting the stage for an intriguing second half. The trade deadline looms less than two weeks away, leaving teams in a scramble to strengthen their rosters for the postseason races.
Cardinals Show Remarkable Resilience
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have been the hottest team in the National League, posting a 35-22 record. This impressive .614 winning percentage underscores their determination as they chase the Milwaukee Brewers, currently trailing by 4.5 games with a 50-46 record. The Brewers, with a 55-42 standing, hold a slight edge in the division race. Notably, the season series against the Cardinals stands heavily in their favor, with a 6-1 lead.
The Cardinals’ resurgence in recent weeks is mirrored by teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, who have notched a 34-22 record (.607) since May 11. Even more formidable, the Houston Astros have registered a 36-21 mark (.632) over the same period. Guardians fans have reason for optimism as well, with their team recording a 34-21 performance, matching the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage.
Toronto Blue Jays Struggles Continue
On the flipside, the Toronto Blue Jays are grappling with their postseason aspirations. With a 44-52 record and sitting 9.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, their odds of making it to the playoffs are slim at just 1.8%, according to FanGraphs. For a team with high expectations, their current predicament underscores the unpredictability and challenges of the MLB season.
Record-Breaking Stolen Bases Race
Among individual performances catching attention, Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is making waves with his 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. Having played 97 games, he is on pace to swipe 78 bases by the season’s end. This would be a significant feat, placing him alongside José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who recorded 73 steals last year. However, De La Cruz will still have a considerable distance to match legends like Rickey Henderson, who pilfered 93 bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman, who swiped an astounding 109 in 1987.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes and New Additions
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had to navigate a tumultuous season with their pitching staff. Utilizing a staggering 31 pitchers already, they have faced significant injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to bolster their decimated rotation, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The struggle to maintain consistency on the mound continues to be a challenge for the team as they strive for a playoff berth.
Last season, only five pitchers managed to reach the 200-inning mark, among them Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, while Seth Lugo and Logan Webb also feature prominently with 127 and 124 1/3 innings respectively.
Promising Newcomers on the Horizon
In the realm of emerging talent, Nolan Schanuel has made headlines as the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to debut in the MLB the same year he was drafted. Meanwhile, Chris Cortez is another name to watch. The young pitcher is expected to break into the major leagues this year, following an impressive stint at Texas A&M, where he posted a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings. Cortez's anticipated arrival in the big leagues promises to inject fresh energy and talent into the game.
As the MLB season progresses, these stories and developments highlight the dynamic and unpredictable nature of baseball. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the coming weeks will be crucial for teams jockeying for position in the standings, and fans can expect an exciting second half of the season.