The 2024 MLB season has reached a crucial juncture. With the All-Star Game and draft now firmly in the rearview mirror, teams are casting their gaze toward the fast-approaching trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks.
Cardinals Surge Since Mid-May
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have been a team on fire, boasting the best record in the National League with a remarkable 35-22 (.614) stretch. However, despite this impressive run, they still trail the Brewers by 4.5 games with a 50-46 record. In contrast, the Brewers sit comfortably at the top with a 55-42 record. Notably, the Cardinals have struggled against their division rivals, with the Brewers taking a commanding 6-1 lead in their season series.
A League of Performers
Several teams have displayed significant prowess since mid-May. The Phillies have put up an impressive 34-22 (.607) record, while the Astros have demonstrated even greater dominance with a 36-21 (.632) performance over the same period. Matching the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage are the Guardians, coming in at 34-21.
Challenges for Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a less enviable position. Sitting at 44-52, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs puts their postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, signaling a steep uphill battle for the Canadians as they fight to stay in contention.
Elly De La Cruz: A Speed Demon
Elly De La Cruz has made headlines in the MLB with his blazing speed on the base paths, leading the league with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games thus far, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases by season's end. This performance puts him in elite company, alongside José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who swiped 73 bases last year. Moreover, his feat brings to mind legends like Rickey Henderson, who stole 93 bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman, who tallied an astounding 109 steals in 1987.
Dodgers' Injury Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a barrage of injuries this season, particularly among their pitching staff. Key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have all been sidelined, forcing the team to use an astounding 31 different pitchers. In a bid to shore up their bullpen, the Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
Workhorse Pitchers
While the league has seen a decline in the number of pitchers reaching the 200-inning mark, a few stand out. Last season, only five pitchers managed this feat, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the charge with 132 1/3 innings, followed by Seth Lugo with 127 and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings pitched.
Rookies on the Rise
The 2024 season has also seen the emergence of promising talent. Nolan Schanuel made history by becoming the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted. Eyes are also on Chris Cortez, who is expected to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez's college career at Texas A&M was nothing short of stellar, as he posted a 2.78 ERA and amassed 107 strikeouts in just 64 2/3 innings.
As the 2024 season progresses, teams will have to navigate the treacherous waters of injuries, rookie debuts, and trade deadlines. The resilience and strategic maneuvers executed in the coming weeks will undoubtedly define the contours of this thrilling season.