With the conclusion of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, all eyes are on the trade deadline set to arrive in less than two weeks. Teams are gearing up for the final stretch, with some making notable strides since mid-May. The Cardinals, in particular, have emerged as formidable contenders, boasting the best record in the National League since May 11 with a 35-22 (.614) performance.
Despite their impressive turnaround, the Cardinals find themselves 4.5 games behind the Brewers, who currently hold a 55-42 record. The Brewers have proven to be a tough adversary, leading the season series against the Cardinals 6-1. The competition remains fierce as both teams strive for playoff positioning in the second half of the season.
In the American League, the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros have also made significant strides since May 11. The Phillies' 34-22 (.607) record is closely matched by the Astros, who hold a 36-21 (.632) mark. The Cleveland Guardians have kept pace as well, posting a 34-21 record and matching the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage.
Challenges for the Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced numerous challenges this season, using a staggering 31 pitchers due to injuries to key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a recent move to bolster their pitching roster, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates. The reliance on a depth of arms underscores the unpredictable nature of a season marred by injuries.
Standout Performers and Historical Comparisons
Elly De La Cruz has been a standout performer, leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases— a number comparable to José Reyes' 78 stolen bases in 2007 and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 last year. While these figures are impressive, they still fall short of historical marks like Rickey Henderson's 93 stolen bases in 1988 and Vince Coleman's astonishing 109 in 1987.
Pitching Milestones
In the realm of pitching, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings, followed by Seth Lugo with 127 and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings. These workhorses stand out in an era where pitching depth is increasingly crucial, yet elusive, due to high rates of injuries.
Emerging Talent
Nolan Schanuel has made headlines as the first player to debut in MLB the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Meanwhile, Chris Cortez is anticipated to break into the majors this year. At Texas A&M, Cortez posted a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings, painting a promising picture for his professional career.
Struggles for the Blue Jays
Not all teams have found success this season. The Toronto Blue Jays stand at 44-52 and are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs puts Toronto's postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, highlighting the uphill battle they face as the season progresses.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on which teams make pivotal moves to bolster their playoff hopes and which players emerge as game-changers down the crucial final stretch of the season.