As the dust settles from the excitement of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, fans and teams alike set their sights on the upcoming trade deadline, which is less than two weeks away. The trade deadline often acts as a pivot point for many teams, either propelling them into playoff contention or prompting a rebuilding phase.
Cardinals' Pursuit of the Brewers
The St. Louis Cardinals have been making significant strides in the National League. Since May 11, the Cardinals hold an impressive 35-22 record, translating to a .614 win percentage. Despite this surge, they remain 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who boast a 55-42 record.
Head-to-head matchups haven’t been favorable for St. Louis, with the Brewers leading the season series 6-1. However, with the Cardinals’ current momentum, they could potentially close the gap as the season progresses.
It's not just the Cardinals who have been on an upswing. The Philadelphia Phillies have put up a notable 34-22 record since May 11, while the Houston Astros have been even better with a 36-21 mark. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians match the Cardinals' .618 win percentage, having played one fewer game and posting a 34-21 record since the same date.
Blue Jays’ Slim Playoff Hopes
Moving to the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves struggling. Sitting at 44-52 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their postseason odds, according to FanGraphs, are a mere 1.8%. This dire situation calls for a potential overhaul or strategic trades to rebuild and focus on upcoming seasons.
Reds and the Lightning Speed of Elly De La Cruz
One standout story this season is Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases at the All-Star break, De La Cruz is on a historic pace. Having played 97 games, he’s projected to steal 78 bases by season’s end. This impressive feat would have him matching legends of the game – José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and coming close to Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 steals from last year. However, even those numbers are eclipsed by the likes of Rickey Henderson, who swiped 93 bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman’s astounding 109 steals in 1987.
Injury-Plagued Dodgers and Their Rotation Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have navigated a season riddled with pitching injuries. Key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have all dealt with time on the injured list. Consequently, the team has turned to 31 different pitchers this season, seeking stability and fresh arms. Recently, they claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a bid to fortify their pitching staff.
Last season saw only five pitchers surpass the 200-inning mark, a testament to how challenging it is to find durable arms. Among those who achieved this feat were Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. Webb remains a workhorse this year, leading the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched. He’s closely followed by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Webb’s own 124 1/3 innings.
Exciting Debuts and Prospects
Rookie sensation Nolan Schanuel made headlines by debuting in MLB the same year he was drafted, a rare occurrence last seen with Garrett Crochet in 2020. Schanuel’s quick rise through the ranks showcases the depth and talents emerging from the draft process.
Looking forward, Chris Cortez is another name anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez had an outstanding college career at Texas A&M, posting a 2.78 ERA and striking out 107 batters in 64 2/3 innings. His transition to the majors is eagerly awaited by scouts and fans alike.
As the second half of the season unfolds, the narratives continue to evolve. With a competitive National League race, standout individual performances, and the unpredictable nature of trades and injuries, MLB fans have much to look forward to. Each game, each inning, and each pitch carries the potential to alter the course of the season, and the excitement is palpable.