The 2024 MLB season has been a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, culminating in the recent All-Star Game and draft, which have set the stage for the second half of the season. With the trade deadline just two weeks away, teams are scrambling to solidify their rosters for a potential postseason push.
Cardinals Surge in the National League
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have been a force to be reckoned with. They’ve amassed an impressive 35-22 (.614) record, the best in the National League over this period. Yet, despite their stellar performance, they find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games in the division standings, sporting a 50-46 record. Meanwhile, the Brewers stand firm at 55-42 and lead the season series against the Cardinals 6-1, a critical factor as the NL Central race tightens.
Interestingly, the Cardinals are not the only team to have shown significant improvement since mid-May. The Philadelphia Phillies (34-22, .607), Houston Astros (36-21, .632), and Cleveland Guardians (34-21, .618) have all posted similar winning percentages, making the playoff race even more fascinating.
Trials for Toronto
On the other hand, the Toronto Blue Jays have seen their postseason dreams fading. With a current record of 44-52, they find themselves 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. According to FanGraphs, Toronto’s chances of making the postseason stand at a mere 1.8%, leaving the team with a daunting task ahead if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
Elly De La Cruz and the Stolen Base Chase
One of the most electrifying stories of the season has been Elly De La Cruz's blazing speed on the bases. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases at the All-Star break, De La Cruz has been a revelation for the Cincinnati Reds, who have played 97 games so far this season. He is on pace to steal 78 bases, which would be an incredible achievement. The young phenom is on the verge of matching José Reyes' 2007 mark of 78 stolen bases and could potentially surpass Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 stolen bases from last year. The historical context here is rich, with legends like Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman setting almost untouchable records with 93 steals in 1988 and 109 in 1987, respectively.
Injury Woes for the Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a tumultuous season filled with pitching injuries, complicating their quest for postseason glory. Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have all spent significant time on the injured list, compelling the Dodgers to use a staggering 31 different pitchers this season. The team recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a bid to bolster their pitching staff. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers continue to fight and adapt, showcasing the resilience that has become their trademark.
Iron Men on the Mound
In an era where workhorse starters are becoming increasingly rare, only five pitchers managed to surpass the 200-inning mark last season, including the likes of Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings. These starters are proving to be invaluable assets to their respective teams, as maintaining pitching health and stamina becomes ever more challenging in the modern game.
Debuting Talent
This season has also seen emerging young talent making immediate impacts. Nolan Schanuel made his MLB debut the same year he was drafted, a feat not accomplished since Garrett Crochet did so in 2020. Additionally, Chris Cortez is generating buzz with his potential to break into the majors this year. Cortez has been a standout at Texas A&M, posting an impressive 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings, making him a prospect to watch closely.
As the MLB season moves towards its climax, the mix of surging performances, historical pursuits, and emergent talent promises fans an exhilarating ride filled with drama and excitement. The approaching trade deadline will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue, as teams vie for the crucial pieces needed to turn potential into postseason reality.