As the dust settles following the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, attention shifts to the impending trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. This period promises to be telling for teams on the cusp of playoff contention and those seeking to bolster their rosters for the postseason push.
Cardinals Surge Yet Trail Brewers
The St. Louis Cardinals have showcased a remarkable turnaround since May 11, boasting the best record in the National League. An impressive 35-22 (.614) performance has propelled them back into the conversation as NL contenders. Despite this surge, the Cardinals find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. With a current record of 50-46, closing this gap remains a formidable challenge.
The Brewers, meanwhile, stand strong at 55-42 and have dominated the season series against the Cardinals with a commanding 6-1 lead. Milwaukee's consistency has proven vital in maintaining their edge atop the division standings.
Top Performers Since May 11
Several teams have seen significant success since May 11. The Philadelphia Phillies boast a 34-22 (.607) record, while the Houston Astros have registered an impressive 36-21 (.632) performance. Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals with a 34-21 record, marking a .618 winning percentage.
Blue Jays' Dwindling Postseason Hopes
In stark contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves struggling, sitting at 44-52 and currently 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs, a reputable source for baseball projections, has put Toronto's postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, highlighting the uphill battle they face.
Elly De La Cruz's Historic Pace
Among individual performances, Elly De La Cruz stands out with a league-leading 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Cincinnati Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases this season. This pace draws comparisons to notable feats from the past, such as José Reyes' 78 stolen bases in 2007 and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 stolen bases last year. Yet, reaching the heights of Rickey Henderson's 93 steals in 1988 or Vince Coleman's astounding 109 steals in 1987 still remains an ambitious target.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes and New Acquisitions
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant challenges, using a staggering 31 pitchers this season due to injuries to key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to stabilize their pitching staff, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The constant shuffle underscores the importance of depth in sustaining a competitive edge.
Workhorse Pitchers
In an era where durability is increasingly rare, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season. Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole were among this elite group. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, closely followed by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings. These workhorse pitchers are invaluable assets, often setting the tone for their respective rotations.
Rising Stars to Watch
The future looks bright for some emerging talents as well. Nolan Schanuel has made headlines as the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Additionally, Chris Cortez is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year after posting an impressive 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M. Such performances indicate a promising career trajectory, reflecting the constant influx of new talent in Major League Baseball.
As the season progresses and the trade deadline looms, these storylines will continue to evolve. Teams will weigh their options, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, while players strive to leave their mark in a game defined by both its historic legacy and its ever-changing dynamics.