The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft have concluded, setting the stage for the second half of the season. With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, teams are scrambling to assess their standings and make pivotal decisions that could shape their postseason dreams.
The St. Louis Cardinals have been a surprise sensation since May 11, boasting the best record in the National League with a 35-22 (.614) performance. Yet, their commendable stretch has them trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, as the Cardinals stand at 50-46 to the Brewers' 55-42. As if to underline the challenge ahead, the Brewers currently hold a commanding 6-1 lead in the season series against the Cardinals.
Other teams also displaying notable improvement since May 11 include the Philadelphia Phillies with a 34-22 (.607) record, the Astros at 36-21 (.632), and the Guardians matching the Cardinals with a 34-21 record, translating to a .618 winning percentage.
While some teams are on the ascent, others face an uphill battle. The Toronto Blue Jays, with a 44-52 record, find themselves 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs places their postseason odds at a slim 1.8%, signaling a likely quiet trade deadline for the Canadian club.
Rookie Sensation on Steals
Elly De La Cruz has lit up the base paths, 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 an impressive 78 bases. This would place him among elite company; José Reyes stole 78 bases in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr. pilfered 73 last year, Rickey Henderson notched 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman set a jaw-dropping mark with 109 steals in 1987.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have cycled through 31 pitchers this season, grappling with injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to shore up their ailing rotation, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates. This move underscores the tactical maneuvers teams must employ when beset by pitching misfortunes.
Throughout the league, pitching durability becomes ever more crucial as the season grinds on. Last year, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark, including workhorses like Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year sees Logan Gilbert leading the charge with 132 1/3 innings, followed closely by Seth Lugo at 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
Introducing New Talents
Nolan Schanuel has carved a unique spot in baseball history by making his MLB debut the same year he was drafted, a feat unseen since Garrett Crochet's debut in 2020. Meanwhile, fans anticipate the arrival of Chris Cortez in the major leagues this year. Cortez has been a standout at Texas A&M, delivering a 2.78 ERA with 107 strikeouts across 64 2/3 innings, hinting at his potential impact at the next level.
As the trade deadline looms, the drama amplifies across Major League Baseball. Teams at the top of their game must decide how to maintain their momentum, while those trailing behind must face hard choices. With new talents emerging and old records being challenged, the rest of the season promises no shortage of excitement and transformation.