As the dust settles on the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, teams are now looking toward the fast-approaching trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. The shifting landscape of Major League Baseball has brought several teams into the spotlight, with some making significant strides since May 11.
Cardinals Charging Ahead
The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as one of the standout teams in the National League since May 11, boasting a 35-22 (.614) performance. Despite their impressive run, they trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, sitting at a 50-46 record. The Brewers, with a 55-42 record, have maintained their dominance in the season series against the Cardinals, leading 6-1.
Other Contenders on the Rise
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros have also shown remarkable form since May 11. The Phillies have put together a 34-22 (.607) record, while the Astros have surged ahead with a 36-21 (.632) mark. Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals' winning percentage with a 34-21 record in the same period.
Toronto's Slim Playoff Hopes
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves struggling. With a 44-52 record, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs has put their postseason odds at a meager 1.8%, highlighting the uphill battle the team faces as the season progresses.
Elly De La Cruz Dominates the Base Paths
On an individual level, Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, 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 by season’s end. This impressive pace puts him in the conversation with some of the great base stealers of the past, such as José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who swiped 73 bases last year. However, he still has some ways to go to match the likes of Rickey Henderson, who racked up 93 steals in 1988, or Vince Coleman, who stole a staggering 109 bases in 1987.
Dodgers Battle Injuries
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant 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 response to these setbacks, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates in a move to bolster their pitching staff.
Workhorse Pitchers
In the realm of pitching endurance, the league has seen only a few pitchers reach the 200-inning mark last season, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This season, Logan Gilbert is leading the charge with 132 1/3 innings pitched so far, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings. Their durability on the mound continues to play a crucial role in their teams’ success.
Fresh Faces in the MLB
Nolan Schanuel has made headlines by becoming the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted. This remarkable achievement underscores the rapid rise of young talent making an immediate impact in the majors. Additionally, Chris Cortez is anticipated to make his mark in the major leagues this year, backed by his impressive record of a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M.
As the MLB season continues to unfold, teams and players alike are demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill. With the trade deadline looming, the dynamic nature of the league promises further excitement and intrigue for baseball fans everywhere.