The 2024 MLB season is heating up as the All-Star Game and draft have now wrapped up, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. With the trade deadline lurking just two weeks away, teams are scrambling to position themselves for a postseason push. Among the noteworthy narratives are the St. Louis Cardinals, who have posted the best record in the National League since May 11, achieving a remarkable 35-22 (.614) performance.
Despite the Cardinals’ surge, they still trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. The Brewers, currently sitting at 55-42, have maintained their status as a formidable contender, leading the season series against the Cardinals 6-1. This rivalry is shaping up to be a pivotal storyline as the season progresses.
The Philadelphia Phillies have mirrored the Cardinals' success since May 11, going 34-22 (.607). Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have outpaced them with a 36-21 (.632) mark, asserting their dominance in the American League. The Cleveland Guardians are in a similar position with a 34-21 record, matching the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage.
The Tight Race for the Postseason
As the postseason looms, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious situation. With a 44-52 record, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs gives Toronto's playoff hopes a slim 1.8%, casting doubt on their chances to turn the tide this late in the season.
One player to watch is Elly De La Cruz, who leads MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. The rookie sensation has played 97 games and is on pace to steal 78 bases, a feat last achieved by José Reyes in 2007. This pursuit places De La Cruz among the greats of the game, such as Ronald Acuña Jr., who stole 73 bases last year, Rickey Henderson with 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman’s 109 steals in 1987.
Injury Woes and Roster Moves
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant adversity this season, having utilized 31 pitchers due to injuries to key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. To mitigate these setbacks, the Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, hoping to bolster their beleaguered rotation.
Last season saw only five pitchers eclipse the 200-inning mark, including stalwarts like Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the majors with 132 1/3 innings, followed by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings. The endurance and effectiveness of these pitchers will be crucial as their teams make a push for October.
Rookies Making Headlines
Excitement also buzzes around Nolan Schanuel, who recently made his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted, a rare feat last accomplished by Garrett Crochet in 2020. Eyes are also on Chris Cortez, who is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez has impressed at Texas A&M, posting a 2.78 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.
With all these dynamics in place, the next few weeks promise to be a fascinating period in Major League Baseball, filled with potential trades, emerging talents, and teams vying for coveted postseason spots. The stage is set for a captivating conclusion to the 2024 MLB season.