As the clock ticks down to the 2024 MLB trade deadline, the baseball landscape is bustling with action and intrigue. With the All-Star Game in the rearview mirror, teams are shifting their focus to critical mid-season moves that could define their campaigns. Among the teams in the spotlight are the St. Louis Cardinals, who have turned their season around with a 35-22 (.614) record since May 11.
The Cardinals, boasting the best record in the National League over the past two months, find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. With a 50-46 record, the Cardinals have significantly cut into the Brewers' lead, although the Brewers still hold a commanding position at 55-42. The season series between these two NL Central rivals is currently leaning heavily in favor of the Brewers, who lead 6-1.
Elsewhere in the NL, the Philadelphia Phillies are making waves with a 34-22 (.607) performance since mid-May, closely mirroring the Cardinals' resurgence. However, it’s the Houston Astros who are setting the pace with a 36-21 (.632) record over the same period, showcasing their consistency and strength in the competitive season.
It's not just the established teams making headlines. Elly De La Cruz has electrified fans with his speed on the basepaths, leading Major League Baseball with 46 stolen bases at the All-Star break. The Reds have played 97 games thus far, and De La Cruz is on pace to swipe an impressive 78 bases by season's end. This puts him in elite company, eyeing records set by stolen base legends like José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., with 73 stolen bases last year. Historically, he would, however, still trail behind Rickey Henderson’s 93 stolen bases in 1988 and Vince Coleman’s staggering 109 in 1987.
Toronto’s Tough Climb
For the Toronto Blue Jays, optimism is dwindling as they sit at 44-52, a daunting 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. According to FanGraphs, the Blue Jays have a mere 1.8% chance of making the postseason, presenting a stark reality for the team and its fans.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been navigating turbulent waters with injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. So far, the Dodgers have utilized 31 pitchers this season, reflecting the instability and depth challenges they face. In an attempt to bolster their pitching staff, they recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
Considering the broader pitching landscape, it’s notable that only five pitchers reached the coveted 200-inning mark last season, including standout names such as Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert is leading the charge with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
New Faces on the Rise
The 2024 season has also seen the emergence of fresh talent making an immediate impact in the majors. Nolan Schanuel became the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet achieved the feat in 2020. Another player anticipated to break into the big leagues this year is Chris Cortez. At Texas A&M, Cortez posted a stellar 2.78 ERA and recorded 107 strikeouts in just 64 2/3 innings, signaling his readiness for the next level.
With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, these narratives are only going to intensify. Teams like the Cardinals will look to continue their upward trajectory, while others, like the Blue Jays, will face an uphill battle to salvage their season. Meanwhile, individual milestones and emerging talents will keep fans riveted as the 2024 MLB season heads into its critical second half.