The 2024 MLB season has been nothing short of eventful, with recent developments signaling crucial turning points for several teams. The All-Star Game and draft have concluded, and as teams eye the impending trade deadline, the focus has shifted to core performances and strategic moves that will shape the remainder of the season.
Cardinals on the Rise
The St. Louis Cardinals have been formidable since May 11, posting a 35-22 (.614) record, the best in the National League over this stretch. Despite this impressive run, they find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games with a 50-46 record. Currently, the Brewers lead the division with a 55-42 mark. The head-to-head statistics do not favor the Cardinals either, as the Brewers hold a dominant 6-1 edge in their season series.
Postseason Aspirations and Odds
Hopes for a postseason berth are realistically fading for the Toronto Blue Jays. With a 44-52 record, they sit 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs paints a grim picture for Toronto’s postseason chances, placing their odds at a mere 1.8%. For the Phillies, however, optimism remains higher. Since May 11, they have achieved a 34-22 (.607) record, a performance that keeps them in the thick of the playoff hunt.
The Stolen Base Race
On an individual level, Elly De La Cruz is making waves with his speed on the bases. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases as of the All-Star break, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases by season's end. This would position him among the elite in recent stolen base history, surpassing Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 73 bases from last year and nearing the figures achieved by legends like José Reyes in 2007 (78 bases) and Rickey Henderson in 1988 (93 bases). The all-time record for the modern era remains with Vince Coleman, who stole an astounding 109 bases in 1987.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
In Los Angeles, the Dodgers are grappling with significant injuries to starters including Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. This has forced the team to utilize an extensive array of 31 pitchers this season, an uncharacteristically high number. The Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates in an attempt to bolster their beleaguered pitching staff.
Pitching Dominance
Stability in the starting rotation remains paramount for contender teams. Last season saw only five pitchers reach the 200-inning mark, a testament to the resilience and durability required at the highest level. Leading the league in innings pitched this year is Logan Gilbert, with 132 1/3 innings to his name thus far. Seth Lugo and Logan Webb follow closely with 127 and 124 1/3 innings, respectively. These workhorse pitchers play a critical role in their teams' efforts to maintain consistency and fend off the relentless grind of the season.
Rising Stars and Anticipated Debuts
On the prospect front, Nolan Schanuel has made a notable impact by making his MLB debut the same year he was drafted, a feat last accomplished by Garrett Crochet in 2020. Another young talent expected to break into the majors this year is Chris Cortez. Showcasing a remarkable 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, Cortez's ascent to the big leagues is highly anticipated and watched closely by scouts and fans alike.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams across MLB will be making strategic decisions that could define the trajectory of their seasons. Whether it’s shoring up their rotations, looking to add speed on the bases, or hoping for a last-minute run to a playoff spot, every move will be scrutinized as the race for October intensifies.