The 2024 MLB season has been nothing short of thrilling, with the All-Star Game and draft now in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to the impending trade deadline just under two weeks away. Teams are making their moves, not just on the field but also in the front offices, as they strategize for a playoff push.
Remarkable Runs and Race for the Playoffs
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have lit up the National League with a stellar 35-22 record, translating to a .614 winning percentage. Despite this impressive run, the Cardinals find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games in the standings. The Brewers hold a 55-42 record, boasting dominant control in head-to-head matchups with a 6-1 season series lead against St. Louis.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros have also been on fire since May, with records of 34-22 (.607) and 36-21 (.632), respectively. Another notable mention is the Cleveland Guardians, who mirror the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage with a record of 34-21.
In the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays face a steeper climb. Currently sitting at 44-52 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their chances of making the postseason are slim, with FanGraphs putting their odds at a mere 1.8%.
Rising Stars and Historic Feats
Elly De La Cruz has emerged as one of the season's brightest young stars, leading MLB with 46 stolen bases at the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases by the season's end. This would not only be a personal milestone but a nod to historical greats such as José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 last year, Rickey Henderson's 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman's staggering 109 in 1987.
Pitching Woes and Waiver Wonders
The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team often synonymous with pitching prowess, have had an arduous season dealing with injuries. Luminaries like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have all spent time on the sidelines, compelling the Dodgers to utilize 31 different pitchers so far. Adapting on the fly, the Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates to bolster their bullpen.
In a league where pitching endurance is rare, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning milestone last season, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year's innings leader, Logan Gilbert, has logged 132 1/3 innings, with Seth Lugo and Webb not far behind at 127 and 124 1/3 innings, respectively.
Debuts and Prospects
Milestone moments are being etched in the annals of Major League Baseball this season, highlighted by Nolan Schanuel's debut. Schanuel, who made his MLB debut the same year he was drafted, is the first to achieve this feat since Garrett Crochet did it in 2020. Adding to the anticipation, Chris Cortez is expected to break into the majors this year. Cortez's track record speaks volumes, with a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, pointing to a promising future.
As we advance towards the late summer months, the dynamics within the league are bound to intensify. The combinations of trades, strategic plays, and individual performances will undeniably shape the narratives of the 2024 MLB season. With so much at stake, anticipation builds for what could unfold in the weeks and months ahead.