The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft have wrapped up, leaving fans and analysts shifting their focus to the looming trade deadline, which is set to arrive in less than two weeks. As teams strategize their next moves, a closer look at recent performances and standings reveals some compelling developments across the league.
Cardinals Heat Up in National League
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have displayed remarkable prowess, boasting the best record in the National League with a 35-22 (.614) performance. Despite this surge, they find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 record compared to the Brewers' 55-42.
The Brewers have dominated their season series against the Cardinals, leading 6-1. This head-to-head advantage could play a crucial role as the two teams vie for divisional supremacy in the crucial weeks ahead.
Other Teams Show Strong Post-May 11 Performance
Several other teams have also performed impressively since May 11. The Philadelphia Phillies have a 34-22 (.607) record, while the Houston Astros stand out with a 36-21 (.632) mark. The Cleveland Guardians are not far behind, matching the Cardinals with a 34-21 record and a .618 winning percentage.
Blue Jays' Postseason Hopes Dwindle
Over in the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. Sitting at 44-52, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs currently estimates Toronto's postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, presenting a steep climb for the Canadian team if they wish to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Elly De La Cruz: Speedster on Pace for Historic Season
Elly De La Cruz has captivated audiences with his exceptional speed on the basepaths, leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. Having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases by season's end—a mark that echoes the feats of José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who swiped 73 bases last year.
Historical comparisons place De La Cruz among the elite ranks of base stealers, trailing legends like Rickey Henderson, who stole 93 bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman, with 109 stolen bases in 1987.
Dodgers Grapple with Injuries and Pitching Needs
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a turbulent season, particularly within their pitching rotation. Utilizing an astounding 31 pitchers thus far, the Dodgers have contended with injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In response to these challenges, they claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates in a bid to bolster their pitching staff.
In a broader pitching context, last season saw only five pitchers reach the 200-inning mark, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, while Seth Lugo and Logan Webb closely follow with 127 and 124 1/3 innings, respectively.
Rookie Debuts and Promising Futures
Not all the noteworthy stories are about seasoned veterans. Nolan Schanuel made his MLB debut this year, becoming the first player to do so in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Eyes are now turning to Chris Cortez, who is anticipated to break into the major leagues this season. With a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, Cortez is a promising talent on the horizon.
As the trade deadline approaches, MLB teams are poised to make critical decisions that could define their seasons. With standout performances, strategic acquisitions, and emerging rookies, the narrative of the 2024 season continues to unfold in exciting, unpredictable ways.