The 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be a roller-coaster ride as recent developments have underscored the dynamic nature of the league. With the conclusion of the All-Star Game and draft, attention now shifts to the looming trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. The intensity of the playoff race is starting to show, and several teams are making significant strides.
Cardinals' Surge Since May
The St. Louis Cardinals have demonstrated remarkable resilience, boasting the best record in the National League since May 11 with a 35-22 (.614) performance. Despite this impressive streak, the Cardinals, with a current record of 50-46, trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games in the standings. The Brewers, who have posted a 55-42 record, have also dominated the season series against the Cardinals, leading 6-1.
Astros, Phillies, and Guardians in the Mix
The competitive landscape extends beyond the National League. In the American League, the Houston Astros have been a force to reckon with, recording a 36-21 (.632) mark since May 11. The Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Guardians have also been on impressive runs; the Phillies with a 34-22 (.607) record and the Guardians matching the Cardinals' winning percentage with a 34-21 performance.
Toronto's Playoff Dreams Dim
In contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays are facing an uphill battle for a postseason berth. With a 44-52 record, the Blue Jays find themselves 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs currently puts Toronto's postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, suggesting that their playoff aspirations are quickly fading.
Elly De La Cruz's Stolen Base Quest
On an individual front, Elly De La Cruz is making headlines with his speed on the basepaths. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases by the end of the season. This places him in elite company, alongside notable base stealers such as José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr. with 73 stolen bases last year, Rickey Henderson with 93 stolen bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman who stole 109 bases in 1987. The Reds star has played 97 games so far, making his pursuit one of the season’s most exciting storylines.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant challenges on the mound this season. Injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have forced the Dodgers to use 31 pitchers so far. To shore up their pitching staff, the Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers' resilience and resourcefulness in managing their rotation cannot go unnoticed.
Workhorse Starters
The era of dominating starting pitchers seems to persist, with only five pitchers reaching the 200-inning mark last season. Among them were Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings. The durability and consistency of these pitchers have been crucial for their respective teams' successes.
Rising Stars in the Big Leagues
Youth continues to infuse excitement into the league. Nolan Schanuel made headlines as the first player to debut in the MLB the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Meanwhile, Chris Cortez, who posted an impressive 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year, signaling a bright future ahead for emerging talents.
As the season progresses, the stakes are higher than ever. With several teams making remarkable runs and individual players setting the stage on fire, the excitement doesn’t seem to be dwindling anytime soon. For the fans, this promises a gripping second half of the season, filled with anticipation and fervor.