MLB All-Star Game and Trade Deadline Loom on the Horizon
As the dust settles on the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, teams across the league shift their focus to the rapidly approaching trade deadline, now less than two weeks away. Among the clubs drawing significant attention are the St. Louis Cardinals, who have emerged as a formidable force in the National League since May 11.
With a record of 35-22 (.614) during that period, the Cardinals currently boast the best record in the National League. Despite this impressive performance, they find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 record compared to the Brewers' 55-42 standing.
The Cardinals face an uphill battle to close the gap, made more challenging by their poor showing in the season series against the Brewers, where they trail 6-1. Nonetheless, the Cardinals' recent surge signifies a team hitting its stride at a crucial juncture of the season.
Other Hot Teams
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Phillies have also been making waves, posting a 34-22 (.607) record since May 11. Close behind them, the Houston Astros have achieved a 36-21 (.632) mark over the same timeframe. The Cleveland Guardians have mirrored the Cardinals' resurgence, notching a 34-21 record, which translates to a .618 winning percentage.
In sharp contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves floundering. With a 44-52 record, they sit a daunting 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs estimates Toronto's postseason odds at a bleak 1.8%, underscoring the challenging road ahead for a team struggling to find its footing.
Stealing the Spotlight
Turning to individual achievements, Elly De La Cruz has electrified the basepaths, leading MLB with 46 stolen bases as of the All-Star break. Having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on a remarkable pace to steal 78 bases by season's end. Should he achieve this feat, he would match José Reyes's 2007 milestone.
This year’s stolen base race recalls past performances, including Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 stolen bases last year, Rickey Henderson's 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman's staggering 109 in 1987. De La Cruz’s speed presents fans with the potential to witness one of the sport’s most thrilling records in the making.
Dodgers Battle Through Pitching Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers are contending with a series of injuries to key starters, such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. As a result, the Dodgers have relied on no fewer than 31 pitchers this season. In a bid to bolster their bullpen, they recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
This rampant pitching carousel underscores a broader trend in the game, where the 200-inning milestone has become increasingly rare. Only five pitchers reached that mark last season, among them Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, closely followed by Seth Lugo's 127 innings and Logan Webb's 124 1/3 innings.
Fresh Faces
In an unusual move, Nolan Schanuel made his MLB debut the same year he was drafted, a feat last accomplished by Garrett Crochet in 2020. Meanwhile, Chris Cortez is tipped to break into the major leagues this year. With an impressive 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, Cortez has turned heads with his performance and is seen as a promising asset for the future.
As the trade deadline approaches, these developments add intriguing layers to what has already been a captivating season. Teams must now navigate the final stretch, balancing immediate needs with long-term aspirations as they vie for a coveted postseason berth.