The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft have concluded, and the excitement continues as the trade deadline looms less than two weeks away. As teams jockey for position in the standings, several standout performances and intriguing narratives have emerged, particularly in the National League and among certain high-profile clubs.
Cardinals on the Rise
One of the more fascinating developments has been the resurgence of the St. Louis Cardinals. Since May 11, the Cardinals have boasted the best record in the National League, posting an impressive 35-22 (.614) mark. Despite this stellar run, St. Louis still finds itself trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, with a 50-46 record.
The Brewers, leading the division with a 55-42 record, have been a thorn in the Cardinals' side all season. Milwaukee dominates the season series against St. Louis, with a hefty 6-1 advantage. This dynamic adds an extra layer of intensity to the Cardinals' pursuit of the division title.
Also noteworthy is the performance of the Philadelphia Phillies, who have compiled a 34-22 (.607) record since May 11, and the Houston Astros, who are just a step ahead with a 36-21 (.632) mark since the same date. The Cleveland Guardians have similarly thrived, equaling the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage with a 34-21 record.
Trouble North of the Border
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are grappling with a steep climb to postseason contention. With a 44-52 record, they are currently 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs places their postseason odds at a slim 1.8%, underscoring the uphill battle they face in the coming weeks.
Emerging Stars and Consistent Contributors
On an individual level, rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz has taken the league by storm. Leading Major League Baseball with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break, De La Cruz's aggressive baserunning is reminiscent of the sport's legendary speedsters. He is projected to steal 78 bases this season, putting him on par with José Reyes's 2007 total. This figure also stacks up impressively against Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 steals last year and Rickey Henderson's 93 in 1988. Vince Coleman's 109 stolen bases in 1987 remain a lofty historical benchmark.
Pitching Challenges and Opportunities
Turning to pitching, the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant adversity this season. They've used a staggering 31 pitchers, contending with injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to shore up their rotation, the Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Last season saw only five pitchers reach the 200-inning mark, among them Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed by Seth Lugo's 127 innings and Logan Webb's 124 1/3 innings. These ironmen continue to be critical workhorses for their respective teams.
Debuts on the Horizon
Finally, two promising talents are making waves with their major league debuts. Nolan Schanuel recently became the first player to debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Additionally, Chris Cortez is another name to watch; he is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez comes highly touted following an impressive stint at Texas A&M, where he posted a 2.78 ERA and amassed 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.
As the trade deadline approaches, these storylines and performances will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the second half of the MLB season. The coming weeks promise a mix of intense competition, emerging new stars, and strategic maneuvers that could decisively influence the playoff picture.