The midseason point in Major League Baseball has come and gone, leaving behind a whirlwind of events and crucial benchmarks for teams and players alike. The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft have concluded, and now, teams are eyeing the swiftly approaching trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks.
National League Race Heats Up
The St. Louis Cardinals have been on a tear since May 11, boasting the best record in the National League with a remarkable 35-22 (.614) performance. This impressive run has propelled the Cardinals to a 50-46 record, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. The Brewers, holding a 55-42 record, lead the season series against the Cardinals 6-1, providing a significant edge in their rivalry.
The Philadelphia Phillies have also made waves since May 11, sporting a 34-22 (.607) record, while the Houston Astros have surged ahead with a 36-21 (.632) mark during the same period. The Cleveland Guardians, matching the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage, have maintained a stellar 34-21 record since May 11.
Toronto's Playoff Aspirations Dim
In the American League, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. With a record of 44-52, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs projects Toronto's postseason odds at a slim 1.8%, signaling a difficult road ahead for the franchise.
De La Cruz Steals the Spotlight
Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds has emerged as a bright spot this season, leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to steal 78 bases, a feat last accomplished by José Reyes in 2007. This would also put him ahead of Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 stolen bases from last year, though still behind the legendary totals of Rickey Henderson's 93 bases in 1988 and Vince Coleman's 109 bases in 1987.
Injury-Plagued Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced considerable challenges this season, cycling through 31 pitchers due to injuries to key starters, including Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In an attempt to bolster their pitching roster, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates. Despite these efforts, the rotation remains in flux.
Workhorse Pitchers
Only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season, and consistency in pitching remains a vital asset. Among the current leaders in innings pitched, Logan Gilbert stands out with 132 1/3 innings, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings, and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings this year.
Rising Stars and New Debuts
Nolan Schanuel has made his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted, a rare achievement last seen with Garrett Crochet in 2020. Additionally, Chris Cortez is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year, following an impressive season at Texas A&M, where he posted a 2.78 ERA and recorded 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings. His transition to the big leagues is highly anticipated, offering another glimmer of hope and excitement for the sport's future.
As the second half of the season progresses, these storylines will undoubtedly shape the landscape of Major League Baseball. Teams and players alike will strive to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and etch their names in the annals of the game. The trade deadline looms large, with every decision carrying the potential to alter the course of the season.