Cardinals Surging, Trade Deadline Looming
The 2024 MLB season has reached a pivotal juncture. The All-Star Game and draft are now behind us, and attention shifts to the fast-approaching trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. It's a critical time for teams to make their moves, and several squads find themselves in intriguing positions.
Cardinals' Remarkable Run
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the hottest teams in baseball, boasting a 35-22 record, translating to a .614 winning percentage. This impressive performance has catapulted them into contention, though they still trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games with a 50-46 record overall. The Brewers, who lead the National League Central at 55-42, have dominated the season series against the Cardinals, holding a commanding 6-1 advantage.
The Cardinals aren't the only ones showcasing their talents since mid-May. The Philadelphia Phillies have also been on a tear, posting a 34-22 record (.607). Meanwhile, the Houston Astros are marginally ahead with a 36-21 record (.632). The Cleveland Guardians, too, match the Cardinals' winning percentage with a 34-21 record since May 11.
Toronto's Long Odds
On the other end of the spectrum, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. At 44-52, they're 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs puts their postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, leaving them with a lot of ground to make up in a short period.
Record-Chasing Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz has been electrifying for the Cincinnati Reds, 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 this season. This would place him alongside the likes of José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who swiped 73 bases last year. The modern stolen base record remains Rickey Henderson's 93 in 1988, with Vince Coleman's 109 in 1987 marking another high-water mark from the past.
Dodgers' Pitching Carousel
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a turbulent season with their pitching staff, using 31 pitchers so far. Injuries to key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have forced the team to adapt continually. In a recent move, they claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, looking to add some stability to their rotation.
Across the league, durability in pitchers has become a rarity. Only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season, 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 have logged 127 and 124 1/3 innings, respectively.
New Faces on the Horizon
Excitement also surrounds fresh talent making their way to the big leagues. Nolan Schanuel has become the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet did so in 2020. Similarly, Chris Cortez is anticipated to break into the majors this year. Cortez has been impressive at Texas A&M, where he posted a 2.78 ERA and racked up 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams will need to decide whether they’re buyers or sellers. These decisions will shape the rest of the season and potentially, the narratives for years to come. One thing is certain: the drama and excitement of Major League Baseball remain unrivaled as we head into the next chapter of the 2024 season.