With the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft now in the rearview mirror, the baseball world turns its attention to the upcoming trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. Teams are feverishly assessing their rosters, honing in on their needs as they gear up for a crucial stretch run. Let's delve into the current landscape, particularly focusing on the Cardinals, the Brewers, and a handful of standout individual performances.
Cardinals Surge Amid Competitive NL Central
Since May 11, the St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as the National League's top performers, amassing a 35-22 (.614) record over that span. Despite this impressive run, they currently trail the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. The Cardinals hold a 50-46 record as they navigate through the highs and lows of a fiercely contested NL Central.
The Brewers, commanding a 55-42 record, have created a notable buffer, thanks in part to their dominance over the Cardinals in head-to-head matchups, leading the season series 6-1. Both teams are keeping a watchful eye on the Phillies, who have posted a 34-22 (.607) record since May 11, showcasing yet another team in good form as the race intensifies.
Astros, Guardians Keep Pace
Other noteworthy contenders across the league include the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians. The Astros have registered a 36-21 (.632) mark since May 11, further solidifying their credentials as a powerhouse team. Meanwhile, the Guardians match the Cardinals' performance over the same period with a 34-21 record (.618), positioning themselves for a competitive fight in the American League.
Blue Jays’ Diminishing Postseason Odds
Contrastingly, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a challenging situation. With a 44-52 record, they are languishing 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. FanGraphs projects their postseason odds at a slim 1.8%, underscoring the uphill battle the team faces as the season progresses.
Speed Merchants on the Basepaths
On an individual level, speedster Elly De La Cruz is making headlines with his prowess on the basepaths. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break, De La Cruz has been a bright spot for the Cincinnati Reds, who have played 97 games thus far. With this pace, he is on track to amass 78 stolen bases by season's end, potentially rivaling the feats of base-stealing legends José Reyes, who swiped 78 bags in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr. with 73 last year, Rickey Henderson’s 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman's staggering 109 in 1987.
Dodgers’ Pitching Woes and Next-Man-Up Mentality
The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with a high degree of adversity within their pitching staff. Having already employed 31 pitchers this season, the Dodgers have felt the absence of key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw due to injuries. In an effort to bolster their bullpen, they recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
Last season saw only five pitchers reach the 200-inning mark, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings, closely followed by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings, highlighting the crucial role of endurance and resilience in a successful campaign.
Rookie Spotlight
On the rookie front, Nolan Schanuel stands out as the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to debut in the same year he was drafted. There's growing anticipation surrounding Chris Cortez, expected to make his major league debut this year. Cortez showcased his potential at Texas A&M, posting a 2.78 ERA and totaling 107 strikeouts over 64 2/3 innings, signaling a promising future.
As the trade deadline looms, teams are meticulously plotting their moves, weighing the balance between bolstering their rosters and preserving long-term assets. The race towards October promises to be electrifying, with every game taking on amplified significance in the relentless pursuit of postseason glory.