The 2024 MLB season has been a whirlwind, and with the All-Star Game and draft behind us, fans and analysts alike are eagerly bracing for the upcoming trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. Amid this rush, certain teams and players have shone brightly, while others have struggled to keep pace.
Cardinals Lead Post-May 11 Surge
Since May 11, no team in the National League has performed better than the St. Louis Cardinals. With an impressive 35-22 (.614) record over this period, the Cardinals have surged forward, yet still find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 standing against the Brewers' 55-42. The Brewers further hold an edge, leading the season series against the Cardinals 6-1.
The excellence of the Cardinals' run is mirrored by other teams in the league. The Philadelphia Phillies have posted a resilient 34-22 (.607) record since May 11, while the Houston Astros have been even better with a 36-21 (.632) mark. The Cleveland Guardians, matching the Cardinals' stride with a 34-21 record, have cemented their reputation as one of the strongest teams in this stretch.
Toronto's Postseason Hopes Dim
In contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays have found the going tough. Currently standing at 44-52 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their postseason prospects are bleak. FanGraphs places Toronto's postseason odds at just 1.8%, a stark reminder of how unforgiving the competition can be.
Elly De La Cruz: A Speed Sensation
Among the individual standouts in the league is the Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz, who leads MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games so far, De La Cruz is on pace to swipe 78 bases, a figure echoing José Reyes' 2007 total. This potential feat places him in the proximity of other legendary base stealers, such as Ronald Acuña Jr., who stole 73 bases last year, Rickey Henderson with 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman, who notched 109 stolen bases in 1987.
Injury-Stricken Dodgers' Pitching Carousel
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a turbulent season on the mound, employing 31 pitchers to date. They have contended with injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. The front office has made moves to mitigate these losses, including claiming Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers continue to push forward in their quest for the postseason.
Iron Men of the Mound
Last season saw only five pitchers reach the 200-inning plateau, a mark of elite durability and skill. This exclusive group included notable names like Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings, closely followed by Seth Lugo, who has pitched 127 innings, and Logan Webb, who remains a workhorse at 124 1/3 innings.
Rising Stars and Debuts
The MLB is always a stage for fresh talent, and this year is no different. Nolan Schanuel has grabbed attention by becoming the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted, a feat last achieved by Garrett Crochet in 2020. Equally intriguing is Chris Cortez, who is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez, with a stellar 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, promises to add a fresh dimension to whichever team he joins.
As the trade deadline looms and the season progresses into its latter stages, the performances, transactions, and emerging talents will continue to captivate and reshape the fabric of MLB 2024. Each team's maneuvering and strategy now will undoubtedly echo into October, where only the finest will vie for the ultimate glory in baseball's grand theater. The stage is set, the players are primed, and the curtain is far from closing on what promises to be a riveting season.