MLB's High Stakes Post-All-Star Game Stretch
As the dust settles from the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, the attention now shifts to the looming trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. This pivotal moment in the MLB season offers teams a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their rosters for the final stretch.
In the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as a force since May 11, boasting a 35-22 (.614) record. Despite their impressive performance, the Cardinals trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games with a 50-46 record. The Brewers remain a formidable opponent with a 55-42 record and lead the season series against the Cardinals 6-1. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies have also been on a roll, posting a 34-22 (.607) record since May 11.
Over in the American League, the Houston Astros have mirrored the Cardinals' success with a 36-21 (.632) performance since mid-May. Not to be outdone, the Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals' winning percentage, going 34-21 (.618) in the same span.
In contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. With a 44-52 record and sitting 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, FanGraphs has pegged Toronto’s postseason odds at a mere 1.8%. Climbing back into contention will be an uphill battle for the Blue Jays.
Emerging Stars and Record Chases
One of the standout stories this season has been Elly De La Cruz, who leads MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. The Reds have played 97 games, and De La Cruz is on pace to swipe 78 bases, putting him in the same league as José Reyes, who stole 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who nabbed 73 bags last year. It's a remarkable feat, harkening back to the days of Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman, who stole 93 and 109 bases in 1988 and 1987, respectively.
Dodgers' Pitching Carousel
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a tumultuous season on the mound. With injuries sidelining key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers have resorted to using a staggering 31 different pitchers this season. In a bid to bolster their pitching depth, the Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
In a broader context, durability has become a rare commodity among pitchers. Only five hurlers 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, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
New Faces on the Horizon
Nolan Schanuel has made headlines as the first player to make his MLB debut the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Additionally, Chris Cortez is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year after a stellar season at Texas A&M, where he posted a 2.78 ERA and notched 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.
As the trade deadline approaches, MLB teams are faced with crucial decisions that could shape the remainder of their season. With several teams showing remarkable mid-season form and new talents emerging, the closing chapters of this baseball season promise excitement and unpredictability.