Midseason MLB Report: Key Dynamics Unfolding as Trade Deadline Approaches
As we pass the midpoint of the MLB season, the 2024 All-Star Game and draft are already behind us, and the trade deadline looms large, set to arrive in less than two weeks. Teams across the league are evaluating their rosters and making critical decisions that will shape the rest of their seasons.
Cardinals' Resurgence and Competitive Central Division
The St. Louis Cardinals have been a powerhouse since May 11, boasting the best record in the National League. With an impressive 35-22 (.614) performance during this period, they've surged forward but still find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. St. Louis, currently holding a 50-46 record, remains in the hunt, despite their adversaries, the Brewers, sitting atop with a 55-42 record.
The Cardinals face a challenging road ahead, particularly given their struggles against the Brewers this season. Milwaukee leads the season series against St. Louis 6-1, a crucial factor in the competitive NL Central standings. The Phillies, another National League contender, have similarly been strong since May 11, with a 34-22 (.607) record.
Astros' and Guardians' Consistency
In the American League, the Houston Astros have been equally dominant since May 11, posting a 36-21 (.632) mark. They are closely followed by the Cleveland Guardians, who have matched the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage with a 34-21 record. Both teams have shown exceptional consistency, and their sights are firmly set on postseason success.
Blue Jays' Struggles
Conversely, the Toronto Blue Jays are facing a tough season. Standing at 44-52 and trailing by 9.5 games for a wild-card spot, their postseason prospects look bleak. FanGraphs calculates Toronto's odds of making the playoffs at a mere 1.8%, putting the team in a precarious position as the trade deadline approaches.
Elly De La Cruz: A Stealing Sensation
One of the standout individual performances this season has been that of Elly De La Cruz. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break, De La Cruz has played 97 games and is on pace to steal a remarkable 78 bases. If he maintains this trajectory, he would match the feat accomplished by José Reyes in 2007. For context, Ronald Acuña Jr. stole 73 bases last season, while Rickey Henderson's 93 stolen bases in 1988 and Vince Coleman's 109 in 1987 remain iconic benchmarks in the sport.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant challenges this season, utilizing 31 pitchers due to injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a bid to stabilize their pitching rotation.
Last season, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark, a testament to the durability and endurance required from starting pitchers. Notable names from that group include Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed by Seth Lugo with 127 and Logan Webb at 124 1/3 innings, showcasing their reliability and importance to their respective teams.
Rookies Making Impact
The 2024 season has also seen the emergence of new talents making their mark. Nolan Schanuel, notably, is the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Chris Cortez, who is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez has been outstanding at Texas A&M, posting a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings, demonstrating his potential to be a significant addition to any MLB roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, fans and teams alike are on edge, awaiting the moves that could define the remainder of the season. The jockeying for postseason positions is fierce, and every game from here on out holds heightened significance as teams strive to either solidify their standing or spark an unexpected turnaround.