MLB 2024 Midseason Round-Up: Cardinals Surge, Trade Deadline Looms
As the dust settles following the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft, teams across the league are reassessing their strategies with the trade deadline less than two weeks away. This midseason juncture presents a vital opportunity for franchises to bolster their rosters as the hunt for postseason berths intensifies.
Cardinals' Remarkable Turnaround
Since May 11, no team has been hotter in the National League than the St. Louis Cardinals. Boasting a 35-22 record (.614), the Cardinals have transformed their season. However, despite this impressive run, they still trail the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 record compared to the Brewers’ 55-42.
The Brewers, who currently lead the season series against the Cardinals 6-1, show no signs of relenting. This head-to-head dominance by Milwaukee underscores the challenge facing St. Louis as they aim to close the gap in the standings.
Other Notable Performances
The Cardinals aren’t the only team making noise. The Philadelphia Phillies have also been exceptional, posting a 34-22 record (.607) since the same date. The Houston Astros, known for their depth and resilience, have recorded an even more impressive 36-21 mark (.632).
In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals’ .618 winning percentage, boasting a 34-21 record since May 11. These surges highlight the fiercely competitive nature of this MLB season, with multiple teams making strong pushes.
Blue Jays Face Uphill Battle
On the flip side, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. With a 44-52 record, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. According to FanGraphs, their postseason odds sit at a mere 1.8%, underscoring the steep climb ahead for the Blue Jays if they hope to turn their season around.
Impact Players and Key Performances
Individually, Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz has taken the league by storm with his speed. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break, De La Cruz is on pace to swipe 78 bases this season. This feat would place him amongst elite company, matching José Reyes’ 2007 total and approaching Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 stolen bases from last year.
Historically, the benchmark for stolen bases includes Rickey Henderson's 93 in 1988 and Vince Coleman's astounding 109 in 1987. De La Cruz’s pace suggests he could be in this rarefied air by season’s end.
Pitching Depth Challenges
The Los Angeles Dodgers face significant challenges on the pitching front, having used 31 pitchers this season. Injuries to key starters Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have necessitated a revolving door on the mound. The Dodgers recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates in an attempt to bolster their depleted staff.
Across the league, reaching the 200-inning mark has become increasingly rare for pitchers, with only five achieving it last season, including 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. These workhorses are becoming indispensable assets for their teams.
Fresh Faces in the Majors
Young talent continues to break into the Major Leagues. Nolan Schanuel notably made his MLB debut the same year he was drafted, a rare accomplishment last seen by Garrett Crochet in 2020. Chris Cortez is another name to watch, with expectations of him breaking into the majors this year after posting a stellar 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams must decide whether to invest in the present or plan for the future. The coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the remainder of the season and set the stage for the playoff push. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the moves that will define the second half of this thrilling MLB season.