Cardinals Surge While Trade Deadline Approaches
As the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft conclude, attention swiftly shifts to the looming trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. Amidst the buzz and anticipation, several teams have positioned themselves intriguingly for the season's second half, none more so than the St. Louis Cardinals.
Since May 11, the Cardinals have boasted the best record in the National League with a 35-22 (.614) run. Their resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable, as they now stand at 50-46, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. The Brewers, currently sitting at 55-42, have a solid lead in the season series against the Cardinals, with a 6-1 record.
Notably, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros have also demonstrated strong performances since May 11, holding records of 34-22 (.607) and 36-21 (.632), respectively. The Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage with a 34-21 record over the same period, highlighting an intensely competitive league.
Despite these surges, some teams face tougher roads ahead. The Toronto Blue Jays, for instance, find themselves at 44-52 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot. According to FanGraphs, their postseason odds stand at a mere 1.8%, dampening hopes of a late-season rally.
Emerging Stars and Milestones
Rookies and young talents continue to capture headlines as well. Elly De La Cruz leads MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on pace to steal an impressive 78 bases. This achievement would place him alongside notable base stealers such as José Reyes, who swiped 78 bases in 2007, and Ronald Acuña Jr., who had 73 steals last year. The list also includes historical efforts like Rickey Henderson’s 93 stolen bases in 1988 and Vince Coleman’s staggering 109 bases in 1987.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have seen an almost unprecedented use of pitchers this season, utilizing 31 different arms due to injuries to key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to patch up their injury-riddled rotation, they claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates.
Yet, the challenges have not hampered their aspirations. Last season, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark, including stalwarts like 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, demonstrating their grueling endurance and commitment.
Newcomers Making a Mark
The infusion of fresh talent has been another highlight of the season. Nolan Schanuel has become the first player to make his MLB debut the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020, showcasing an accelerated route to the majors. Another prospect, Chris Cortez, is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez posted an impressive 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, signaling a promising future.
With the trade deadline around the corner, teams across the league will keenly evaluate their rosters and potential acquisitions. As we move deeper into the season, the gripping narratives of team dynamics, player milestones, and tactical trades will undoubtedly shape the playoff picture, promising an exciting and unpredictable stretch run.