Cardinals Lead the National League Since May; Trade Deadline Approaches
With the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft now in the rearview mirror, baseball fans are turning their focus to the upcoming trade deadline, which is less than two weeks away. Teams are scrambling to make the necessary moves to boost their postseason prospects, and one of the most intriguing storylines has been the remarkable performance of the St. Louis Cardinals since May 11.
The Cardinals' resurgence has been nothing short of impressive. They have posted a National League-best 35-22 record (.614) since mid-May, showcasing their determination to climb the standings. However, despite their strong performance, the Cardinals still find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, with a current record of 50-46.
The Cardinals' challenge has been compounded by the Brewers' own consistent play. Milwaukee sits atop the division with a 55-42 record and holds a commanding 6-1 lead in the season series against St. Louis. Both teams will be keenly watching the trade market, looking for opportunities to bolster their rosters for the final push of the season.
Meanwhile, other teams have also been on hot streaks since May 11. The Philadelphia Phillies have posted a 34-22 (.607) record, the Houston Astros have gone 36-21 (.632), and the Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals' .618 winning percentage with a 34-21 mark. These teams will also be eyeing strategic trades to solidify their postseason ambitions.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position. With a 44-52 record and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their chances of making the postseason look slim. FanGraphs currently puts Toronto's postseason odds at a meager 1.8%, suggesting that the Blue Jays might be sellers rather than buyers as the trade deadline approaches.
Elly De La Cruz: Stolen Base Sensation
An individual performance turning heads this season comes from Elly De La Cruz, who leads MLB with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. The Cincinnati Reds' speedster, having played 97 games, is on pace to steal a staggering 78 bases. If he maintains this torrid pace, he would match the feat accomplished by José Reyes in 2007. In a league where speedsters have captured the imagination, such as Ronald Acuña Jr. with 73 steals last year, De La Cruz is making a mark. But the bar is set high with historical figures like Rickey Henderson, who stole 93 bases in 1988, and Vince Coleman, who notched an incredible 109 steals in 1987.
Pitching Woes and Rotational Reinforcements
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a slew of pitching injuries this season, with key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw succumbing to various ailments. In response, the Dodgers have had to dig deep into their bullpen, using 31 pitchers so far this season. Their quest for rotational reinforcement led them to claim Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, a move expected to provide much-needed depth as they navigate the arduous second half of the season.
The pitching landscape across the league has seen notable marathon men, with few reaching the 200-inning mark last season. Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole stood out in endurance. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the way with 132 1/3 innings, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
Rising Stars to Watch
In a showcase of young talent, Nolan Schanuel has made headlines by being the first player to make his MLB debut in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet achieved the feat in 2020. Another budding star, Chris Cortez, is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez has been a standout at Texas A&M, posting a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings, and his arrival in the majors is eagerly awaited.
As teams across the league weigh their options and strategize ahead of the trade deadline, fans can expect a flurry of activity in the coming days. The excitement and anticipation of potential moves are a testament to the ever-evolving dynamics of Major League Baseball, where every decision can shape the course of the season.