As the MLB Postseason Race Heats Up, Key Teams and Players Take the Spotlight
The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft have concluded, setting the stage for one of the most crucial periods in the baseball calendar: the trade deadline. This year, it arrives in less than two weeks, and the stakes could not be higher for several teams vying for postseason glory.
The Cardinals Surge Since Mid-May
The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as a formidable force, boasting the best record in the National League since May 11. Over this period, they've accumulated an impressive 35-22 (.614) performance. Currently, with a 50-46 record, they’re hot on the trail of the Milwaukee Brewers, trailing them by just 4.5 games. The Brewers, sitting at 55-42, have been leading the season series against the Cardinals 6-1, adding another layer of intrigue to their rivalry.
Chasing the NL Central Crown
It’s not just the Cardinals making waves. The Philadelphia Phillies, with a 34-22 (.607) record since May 11, and the Houston Astros at an impressive 36-21 (.632), are showing no signs of slowing down. The Cleveland Guardians have matched the Cardinals' winning percentage, posting a 34-21 record since the same date.
Blue Jays' Playoff Hopes Dim
Meanwhile, north of the border, the Toronto Blue Jays are facing an increasingly steep climb to the postseason. Currently standing at 44-52 and sitting 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their chances appear slim. FanGraphs puts their postseason odds at a mere 1.8%, making every upcoming game critical if they hope to turn their season around.
De La Cruz Making Stealing Bases an Art
On the individual performance front, Elly De La Cruz has been electrifying on the base paths. Leading the league with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break, De La Cruz is on pace to swipe 78 bases this season. To put that in perspective, José Reyes stole 78 bases in 2007, while Ronald Acuña Jr. managed 73 last year. Notably, baseball legends Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman stole 93 and 109 bases, respectively, in the 1980s, setting an incredibly high bar for base stealers.
Dodgers' Pitching Woes and Adjustments
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant challenges this season, especially with their pitching staff. They have cycled through 31 pitchers thus far, grappling with injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In a bid to bolster their bullpen, they recently claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The relentless grind of the MLB season has also affected the durability of pitchers across the league. Only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season, a tall task in today's game. This season, Logan Gilbert leads with 132 1/3 innings, followed closely by Seth Lugo at 127 innings and Logan Webb at 124 1/3 innings.
New Talent Rising
Injecting fresh excitement into the sport, Nolan Schanuel has made his MLB debut this year, becoming the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to break into the major leagues the same year he was drafted. Chris Cortez is another name to watch, with high expectations for his major league debut this year. Cortez has showcased his potential with a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M.
As the trade deadline draws near, the moves made—or not made—by teams could significantly impact the postseason landscape. The Cardinals, Phillies, Astros, and Guardians are all on a hot streak, while the Blue Jays face an uphill battle. With standout individual performances and emerging new talent, baseball fans have plenty to look forward to in the second half of the season.