The conclusion of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft has set the stage for a crucial period in the baseball season, and teams are gearing up for the impending trade deadline, set to arrive in less than two weeks. Amidst the flurry of activity, stand-out performances and key team records have begun to shape the narrative of the season.
National League Contenders
Since May 11, the Cardinals have demonstrated resilience and skill, boasting the best record in the National League with a 35-22 (.614) performance. Despite their efforts, they trail the Brewers, who have maintained a firm grip on the division lead with a 55-42 record. The Cardinals, sitting at 50-46, face a challenging deficit of 4.5 games.
The comparative performances across teams since May 11 reveal other noteworthy contenders in the mix. The Phillies have registered a 34-22 (.607) record, while the Astros lead all teams with a 36-21 (.632) mark over the same period. Meanwhile, the Guardians have matched the Cardinals’ winning percentage, producing an impressive 34-21 record.
Season Series and Standings
The Brewers' dominance over the Cardinals is evident in the season series, where they lead 6-1. This advantage will be critical as the playoffs approach. The Blue Jays find themselves in a more precarious position, with a 44-52 record and trailing by 9.5 games for a wild-card spot. According to FanGraphs, their postseason odds are a slim 1.8%.
Record-Breaking Efforts
Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a standout player, leading 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 78 bases this year, which would etch his name alongside some of the greats. José Reyes stole 78 bases in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr. managed 73 steals last year, while Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman hold towering records of 93 and 109 stolen bases in 1988 and 1987, respectively.
Dodgers Overcome Adversity
The Dodgers have had their share of challenges this season, utilizing 31 pitchers due to injuries to key starters such as Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. In response to these setbacks, the Dodgers claimed Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates to bolster their pitching staff.
Despite these hurdles, a few pitchers have managed to stand out in durability and effectiveness. Last season saw only five pitchers reach the 200-inning mark, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This year, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed closely by Seth Lugo with 127 innings, and Webb with 124 1/3 innings.
Milestones and Debuts
Nolan Schanuel made headlines by debuting in the MLB the same year he was drafted, a feat unseen since Garrett Crochet's debut in 2020. The anticipation surrounding young talent continues as Chris Cortez is expected to break into the majors this year. Cortez posted an impressive 2.78 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, marking him as a player to watch.
As teams finalize their rosters before the trade deadline, the mix of record-setting performances, injuries, and emerging talents will likely influence the momentum heading into the postseason. Whether it's the Cardinals' ongoing chase of the Brewers, the resurgence of the Phillies, or individual milestones, the 2024 baseball season promises an array of exciting developments.