St. Louis Cardinals Heating Up in National League Race
With the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft now behind us, the focus shifts to the upcoming trade deadline set to hit in less than two weeks. As teams scramble to refine their rosters, several storylines have emerged, particularly in the National League.
The St. Louis Cardinals have been making waves, boasting the best record in the National League since May 11 with a 35-22 (.614) performance. Despite this impressive run, challenges loom large for the Cardinals. They currently trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games, holding a 50-46 record compared to the Brewers' 55-42.
The cards have been dealt harshly in their season series against the Brewers, where they currently find themselves at a 6-1 deficit. This uphill battle means every upcoming game holds significant weight as the Cardinals strive to close the gap in the standings.
Other Contenders
The Philadelphia Phillies have also demonstrated formidable play, matching the Cardinals' pace with a 34-22 (.607) record since May 11. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have surged ahead with a 36-21 (.632) mark over the same period. The Cleveland Guardians have also mirrored the Cardinals' success, with a parallel .618 winning percentage from their 34-21 record.
In stark contrast, the Toronto Blue Jays have found themselves in a difficult position. Standing at 44-52, they are 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot with their postseason odds calculated by FanGraphs to be a mere 1.8%. Their playoff hopes, though slim, hinge on an outstanding turn of events in the remaining season.
Stolen Base Race
Amidst all the team dynamics, individual performances have also commanded attention. Elly De La Cruz has taken the lead with 46 stolen bases entering the All-Star break. With the Reds having played 97 games, De La Cruz is on track to steal a staggering 78 bases. This projection brings back memories of José Reyes’s 78 stolen bases in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr.'s 73 steals last year, Rickey Henderson's 93 in 1988, and Vince Coleman’s 109 in 1987. These historical comparisons underscore the magnitude of De La Cruz’s potential accomplishment.
Injury Struggles
The Los Angeles Dodgers have battled more than their fair share of injuries this season, particularly among their pitching staff. Key starters like Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw have all faced time on the injured list. The Dodgers’ front office has responded by claiming Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, hoping to plug some gaps in their rotation.
This issue isn’t exclusive to the Dodgers; last season, only five pitchers reached the 200-inning mark, a group including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole. This season, Logan Gilbert leads the league with 132 1/3 innings pitched, followed by Seth Lugo with 127 innings and Logan Webb with 124 1/3 innings, showcasing the endurance and resilience required to be a reliable innings-eater in today’s game.
Rising Stars
Newcomers also continue to make headlines. Nolan Schanuel recently became the first player to make his MLB debut the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet in 2020. Eyes are also on Chris Cortez, who is anticipated to break into the major leagues this year. Cortez posted an impressive 2.78 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings at Texas A&M, signaling his readiness to contribute at the highest level.
As the midseason trade deadline approaches, the MLB landscape is rich with compelling narratives. From the tight races in the National League to individual milestones, and promising rookie debuts, the action in Major League Baseball promises to keep fans riveted. With so much at stake, every game, pitch, and play will be scrutinized as teams jostle for position and players strive to etch their names in the annals of baseball history.