The Midsummer Classic has come and gone. With the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft now in the books, attention turns to the trade deadline that’s looming just under two weeks away. As teams assess their postseason aspirations, it's clear that the standings since May 11 have provided valuable insights into the trajectory of several contenders and hopefuls.
National League Standings
Among the standout teams in the National League since May 11, the Cardinals have emerged as a dominant force, boasting a 35-22 (.614) record. This impressive performance places them just behind the Brewers, who themselves hold a strong 55-42 overall record, maintaining a 4.5-game lead over the Cardinals, who sit at 50-46.
Despite trailing Milwaukee, the Cardinals have shown resilience on the field. However, their efforts in narrowing the gap have been stymied by the Brewers' success in their head-to-head matchups, with Milwaukee leading the season series 6-1.
American League Highlights
In the American League, the Astros have posted a stellar 36-21 (.632) mark since May 11, underlining their strength in a fiercely competitive field. Similarly, the Guardians have matched this trajectory with a 34-21 record and a .618 winning percentage, mirroring the Cardinals' performance in the National League.
The Blue Jays, however, find themselves in a much more precarious position. Sitting at 44-52 and trailing the wild-card spot by 9.5 games, their postseason hopes are increasingly slim. According to FanGraphs, Toronto's chances of making the playoffs are a mere 1.8%, putting the team at a critical juncture as the deadline approaches.
Base-Stealing Excellence
One of the season's most electrifying developments has been Elly De La Cruz's prowess on the basepaths. Leading MLB with 46 stolen bases at the All-Star break, the Reds' speedster is on pace to pilfer 78 bases by season's end. Comparisons to past base-stealing legends are inevitable. José Reyes stole 78 bases in 2007, Ronald Acuña Jr. managed 73 stolen bases last year, Rickey Henderson swiped 93 bags in 1988, and Vince Coleman famously stole 109 bases in 1987. De La Cruz’s dynamism adds an exhilarating dimension to the Reds, who have already played 97 games this season.
Dodgers' Depth Challenges
Injuries have ravaged the Dodgers' pitching staff this season. Key starters, including Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw, have all spent time on the injured list, prompting the team to use an astounding 31 pitchers. The recent acquisition of Brent Honeywell off waivers from the Pirates highlights the lengths Los Angeles has gone to shore up its rotation and bullpen. Despite these challenges, the team’s ability to remain competitive in the grueling campaign is a testament to their organizational depth.
Workhorse Pitchers
The league has seen a dwindling number of pitchers able to reach the 200-inning threshold—a hallmark of durability and efficiency. Last season, only five pitchers, including Logan Webb, Zac Gallen, and Gerrit Cole, accomplished the feat. Webb continues to lead the charge this year, accumulating 124 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Logan Gilbert has logged an impressive 132 1/3 innings, with Seth Lugo close behind at 127 innings. Their ability to eat innings and provide quality starts remains invaluable as teams navigate the demands of a long season.
Emerging Talents
This year has also seen the debut of notable young talent. Nolan Schanuel has made waves as the first player to debut in the MLB in the same year he was drafted since Garrett Crochet did so in 2020. On the horizon, Chris Cortez is anticipated to bring his formidable skills to the majors. His standout performance at Texas A&M—boasting a 2.78 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings—has scouts and fans eagerly awaiting his impact at the next level.
As the trade deadline approaches, the landscape of Major League Baseball is primed for potential shake-ups and dramatic turns. Teams will be looking to bolster their rosters, solidify their rotations, and refine their strategies in the relentless pursuit of October glory. With key players emerging, strategic trades likely, and playoff races heating up, the second half of the 2024 season promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as the first. The stakes are high, and every game will count in the march toward the postseason.