The 2024 MLB All-Star Game and draft are over, and the trade deadline is less than two weeks away. As we await the rest of the All-Star break, here are ten bold predictions for the second half of the 2024 regular season.
Since May 11, the Cardinals have the best record in the National League, 35-22 (.614), edging out the Phillies (34-22, .607). They trail the NL Central-leading Brewers by 4.5 games. With the Brewers having a shaky 19-19 record over their last 38 games, the Cardinals are in a strong position to overtake them, even if briefly, before the season ends.
10 bold predictions for second half of 2024 MLB season, including for Mets and Yankees https://t.co/utU8k5tMRw #MLB #SchwartziesSports
— Schwartzies (@SchwartziesS) July 19, 2024
The Blue Jays, currently at 44-52 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card spot, are expected to be sellers at the deadline. The bold prediction is that they’ll trade a key player, specifically Bo Bichette, to shake up their roster and bring in new talent. A possible trade scenario involves sending Bichette to the Giants for Marco Luciano and lefty Carson Whisenhunt.
Elly De La Cruz, who leads MLB with 46 steals, is predicted to reach 80 stolen bases by season’s end. Despite the grind and wear of a 162-game season, De La Cruz’s electrifying speed and tenacity will push him past the 80-steal mark, a feat not achieved since 1988.
Rather than landing with the expected contenders, White Sox ace Garrett Crochet will be traded to the Mets. The Mets, in wild-card contention, will use Crochet as a reliever for the rest of 2024 and then transition him back to a starter in 2025. The trade package may include Brett Baty, Brandon Sproat, and Kevin Parada.
The newest @FlippinBatsPod is OUT!
ASG special 🙌
– Should the MLB season stop for the 2028 Olympics
– Do we like the new HR Derby format?
– John Smoltz joins! He discusses his favorite part of the ASG / Paul Skenes / 2nd half BOLD PREDICTION 🏴☠️🎧: https://t.co/BtEmt1EKBE pic.twitter.com/STgzydXCo7
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) July 19, 2024
The Yankees, despite a strong record, have several needs to address. This bold prediction states that they will make at least four significant trades, including acquiring two relievers, a third baseman, a starting pitcher, and a righty-hitting outfielder. This aggressive strategy aims to bolster their roster for a postseason push.
Guardians’ Steven Kwan, who leads MLB with a .352 average, is predicted to finish the season with a .360 batting average. Given his high contact rate and ability to hit for average, Kwan is poised to be the first player to achieve this since Joe Mauer in 2009.
The Dodgers, currently dealing with a depleted pitching staff, will set a record by using 43 pitchers this season. They are expected to continue adding arms through trades, waivers, and call-ups, surpassing the previous record of 42 pitchers used in a season.
The prediction is that only three pitchers will reach 200 innings in 2024, a continuation of the trend toward reduced workloads for starters. Names like Logan Gilbert, Seth Lugo, and Logan Webb are among the few who might achieve this milestone.
Following the Angels’ recent trend of fast-tracking their draft picks to the majors, Texas A&M’s Chris Cortez, drafted in 2024, will make his MLB debut this season. The Angels, not shy about aggressive promotions, will utilize Cortez’s talents in their bullpen.
10 BOLD predictions for the 2nd half of the MLB season 😳 @JoelReuterBR https://t.co/kkS517quYR pic.twitter.com/xCLklmQXBG
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 18, 2024
A postseason berth will be determined by a tiebreaker this season, with one team making the playoffs and another missing out. This likely scenario involves the third wild-card spot, where head-to-head records will decide who advances and who goes home.
Key Points:
- The Cardinals will briefly lead the NL Central.
- The Blue Jays will trade Bo Bichette.
- Elly De La Cruz will steal 80 bases.
- The Mets will trade for Garrett Crochet.
- The Yankees will make four significant trades.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
