As we reach the All-Star break and midpoint of the 2024 MLB season, fans have been treated to a thrilling display of talent, strategy, and surprises. From standout performances by rising stars to unexpected shifts in team dynamics, the first half has been nothing short of captivating.
Are the Cleveland Guardians World Series contenders?
Stephen Vogt’s Cleveland Guardians are proving that they’re no joke. With 3 games left before we head into the All-Star break, the Guardians have the best record in the American League at 57-35. With one of the best players in baseball (Jose Ramirez) leading the way, Cleveland is a force to be reckoned with. Ramirez has hit .303/.379/.678 for an OPS of 1.058, .376 in Isolated Power with 11 home runs in the month of May.
Can Paul Skenes win NL Cy Young?
When was the last time we saw a rookie win the Cy Young award? When was the last time we saw a rookie pitcher start the MLB All-Star game? Paul Skenes may be the best pitcher in Pittsburgh Pirates history and he has only started 11 games. This guy is unhittable, it's truly incredible to watch. In 11 starts, Skenes is 6-0 with 89 K's (average 8 K's per start) and a 1.90 ERA. In his last outing, he had a no-hitter going into the 8th inning but was pulled from the game with 99 total pitches. Skenes has had quite a 2023-2024, winning the College World Series, becoming the #1 pick in the MLB Draft, having a historical rookie season, starting the MLB All-Star game.
Are the Houston Astros back?
After an absymal and shockingly horrible start to the season, the Astros have figured things out. It took nearly half of the season but Houston is finally over .500. They have won 9 straight games at home, Kyle Tucker is returning from injury, Ronel Blanco is continuing his dominating ways, it is time to be scared of Houston again unfortunetly. The Astros continue to find gems in the pitching staff, how do they keep doing this? (I have never heard of Blanco before this season)
Can the Boston Red Sox actually make the playoffs?
Somehow, someway, the Red Sox have managed to stay relevant despite what was expected to be another forgotten season. This upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals is pivotal for Boston. They are currently 50-41 and hold the final AL Wild Card spot by 1 game over the Royals. A sweep or taking 2 of 3 from Kansas City would be the perfect confidence boost for the Red Sox headed into the All-Star break. Tanner Houck, Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers (all 3 named AL All-Stars), and Masataka Yoshida have been studs for Boston in the first half of this season. One looming issue that could doom Boston's season is Rafael Devers' shoulder injury. It has been nagging him since the start of Spring Training, causing him to miss 11 games in April. He also will miss the All-Star game next week.
Who wins the MLB Home Run Derby?
The Home Run Derby is always an exciting event! Although, I miss the old rules of 10 outs per batter, it is still fun. This year's event involves the young guns (minus Ozuna & Teoscar) versus the two-time champ, Pete Alonso. Pete may only have 18 home runs this season compared to the likes of Gunner Henderson (27 homers) and Marcell Ozuna (25 homers) but Pete dominates this event. It is hard for me to put my money on anyone else in this event besides Pete Alonso. Pete defeats Adolis Garcia in the Final Round to take home the trophy.
Prediction: Pete Alonso, NYM. (+300)
Pete Alonso (+300)
Marcell Ozuna (+340)
Adolis Garcia (+410)
Gunnar Henderson (+550)
Bobby Witt Jr. (+600)
Teoscar Hernandez (+100)
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