The 2024 World Series race is heating up as we approach the season’s midpoint. The powerhouses—Yankees, Phillies, Orioles, and Dodgers—have dominated the league with superior run differentials, robust winning percentages, and impressive stats in both runs scored and allowed.
Yet, the Guardians have quietly surpassed teams like the Dodgers in the win-loss column, while the Mariners and Brewers have built a solid lead atop their divisions, presenting a compelling challenge to the favorites.
Will it be wise to favor these elite teams over a competitive field of 21 playoff hopefuls? Let’s examine some of the teams climbing in the World Series futures and examine the intangibles that could determine the 2024 champion.
Cleveland Guardians
Despite initial doubts, the Cleveland Guardians have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the 2024 season. Entering the year with tempered expectations, especially after an underwhelming 76-86 finish in 2023 and a quiet offseason, the Guardians have silenced skeptics.
The loss of Shane Bieber to Tommy John surgery and Steven Kwan’s early-season injury did not deter them; rather, these setbacks galvanized the team. The offense has exceeded all predictions, and the starting rotation has admirably filled the void left by Bieber. Coupled with an exceptional bullpen, the Guardians are on track for a 103-win season. At 49-26, they sit comfortably atop their division.
Maintaining their current pace, they are poised to secure the number two seed in the American League, granting them a crucial first-round bye to the ALDS. Their tenacity and depth make them formidable contenders for the 2024 World Series.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves’ path to the 2024 World Series title is fraught with challenges yet filled with potential. While the team has seen a decline and faces significant injuries to key players Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña, Jr., they remain a force to be reckoned with.
The roster still possesses immense talent, with Matt Olson breaking out of his early-season slump and key players like Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, and Sean Murphy hitting their strides.
Even without Strider, their deep pitching staff can dominate in the playoffs. If these stars align, the Braves have a legitimate shot at reclaiming their status as World Series champions.
Seattle Mariners
Should the Guardians falter, the Seattle Mariners are well-positioned to seize the opportunity and claim the second seed in the AL, along with the coveted first-round bye. With the Houston Astros still struggling to recover from their slow start and the Texas Rangers awaiting reinforcements from the injured list, the Mariners have emerged as strong favorites in the AL West.
While they may not have been as consistently dominant as Cleveland this season, their current hot streak and strong rotation give them a significant edge.
Julio Rodríguez finding his form in June has been a game-changer, potentially driving the Mariners’ offense and fueling a victorious World Series run.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have defied expectations, rising to the top of the NL Central with a combination of stellar offense and airtight defense. Their success is attributed to an evenly distributed lineup, headlined by Christian Yelich’s return to MVP form, and a bullpen that has consistently shut down opposing teams.
While the Dodgers and Phillies are poised to secure the NL’s first-round byes, the Brewers’ chances hinge on their starting rotation’s ability to sustain its current form. With strategic moves at the trade deadline, the Brewers could bolster their roster, making them genuine contenders to capture the 2024 World Series title.
Houston Astros
While it appears possible that the Houston Astros could miss the playoffs, history has shown their remarkable ability to bounce back. Anchored by stalwarts such as José Altuve and Alex Bregman, the Astros possess one of the most talented lineups in the American League, capable of igniting at any moment.
Despite injuries hampering their pitching staff, the potential for marked improvement is undeniable, with standout performances from Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. After spending much of the first half several games below .500, the Astros have climbed to 38-40 and are on a current five-game winning streak. As things stand today, the Astros are just four games behind the Red Sox for the final playoff spot with lots of games to play.
Should the Astros clinch a playoff berth, their seasoned postseason experience, and formidable star power, make them legitimate contenders for the 2024 World Series title.
