As the 2024 MLB season moves closer and closer to the All-Star Game, players are looking to solidify their chances to book their spot in the cherished game, which is located in Arlington, Texas this year. The major league’s slate of NC State Baseball alums are trying to throw their names into the mix with the midseason break upon us.
Patrick Bailey, San Francisco Giants, Catcher
It’s increasingly evident that the Giants have found their long-term catcher in Patrick Bailey, who continues to solidify the backstop in the Bay. Becoming a defensive stalwart, he has proven why baserunners should attempt steals at their own risk. Picking off 14 runners so far this season, he has given the Giants a reliable defensive presence.
Despite his defense being his main calling card, Bailey’s bat has also been a solid asset for the team. Holding a respectable .283 batting average along with 24 RBIs and six homers, he has been present in big moments for the Giants this season.
For instance, Bailey had his most complete game on April 20 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a four-hit day which included a two-run homer that splashed into McCovey Cove. Earlier this week on June 23, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray was throwing a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Bailey, however, had other plans and hit a homer to spoil the day for Gray.
Carlos Rodon, New York Yankees, Pitcher
Through the opening months of the season, fans in the Bronx have been treated to the resurgence of Carlos Rodon. After an injury-plagued initial season with the Yankees, Rodon has fallen into a groove this year for New York. Riding the wave of success that his team has enjoyed, Rodon has been a key part of one of the most complete teams in all of baseball. Through the first month of the season, Rodon pieced together a solid 2.48 earned run average along with 30 strikeouts.
Rodon’s bid for a redemption season hit a hiccup on May 2 when he took on the talented Baltimore Orioles. Charged with six earned runs through only four innings, it was not the start that fans have come to expect from Rodon.
Choosing not to let one game define him, this game kickstarted a streak of games in which he put together a 7-0 record as the Yankees positioned themselves as one of the premier teams in baseball. Capped off with a seven-inning performance against the Kansas City Royals on June 10, Rodon once again put together an impressive ERA in this time span with a 2.28 mark.
While averaging just over six innings per start, he helped provide a consistent fixture for the Bronx Bombers. However, much like earlier this season, his success has largely been on par with the team’s success.
Since June 10, the Yankees are a measly 5-10 as Rodon has seen his performance dip greatly in his three starts on the bump during this stretch. Despite being tied for fourth for the most wins in the MLB with nine, he has posted a woeful 13.17 ERA in these games. This stretch includes his most recent and perhaps worst performance of the season which came on June 27 against the Toronto Blue Jays in which he allowed a staggering eight runs as the Yankees lost in blowout fashion.
Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies, Shortstop
Another Pack Pro finds himself in the midst of one of the most talented teams in MLB. With a lineup that has many individuals who can hit, it is no surprise that the Philadelphia Phillies are perhaps the best team currently in baseball. Leading the league in many offensive categories, they have reached these heights in the absence of Trea Turner.
For the better part of the first month of the season, Turner did not put up exciting stats. However, he did post an impressive .346 batting average along with a .397 on-base percentage. Finding a way to help his team win, the Phillies stood with a 22-11 record as they took on the Giants on May 3.
In the midst of a two-hit performance against the Giants, Turner suffered a hamstring strain while scoring on a passed ball during the fourth inning. Forcing him to be sidelined for the better part of the next six weeks, it was not until June 17 that he would be able to return. Since returning, he has continued his efficient play as he maintains a .333 batting average on the season. Despite only having three homers and 12 RBIs to his name in 2024, it is undeniable that he has played a key role in the Phillies’ success.
