As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. High-stakes action is on the horizon as postseason and awards races are set to be decided by Sunday.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman has emerged as a pivotal player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, delivering impressive performances that have bolstered their lineup. Edman, who joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving the White Sox, has been a revelation in his recent games. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until his late-season burst.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing his versatility and clutch performance. His overall line with the Dodgers stands at .265/.310/.470 in 31 games, but his form has been even more remarkable over the last 23 games, with a slash line of .284/.333/.523. His contributions have been critical, as evidenced by his 1.0 WAR over these games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is clearly impressed, stating, “Really surprised with the power. I know that he has an apt to put the barrel on the ball. Certainly versatile defensively. But in the batter's box, he just really takes good at-bats. He's hit six or seven homers for us already in a short period of time and they all seem like they were big. He's gotten a lot of big hits for us.” Edman's defensive versatility is also notable, having made starts in center field, shortstop, and second base.
Cedric Mullins Finds His Groove
Cedric Mullins's season has been a tale of two halves. After posting a dismal .170/.221/.301 slash line by June 8, Mullins has turned his season around spectacularly. His overall line now reflects a .228/.299/.404 with 18 home runs, indicative of a significant improvement in his performance. Over his last 85 games, Mullins has accumulated a positive 2.4 WAR, a remarkable turnaround from the minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins attributes this resurgence to a change in mentality. “I think the biggest part was for me to stop chasing that season (30-30 in 2021). That season was awesome, but at the same time, I think the reason I'm putting up numbers that are similar to it is because I'm no longer chasing that guy. I'm just being who I am.” This shift in focus has allowed Mullins to play more freely and effectively, benefiting both himself and his team.
Tigers Eyeing Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of clinching a wild-card spot, a prospect that has eluded them since their last playoff appearance in 2014. A youthful vigor propels the Tigers, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. This infusion of young talent has been a crucial factor in their late-season push.
Trey Sweeney has been one of the standout performers for the Tigers following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney has been thrust into the starting shortstop role, starting 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, brings promise and talent, having posted a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers also recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe, adding further depth and excitement to their roster as they gear up for a potential playoff run.
As the 2024 MLB regular season draws to a close, the narratives of players like Tommy Edman, Cedric Mullins, and the rising young talent of the Detroit Tigers underline the drama and excitement that characterizes baseball. Their performances and stories are a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport.