As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, the stage is set for high-stakes action with postseason and awards races set to be decided by Sunday. Among the notable storylines, the resurgence of Tommy Edman stands out. Having joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, Edman has been nothing short of remarkable.
Tommy Edman's Impact
Edman’s performance in the last 15 games has been electrifying, with six home runs and three stolen bases. With a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games for the Dodgers and an even more impressive .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games, Edman has proven to be a vital asset. This late-season surge comes after a challenging offseason, where Edman underwent wrist surgery and suffered an ankle injury during his rehab assignment. For most of the season, he hadn’t seen any game action, making his current form all the more impressive.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn't help but express his surprise and admiration. “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 has also been invaluable, with starts in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. His overall contribution amounts to a 1.0 WAR over the 31 games he has played, reflecting his balanced offensive and defensive impact.
The Surge of Cedric Mullins
Cedric Mullins has also been a player to watch as the season draws to a close. On June 8, he carried a .170/.221/.301 slash line, but his turnaround has been remarkable. Now boasting a .228/.299/.404 slash with 18 home runs and a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games, Mullins has significantly improved from a minus-0.4 WAR in the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a shift in mindset. “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.”
Tigers Eye Playoff Berth
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, a significant milestone as they eye their first playoff berth since 2014. The youthful energy within the team is palpable, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 years old or younger. One key player has been Trey Sweeney, who stepped up to become the starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22.
Sweeney’s integration into the team has been seamless; he has started 29 of the 32 games since Báez's injury. Initially acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney came highly regarded as a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021. His performance in Triple-A this year, with a .267/.345/.450 slash line, 15 home runs, and 20 steals in 107 games, hinted at his potential.
Adding to the Tigers’ promising outlook is the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe from their farm system, injecting even more talent and excitement into a team on the brink of postseason play.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the unfolding drama and performances of players like Edman, Mullins, and the youthful Tigers squad provide a captivating narrative. Every game from here on out holds the potential to decisively shape the postseason landscape, making for an exhilarating finish to the 2024 MLB season.