As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, the anticipation is palpable. The stakes are high with postseason spots and individual awards on the line for many players. Among those who have captured the spotlight is Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Edman, who was acquired by the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, has found a new gear late in the season. This resurgence is all the more impressive considering the adversity he has faced, including offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab assignment. Edman hadn't seen any game action until this burst, but he has more than made up for lost time.
Over his last 15 games, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, contributing to his .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers. Even more impressive is his performance over the past 23 games, where he has posted a .284/.333/.523 line. This level of consistency has been crucial for the Dodgers as they eye a deep playoff run.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn't hide his admiration for Edman's contributions. “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,” Roberts said.
Edman's versatility has also been on display as he has started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. His contributions have led to a 1.0 WAR over 31 games, further showcasing his value to the team.
Cedric Mullins' Season Turnaround
Another player who has turned heads this season is Cedric Mullins. Mullins had a rough start, with a .170/.221/.301 slash line as of June 8. However, he has since found his form, finishing the season with an overall .228/.299/.404 slash line, including 18 home runs. His WAR dramatically shifted from minus-0.4 over the first 57 games to a positive 2.4 in his last 85 games.
Mullins reflected on his season, saying, “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 change in mindset appears to have been a pivotal factor in his improved performance.
Detroit Tigers' Playoff Push
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the brink of securing a wild-card spot, aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. Their lineup has been significantly influenced by young talent, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. One standout in this youthful squad is Trey Sweeney, who stepped up as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22.
Sweeney, acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has shown promise. The former Yankees first-round pick in 2021 has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury and has a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year. With 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games, Sweeney's all-around game has been a crucial addition to the Tigers' lineup.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers' farm system recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe, signaling the organization's commitment to both current success and future potential.
As the final week of the regular season plays out, baseball fans have plenty to be excited about. Whether it's Edman's late-season heroics, Mullins' impressive turnaround, or the youthful energy propelling the Tigers, the narratives are as compelling as ever. The journey to the postseason promises to be as thrilling as the destination itself.