As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the stage is set for high-stakes action with postseason berths and awards races to be decided by Sunday. Among the players making headlines is Tommy Edman, who has been a key contributor to the Dodgers' late-season surge.
Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman, who joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals in the three-team Erick Fedde trade involving the White Sox, has been a revelation. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until his recent burst. His ability to bounce back has been nothing short of remarkable.
Over his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has showcased his versatility and power, hitting six home runs and stealing three bases. Dave Roberts, the Dodgers' manager, didn't hide his admiration for Edman's impact. "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.
In 31 games with the Dodgers, Edman boasts a .265/.310/.470 line, including a .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games. His defensive flexibility has also been an asset, as he has started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. This versatility has translated into a 1.0 WAR over those 31 games, emphasizing his value to the team.
Cedric Mullins' Resurgence
Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins has had a season of two halves. By June 8, Mullins was struggling with a .170/.221/.301 slash line, but his perseverance has paid off. He now sports a .228/.299/.404 slash, including 18 home runs. Much of this improvement has come in his last 85 games, during which he has posted a positive 2.4 WAR, a stark contrast to his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a change 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," Mullins stated. His renewed focus has clearly paid off, providing a significant boost to his team.
Tigers Eyeing Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, potentially marking their first playoff appearance since 2014. The youth movement has been particularly pronounced, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. This infusion of young talent has been essential to the Tigers' success.
Trey Sweeney has been a standout since taking over as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney, who was acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has seamlessly filled the void, starting 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. The former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021 has shown promise with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers' farm system has also contributed to the team's push for the playoffs, with top prospect Jackson Jobe recently being called up. The addition of such promising young players bodes well for the Tigers' future, as they look to make a deep postseason run.
As the season reaches its climax, fans can expect thrilling performances and intense competition. Players like Tommy Edman, Cedric Mullins, and the rising stars of the Detroit Tigers will be at the forefront, aiming to leave their mark and potentially lead their teams to glory.