As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the stage is set for high-stakes action with postseason and awards races culminating by Sunday. Among the storylines grabbing attention is the recent performance of Tommy Edman. Edman, who has been a revelation for the Dodgers since joining them in a three-team trade involving the Cardinals and the White Sox, has been on a tear, hitting six home runs and stealing three bases in the last 15 games leading into Tuesday.
Edman's journey with the Dodgers began after an offseason marred by wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab assignment. Despite these setbacks, he hadn’t seen any game action until his late-season burst, making his recent performances all the more impressive. In 31 games with the Dodgers, Edman has posted a respectable .265/.310/.470 line. Notably, over his last 23 games, his line improves to .284/.333/.523, underlining his impact during this crucial stretch.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been particularly impressed with 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.
Not just limited to his bat, Edman's versatility in the field has been an asset as well. He's started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base, providing the Dodgers with much-needed flexibility. His overall contribution is reflected in his 1.0 WAR over 31 games, a testament to his all-around value.
In a different corner of the league, Cedric Mullins has seen a rollercoaster of a season. On June 8, Mullins was struggling with a .170/.221/.301 slash line, but he has since turned it around to finish the season strong. In his last 85 games, Mullins has managed a positive 2.4 WAR, bringing his overall slash line to .228/.299/.404 with 18 home runs. Reflecting on his journey, Mullins said, "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."
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. The youthful energy in the clubhouse is palpable, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players just 24 years old or younger. This youthful infusion has been catalyzed by the acquisition of Trey Sweeney, who took over the starting shortstop position following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney, acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury and has been a steady presence both offensively and defensively.
Sweeney's background as a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021 adds a layer of expectation to his performance. He has a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, showcasing his readiness for the big leagues. With 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games, he has demonstrated a blend of power and speed, attributes that the Tigers are hoping will translate into sustained success at the major league level.
Further bolstering the Tigers' aspirations is the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe. The Tigers' farm system has been instrumental in providing a pipeline of talent that has been critical in their postseason push. With these young players making significant contributions, Detroit aims to return to the postseason spotlight after nearly a decade-long absence.
As the 2024 MLB season heads into its final stretch, stories of resilience and breakout performances dominate the headlines. Edman's resurgence, Mullins' perseverance, and the Tigers' youthful charge exemplify the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball. Fans can expect a gripping end to the regular season as teams battle for postseason glory and individual accolades.