As the 2024 MLB regular season draws to a close, the spotlight is firmly on the high-stakes action set to unfold, with postseason positions and individual awards hanging precariously in the balance. Among the players grabbing headlines is Tommy Edman, who has been a revelation for the Dodgers since his mid-season arrival.
Edman's Remarkable Late-Season Performance
Tommy Edman has emerged as a critical asset for the Dodgers, showcasing his power and speed with six home runs and three stolen bases across his last 15 games leading into Tuesday. His journey to the Dodgers was marked by a significant trade involving the Cardinals and the White Sox, part of the three-team deal centered around Erick Fedde.
Despite facing challenges such as offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury during rehabilitation, Edman hadn't seen any action until his recent surge. His impressive .265/.310/.470 line over 31 games with the Dodgers, including a .284/.333/.523 line in his last 23 games, underscores his importance to the team. Whether positioned in center field, shortstop, or second base, Edman’s versatility has been invaluable, contributing to a solid 1.0 WAR over these games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his amazement at Edman's contribution, 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.”
Cedric Mullins' Resurgence
Another player making waves is Cedric Mullins, whose season has been a tale of two halves. After enduring a rough start to the season, posting a .170/.221/.301 slash line as of June 8, Mullins has turned things around remarkably. His overall .228/.299/.404 slash line, complemented by 18 home runs, highlights his return to form.
Mullins' contribution to the team over his last 85 games has been substantial, evidenced by his positive 2.4 WAR. This is a stark contrast to the minus-0.4 WAR he registered over the first 57 games of the season. Reflecting on his performance, Mullins shared, “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 on the Cusp of Playoffs
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the brink of a significant achievement, with a wild-card spot within their grasp. This potential playoff berth would mark their first since 2014, a significant milestone for the franchise. A testament to their youthful vigor, six of the Tigers’ starting nine position players on Tuesday were 24 years old or younger.
Among these young talents is Trey Sweeney, who stepped into the role of starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Since then, Sweeney has started 29 of 32 games and has been a steady presence for the Tigers. Acquired from the Dodgers in the Jack Flaherty trade, Sweeney, a 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 over 107 games.
In addition to Sweeney, the Tigers' farm system has yielded another gem in top prospect Jackson Jobe, who has recently made his way to the majors. This infusion of young talent and the prospect of postseason play highlight an exciting era for the Detroit Tigers and their fans.
As the final week of the regular season unfolds, players like Edman, Mullins, and Sweeney will undoubtedly be key figures to watch, their performances potentially shaping the narrative of the 2024 MLB postseason. The curtain is about to close on the regular season, but the drama is only just beginning.