As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the excitement across the league is palpable. With postseason spots hanging in the balance and individual accolades still up for grabs, every game has become a must-watch event. Among the players making headlines is Tommy Edman, who has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the closing stages of the season.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Edman, who joined the Dodgers in a complex three-team trade involving the Cardinals and the White Sox, has been on a remarkable run. Over his last 15 games, Edman has showcased his prowess both at the plate and on the base paths, hitting six home runs and stealing three bases. This performance is particularly impressive considering he hadn't played much earlier in the season due to wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab assignment.
“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,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Since joining the Dodgers, Edman has put up a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games. This late-season burst has been even more impressive, with a .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games. Alongside his offensive contributions, Edman's versatility on the field has been invaluable, starting games in center field, shortstop, and second base, contributing to a 1.0 WAR in these 31 contests.
Cedric Mullins Rebounds Strongly
On the other end of the spectrum is Cedric Mullins, whose season has been a tale of two halves. By June 8, Mullins was struggling with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, his fortunes have since changed dramatically. Over his last 85 games, Mullins has turned things around with a positive 2.4 WAR and an improved .228/.299/.404 overall slash that includes 18 home runs.
Reflecting on his performance, 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.”
Tigers Eye Their First Playoff Berth Since 2014
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, potentially marking their first playoff appearance in a decade. Youth has been at the forefront of their campaign, with six of Tuesday’s starting nine position players being 24 or younger. One of the standout young talents is Trey Sweeney, who stepped in as the starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury in August.
Sweeney, who was part of a mid-season trade from the Dodgers and was originally a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, has embraced his role with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games. Since Báez's injury, he has started 29 of 32 games, cementing his position as a key component of the Tigers' infield.
Adding to the Tigers' optimism is the recent call-up of their top prospect, Jackson Jobe. His arrival symbolizes the club's commitment to infusing young talent into their roster as they prepare for the high-stakes games ahead.
The anticipation leading into the final weekend of the regular season is palpable. Players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins are hitting their stride at the perfect moment, while teams like the Detroit Tigers are rallying behind a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership. As the postseason picture comes into sharper focus, fans across the league are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 MLB season.