As the 2024 MLB regular season reaches its final week, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation. The postseason races and awards are poised to be decided by Sunday, with several players stepping up and making notable contributions. Among these late-season storylines is Tommy Edman, whose recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade with the Cardinals and White Sox, has been making headlines with his outstanding play. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has managed to invigorate the Dodgers with his dynamic abilities. Over the last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases. This late-season burst is even more impressive considering he had not seen any game action prior to this run.
Edman's versatility on the field has been a boon for the Dodgers. In just 31 games, he has started in center field 20 times, at shortstop nine times, and at second base as well. His batting prowess is reflected in his .265/.310/.470 line with the Dodgers. Over the last 23 games, these numbers have surged to an impressive .284/.333/.523.
Manager Dave Roberts has taken note, 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.”
Edman's contributions have been quantifiable beyond the traditional stats. He has contributed to a 1.0 WAR over his 31 games with the Dodgers, showcasing his value both at the plate and in the field.
Cedric Mullins' Season Turnaround
Another player making headlines is Cedric Mullins. Earlier in the season, Mullins was struggling significantly, with a .170/.221/.301 slash line on June 8 and a minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games. However, Mullins has turned his season around remarkably. Over his last 85 games, he has posted a positive 2.4 WAR and an overall slash line of .228/.299/.404, including 18 home runs.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a shift 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 explained.
Tigers’ Young Core Eyeing Playoffs
In team news, the Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, marking their first playoff berth since 2014. This achievement is even more impressive given the youth of their roster. Six of Tuesday's starting nine position players were 24 years old or younger, highlighting the team's reliance on their developing talent.
Trey Sweeney exemplifies this youth movement. After Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22, Sweeney stepped up as the starting shortstop, starting 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney was a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021. Despite his youth, he has been a consistent performer 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 produced top prospect Jackson Jobe, who was called up recently, further bolstering their lineup as they chase postseason glory.
As the final days of the regular season unfold, these individual and team narratives add to the excitement and drama, setting the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling conclusion to the 2024 MLB campaign. The achievements and challenges faced by stars like Tommy Edman, Cedric Mullins, and the youthful Tiger's squad will undoubtedly be remembered as defining moments of the season.