As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the stage is set for high-stakes action with postseason and awards races reaching their climax. This period often brings out the best in players, and a few standouts have certainly made their mark as teams scramble for those crucial wins.
Tommy Edman Shines in Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman, who joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals via the three-team Erick Fedde trade involving the White Sox, has been nothing short of remarkable. Though Edman faced challenges with offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, his resilience has shone through in this critical period.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has demonstrated his prowess by hitting six home runs and stealing three bases. This performance stands out even more because he hadn’t seen any game action until his late-season burst.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed his admiration for 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.”
Edman’s stats back up Roberts’ praise. Sporting a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers, he has clearly found his footing. Over his last 23 games, he's improved further with a .284/.333/.523 line. His versatility has been a valuable asset for the Dodgers, as he has started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. Overall, Edman's contributions have reflected in his 1.0 WAR over 31 games.
Cedric Mullins Gets Back to Form
Another player who has found his stride is Cedric Mullins. After a challenging start to the season, reflected in his .170/.221/.301 slash line on June 8, Mullins experienced a resurgence. Currently boasting an overall .228/.299/.404 slash with 18 home runs, Mullins has significantly turned his season around.
His performance over the last 85 games has been particularly impressive, contributing to a positive 2.4 WAR, a stark contrast to his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins credits his improved form to a change in mindset, focusing on his own game rather than past achievements. “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 Eyeing Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, marking their first playoff berth since 2014. This achievement is particularly notable because six of Tuesday’s starting nine position players for the Tigers were 24 or younger, showcasing the young talent in their roster.
One key player who has stepped up is Trey Sweeney, who became the starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney has admirably filled the gap, 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.
In Triple-A this year, Sweeney has posted a .267/.345/.450 slash line, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games, illustrating his potential and readiness for the major leagues. Additionally, the Tigers have bolstered their roster by calling up top prospect Jackson Jobe recently, further underlining their strategy of integrating young talent into the team.
As the regular season draws to a close, the performances of players like Edman, Mullins, and the youthful Tigers serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that baseball brings. Their achievements and determination embody the spirit of the game, setting the stage for an exhilarating finish to the 2024 season.