As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season looms, the excitement builds with postseason and awards races culminating in a high-stakes showdown. Among the players making waves is Tommy Edman, who has carved out a remarkable late-season resurgence with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tommy Edman's Remarkable Journey
Tommy Edman, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in the three-team Erick Fedde trade involving the Chicago White Sox, has proven to be a pivotal addition to the Dodgers. After undergoing wrist surgery in the offseason and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman had not seen any game action until his burst late in the season. His comeback has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has belted six home runs and swiped three bases, showcasing his offensive prowess. His performance has been a revelation for the Dodgers, as he has contributed with a slash line of .284/.333/.523 over his last 23 games. Overall, in 31 games with the Dodgers, Edman boasts a commendable .265/.310/.470 line.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn't contain his admiration for Edman's contributions, saying, “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 versatility has also been on full display. With 20 starts in center field, nine at shortstop, and additional appearances at second base, he has proven to be an invaluable asset for the Dodgers. His contributions have been instrumental, adding up to a 1.0 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in just 31 games.
Cedric Mullins' Rollercoaster Season
Elsewhere in the league, Cedric Mullins' season has been a tale of two halves. On June 8, Mullins was languishing with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, he has since turned his season around in spectacular fashion. Now, with an overall slash of .228/.299/.404 and 18 home runs, Mullins has accumulated a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games, a stark contrast to the minus-0.4 WAR over his first 57 games.
Mullins himself attributes this turnaround to a change 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 said.
The Tigers' Youthful Surge
In Detroit, the Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, with hopes of making their first playoff appearance since 2014. Notably, six of Tuesday's starting nine position players for the Tigers were 24 years old or younger, a testament to the team's burgeoning young talent.
Among these young stars is Trey Sweeney, who stepped up as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney has started 29 of 32 games since Báez’s injury and has been making the most of this opportunity. 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, he recorded a .267/.345/.450 slash line with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Rising Talents and Hopes
Detroit's hopes are further bolstered by recent call-ups from their farm system, including top prospect Jackson Jobe. The influx of young talent has provided a much-needed boost and excitement to the Tigers' postseason aspirations.
As the 2024 MLB regular season heads into its final week, the compelling narratives of players like Tommy Edman, Cedric Mullins, and the young Tigers underscore the drama and excitement that baseball fans relish. With postseason dreams within grasp and individual triumphs unfolding, this final stretch promises to deliver unforgettable moments and set the stage for what lies ahead in October.