As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the level of intensity ramps up with postseason spots and prestigious awards still up for grabs. One player who has thrust himself into the spotlight in recent weeks is Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The infielder has been a whirlwind of activity, hitting six home runs and stealing three bases in his last 15 games, ensuring he remains a pivotal part of the Dodgers' late-season push.
Edman's Impact
Edman joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a complex three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has shown no signs of these setbacks impacting his performance. In fact, his late-season burst has been nothing short of remarkable, considering he hadn't seen any game action until recently.
Since his return, Edman's stats have been commendable. Sporting a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers, he's showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in different roles. Over his last 23 games, he has elevated his game further with a .284/.333/.523 line. Dodger’s manager Dave Roberts couldn't help but praise 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 versatility has been crucial for the Dodgers, with 20 starts in center field, 9 starts at shortstop, and multiple appearances at second base. With a contribution of 1.0 WAR over 31 games, his impact has been measurable and significant.
Mullins' Resurgence
Cedric Mullins has also been a study in contrasts this season. On June 8, he was struggling mightily with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, the tides turned as Mullins found his rhythm, closing with an overall .228/.299/.404 slash, including 18 home runs. His positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games illustrates just how impactful he has been after a rough start where he held a minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a change in mindset. Reflecting on his breakout 2021 season, he 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 Eyeing Postseason Berth
In the American League, the Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of something special, aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. This young squad, featuring six starting position players 24 years or younger, has shown tremendous promise and determination.
The Tigers have been bolstered by the emergence of 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, showcasing his value to the team. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, has proven his worth with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year. Additionally, he has recorded 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers' farm system recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe. With this infusion of young talent, the Tigers are poised to make a significant impact as they edge closer to securing a wild-card spot.
With the stakes high and the action relentless, the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season promises to be a thrilling ride for players and fans alike. Whether it's Edman's electrifying performances for the Dodgers, Mullins' reaffirmation of his skills, or the youthful exuberance of the Tigers, baseball's unpredictability remains its most captivating feature.