As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, fans are gearing up for an electrifying end to an action-packed season. With postseason spots and individual awards on the line, several players and teams are making headlines with their recent performances, none more so than Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman has been nothing short of sensational recently. The versatile Dodgers player, who joined from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving the White Sox for Erick Fedde, has demonstrated his immense value both offensively and defensively. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn’t seen any game action until his recent burst.
In his last 15 games, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing a mix of power and speed that's been invaluable for the Dodgers’ push towards the postseason. His overall performance in 31 games with the Dodgers has yielded a .265/.310/.470 batting line, contributing to a 1.0 WAR. These numbers reflect a significant uptick over his last 23 games, where he's posted an impressive .284/.333/.523 line.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his surprise and admiration for Edman’s power, 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 has not only been a force at the plate but also versatile in the field, starting in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base.
Cedric Mullins' Resurgence
Cedric Mullins has experienced a season of two halves. After starting the season with a dismal .170/.221/.301 slash line on June 8, Mullins has dramatically turned his season around. His overall statistics now reflect a respectable .228/.299/.404 slash, including 18 home runs. More importantly, Mullins has posted a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games, a stark contrast to his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins’ turnaround can be attributed to a shift in mentality. “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. His ability to refocus and deliver consistent performances has been pivotal for his team.
Detroit Tigers on the Cusp of Playoffs
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the verge of clinching a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. It's a notable achievement for a team that has relied heavily on its youth, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger.
Trey Sweeney has played a key role in this youthful resurgence. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers and a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney stepped in as the starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Since then, he has started 29 of 32 games, delivering solid performances with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year. He has also recorded 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers' farm system has also contributed to their success, with top prospect Jackson Jobe recently called up. This infusion of young talent has provided the team with the energy and skills needed to potentially make a deep postseason run.
As the final days of the regular season tick away, the excitement continues to build. Whether it's Edman's powerful resurgence, Mullins' comeback, or the Tigers' push for the playoffs, the closing week promises to provide a spectacular finish to an already thrilling 2024 MLB season.