As the 2024 MLB regular season nears its dramatic conclusion, baseball fans are treated to a thrilling display of athleticism and determination. With postseason and awards races hanging in the balance, the final week promises high-stakes action and memorable performances.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
One of the standout stories this season has been the remarkable turnaround of Tommy Edman. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and enduring an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has made a significant impact since returning to the field. Joining the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, Edman hadn't played any games until his late-season burst of activity.
In his last 15 games leading up to Tuesday, Edman exhibited a powerful combination of speed and strength, hitting six home runs and stealing three bases. His overall performance for the Dodgers has been nothing short of impressive, posting a .265/.310/.470 slash line in 31 games, and an even more potent .284/.333/.523 over his last 23 games. Additionally, Edman has demonstrated his versatility by starting at center field, shortstop, and second base.
Edman's contributions have earned him praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who remarked, “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.”
Cedric Mullins' Season of Redemption
Cedric Mullins' season has been one of stark contrasts. Starting the year with a dismal .170/.221/.301 slash line on June 8, Mullins faced considerable challenges. However, his resurgence has been noteworthy, as he now boasts a season slash line of .228/.299/.404, including 18 home runs. His turnaround is underscored by the fact that he recorded a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games, compared to a minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins attributes his success to a shift in mindset. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “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.” This personal growth has translated into on-field success, making Mullins a key player to watch as the season wraps up.
Detroit Tigers on the Brink of a Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, a milestone they haven't achieved since 2014. The youthful energy of the team has been a driving force, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. One notable addition to the roster has been Trey Sweeney, who took over as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney, acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury.
Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, has shown his potential with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year. His offensive prowess includes 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games, marking him as an exciting player for the Tigers' future. The team has also bolstered their roster with the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe from their farm system, adding more firepower to their playoff push.
As the final week of the regular season unfolds, teams and players alike are giving their all to secure their place in baseball history. With standout performances from players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, and the Detroit Tigers making a strong case for a playoff spot, the excitement and drama of baseball are on full display.