As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season approaches, the excitement is palpable with postseason and awards races reaching their climax. One player who has been at the center of this whirlwind is Tommy Edman. After joining the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade earlier this season, Edman has emerged as a critical factor in the Dodgers’ late-season push.
Tommy Edman's Meteoric Rise
Edman's journey with the Dodgers has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hasn't let these setbacks define his season. Impressively, he hit six home runs and stole three bases in just his last 15 games leading into Tuesday. Over 31 games with the Dodgers, he's posted a .265/.310/.470 line, which he has elevated to a .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games.
Edman’s versatility has also been a significant asset for the Dodgers. He has made starts in center field, shortstop, and second base, contributing to a solid 1.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) over 31 games. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn't be more pleased with Edman's impact. “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,” Roberts said.
Cedric Mullins' Rebound Season
Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins has experienced a season of two distinct halves. On June 8, his season appeared bleak with a slash line of .170/.221/.301. However, Mullins has staged an impressive turnaround. He now boasts an overall slash of .228/.299/.404, including 18 home runs. Over his last 85 games, Mullins has recorded a positive 2.4 WAR, a remarkable improvement from the minus-0.4 WAR he had accumulated over the first 57 games.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a change in his approach. “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 remarked.
Tigers on the Verge of a Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers have also captured the attention of baseball fans. The team is on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. Notably, six of their starting nine position players for Tuesday's game were 24 or younger, highlighting the youthful energy driving this team.
In the midst of their playoff push, Trey Sweeney has emerged as the new starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney has started 29 of the 32 games since Báez's injury. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney has impressed with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Promising Prospects and Future Outlook
The Tigers have also bolstered their roster with top prospect Jackson Jobe. The addition of young talent like Jobe, coupled with the performance of Sweeney and other emerging stars, has Detroit fans optimistic about both their immediate playoff prospects and the long-term future of the franchise.
As the regular season winds down and the stakes continue to rise, the performances of players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, along with the emergence of young talents in Detroit, will be pivotal narratives to follow. The final week promises high drama and excitement as the baseball world watches these stories unfold.