As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season approaches, heightened anticipation surrounds the impending postseason and awards races. Several players have made notable impacts as the season draws to a close, with Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins among those grabbing headlines with their recent performances.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman, who transitioned to the Dodgers from the Cardinals via a mid-season trade involving the White Sox's Erick Fedde, has delivered a surprising late-season performance. Edman has undergone significant trials this year, including offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab. Yet, despite missing the bulk of the season, Edman has exhibited remarkable resilience and adaptability since his return.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has shone, belting six home runs and stealing three bases, showcasing the power and speed that have become his trademark. He boasts a .265/.310/.470 line over 31 games with the Dodgers, improving to .284/.333/.523 over his last 23 games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Edman's abilities, 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's versatility on the field has also been invaluable. With 20 starts in center field, nine at shortstop, and several at second base, Edman’s defensive prowess has fortified the Dodgers' lineup as they vie for a strong postseason position.
Cedric Mullins' Turnaround
On the other coast, Cedric Mullins has been at the center of a remarkable turnaround. Mullins struggled early in the season, evidenced by a .170/.221/.301 slash line as of June 8. However, he has managed a substantial recovery, culminating in an overall .228/.299/.404 line with 18 home runs.
Mullins reflected on his journey, “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 shift in mindset has evidently paid off, as Mullins has produced a positive 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games, a vast improvement from his negative 0.4 WAR over the season's first 57 games.
The Detroit Tigers' Youth Movement
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the brink of securing a wild-card spot, aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. A remarkable aspect of their success has been the youthfulness of their roster. Impressively, six of Tuesday's nine starting position players were 24 years old or younger.
Following a season-ending injury to star shortstop Javier Báez in August, Trey Sweeney has emerged as a reliable replacement. Sweeney, acquired from the Dodgers in a trade involving Jack Flaherty, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. The former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney has posted a .267/.345/.450 line in Triple-A this year and added 15 home runs and 20 steals over 107 games.
The Tigers have also bolstered their roster with recent call-ups from their farm system, including top prospect Jackson Jobe, as they prepare for a potential postseason run.
Conclusion
As the 2024 MLB regular season draws to a thrilling close, players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins continue to demonstrate their resilience and talent, while teams like the Detroit Tigers showcase the promise of their young talent. The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting finish to the season, with the potential for dramatic twists and turns as the games wind down to Sunday's conclusion.