As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the stage is set for high-stakes action with postseason and awards races set to be decided by Sunday. The Los Angeles Dodgers have made headlines, particularly due to the contributions of their recent acquisition, Tommy Edman. A mid-season acquisition from the Cardinals, Edman has proven to be more than just a versatile defender.
Tommy Edman's Impact and Resurgence
The Dodgers' faith in Edman, who came over in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, has paid dividends. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until his late-season burst. Since then, his performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Over the last 15 games, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing his blend of power and speed.
As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pointed out, “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 late-season numbers speak volumes. He boasts a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers, with a more impressive .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games. His defensive versatility has also been on display, with starts in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. Additionally, his 1.0 WAR contribution in just 31 games underscores his all-around value to the Dodgers.
Cedric Mullins' Turnaround
While Edman's resurgence has been noteworthy, Cedric Mullins' season has been a tale of two halves. As of June 8, Mullins was struggling with a .170/.221/.301 slash line, resulting in a negative WAR (-0.4) over his first 57 games. However, Mullins has managed to turn his season around significantly, posting a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games. His overall numbers now stand at .228/.299/.404 with 18 home runs.
Reflecting on his season, Mullins 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 Playoff Berth
In the American League, the Detroit Tigers are making a compelling case for a wild-card spot, potentially marking their first playoff berth since 2014. A notable aspect of their campaign has been the youthfulness of their roster. On Tuesday, six of the starting nine position players were 24 or younger, a testament to the team's reliance on young talent.
Trey Sweeney Steps Up
Following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22, Trey Sweeney has stepped in as the starting shortstop, starting 29 of the last 32 games. Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, was acquired in a trade involving Jack Flaherty. Before his call-up, Sweeney impressed in Triple-A, posting a .267/.345/.450 slash line with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Moreover, the Tigers recently bolstered their squad with the promotion of top prospect Jackson Jobe, adding further depth as they push towards the postseason.
As the 2024 MLB regular season draws to a close, the impact of late-season standouts like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, combined with the emergence of young talents in Detroit, adds layers of intrigue and excitement to the playoff race. Whether it’s Edman’s powerful resurgence, Mullins’ mid-season revival, or the youthful exuberance of the Tigers, the narrative of the season’s final week is rich with compelling storylines that promise a dramatic conclusion to the baseball year.