The 2024 MLB regular season is barreling towards its climax, setting the stage for high-stakes action as postseason and awards races culminate this Sunday. Among the key storylines are the late-season surges of pivotal players and the unexpected runs by certain teams, promising an exciting end to the season.
Tommy Edman's Impressive Performance
Tommy Edman has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Arriving from the Cardinals in a three-team trade that included the White Sox’ Erick Fedde, Edman's performance has exceeded expectations. Over the last 15 games leading into Tuesday, he has belted six home runs and swiped three bases.
Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen much game action until his late-season surge. His current stats with the Dodgers showcase his impact, with a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games. Over his last 23 games, he's been particularly impressive, slashing .284/.333/.523. His versatility on the field is evident, starting in center field 20 times, shortstop 9 times, and second base.
Edman's contributions have also been quantifiable, adding a 1.0 WAR over his 31-game stint. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Edman, saying, “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' Remarkable Turnaround
Cedric Mullins' 2024 season has been a tale of two extremes. By June 8, he was sporting a woeful .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, his overall season stats now reflect a turnaround, with a .228/.299/.404 slash line, including 18 home runs.
Mullins has posted a positive 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games, a stark contrast to the minus-0.4 WAR from his first 57 games. In Mullins' own words, “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 First Playoff Berth Since 2014
In team news, the Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, potentially marking their first playoff appearance since 2014. Demonstrating a commitment to youth development, six of the starting nine position players for Tuesday's game were 24 years old or younger. One of the standout players, Trey Sweeney, became the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Since then, Sweeney has started 29 of 32 games.
Sweeney’s journey has been noteworthy; he was acquired from the Dodgers in the Jack Flaherty trade and was originally a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021. In Triple-A this year, he posted a .267/.345/.450 slash line, adding 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers' commitment to their farm system appears to be paying dividends, highlighted by the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe. This infusion of young talent has been critical in driving the team's late-season push for the playoffs.
The final week of the regular season promises to be a thrilling affair, with individual accolades and team goals still up for grabs. As the Dodgers and Tigers vie for postseason success, the standout performances of players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins will undoubtedly be crucial. Fans can expect an intense conclusion to what has been an unpredictable and exciting MLB season.