The final week of the 2024 MLB regular season has finally arrived, and as usual, the league saves its most dramatic moments for last. The postseason and awards races come to a head, offering a thrilling climax to a season filled with surprises and standout performances. One name that has recently surged into the spotlight is Tommy Edman.
Tommy Edman: A Late-Season Surge
Edman’s midseason trade from the Cardinals to the Dodgers occurred in a high-profile, three-team deal involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox. His transition into the Dodgers' lineup has been remarkable, considering his challenging offseason. Edman, who had off-season wrist surgery followed by an ankle injury during rehab, hadn’t seen game action until this late-season stretch.
Despite these hurdles, Edman has made an immediate impact. Over his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, he has hit six home runs and stolen three bases. His overall performance with the Dodgers stands at a solid .265/.310/.470 over 31 games, with a particularly impressive .284/.333/.523 line in the last 23 games. He has demonstrated versatility by starting in center field, shortstop, and second base, significantly contributing to the Dodgers' lineup.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn’t help but express his amazement at Edman’s power hitting. “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: A Story of Resilience
Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins has had a season characterized by peaks and valleys. On June 8, he was mired in a slump with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. Yet, he has managed to turn his season around significantly. Currently, Mullins boasts a .228/.299/.404 slash line with 18 home runs, underscoring his remarkable comeback.
Mullins' journey has seen him transform from a player with a minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season to one with a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games. Reflecting on his resurgence, 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.”
The Detroit Tigers: Youth Leads the Charge
On the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, the Detroit Tigers are poised to make their first playoff appearance since 2014. Six of Tuesday's starting nine position players were 24 years old or younger, a testament to the team's budding talent and promising future.
Among these young stars is Trey Sweeney, who stepped in as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Since Báez’s injury, Sweeney has started 29 of 32 games, stabilizing the Tigers' infield. Acquired in a trade involving Jack Flaherty and the Dodgers, Sweeney has lived up to his first-round pick pedigree. His performance in Triple-A, with a .267/.345/.450 slash line, alongside 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games, has translated well to the majors.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe, elevating their expectations for the future even higher.
As we approach the final days of the regular season, it is clear that the mix of veterans rediscovering their form and rising young talent will make for an exhilarating conclusion. With teams like the Dodgers and Tigers making significant strides, fans have plenty to look forward to this postseason.