As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, baseball fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the postseason and the conclusion of several thrilling player performances. One of the most intriguing stories is the resurgence of Tommy Edman, who has been a transformative player for the Los Angeles Dodgers since joining the team in a blockbuster trade.
Tommy Edman's Impressive Return
Joining the Dodgers from the Cardinals as part of a three-team trade involving the White Sox and Erick Fedde, Edman's contributions have been nothing short of stellar. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, which delayed his return until late in the season, Edman has made a significant impact. He has hit six home runs and stolen three bases in his last 15 games, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration for Edman's unexpected power at the plate. "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 stated.
Edman has posted a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers, improving to a .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games. His versatility has been invaluable, with starts in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base, contributing to a 1.0 WAR over 31 games.
Cedric Mullins' Turnaround Season
Equally notable is the performance of Cedric Mullins, who has managed to turn his season around after a dismal start. On June 8, Mullins had a .170/.221/.301 slash line, indicating a challenging first half of the season. However, his perseverance has paid off, as he now boasts an overall .228/.299/.404 line and has hit 18 home runs.
Reflecting on his approach, Mullins explained, “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.” His recent performance has contributed to a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games, a significant improvement from the minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
The Detroit Tigers' Playoff Aspirations
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. The Tigers' roster reflects their investment in youth, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. Their youthful exuberance and talent have reinvigorated the team and its fans alike.
Trey Sweeney, who stepped in as the starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22, has been a crucial addition. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. He has displayed promise with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, recording 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers' youth movement also includes the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe, further bolstering their farm system's contributions to the major league squad.
As the MLB regular season nears its climax, the contributions of players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, along with the promising talent on the Detroit Tigers' roster, add layers of excitement to an already enthralling baseball narrative. The next few days will not only determine postseason fates but also celebrate individual achievements that have revitalized teams and captivated fans.