As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season approaches, anticipation is mounting for decisive postseason and awards races. The high-stakes drama caps an exhilarating period for several players and teams, most notably Tommy Edman and the Detroit Tigers.
Tommy Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman has been a significant revelation in the latter stages of the season. Acquired by the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade that also involved the White Sox and Erick Fedde, Edman has swiftly integrated into his new team. Despite an offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury that delayed his season debut, Edman has hit the ground running. His recent performance includes six home runs and three stolen bases in the last 15 games leading into Tuesday.
"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,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, underscoring Edman's crucial contributions.
Edman's stats with the Dodgers— a .265/.310/.470 slash line in 31 games—further emphasize his impact. Over his last 23 games, he has improved to a .284/.333/.523 line, marking a significant upswing. His versatility has been an asset, starting in center field, shortstop, and second base, reflecting his adaptability and value to the team.
Cedric Mullins' Resurgence
Another player making headlines is Cedric Mullins, whose turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. After struggling earlier in the season with a .170/.221/.301 slash line by June 8, Mullins has dramatically improved to an overall .228/.299/.404 line, including 18 home runs. His positive 2.4 WAR in the last 85 games contrasts starkly with his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games.
Mullins reflected on his resurgence, attributing it to a mindset shift: “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 Tigers’ Youthful Push for the Playoffs
The Detroit Tigers are also in the spotlight, on the verge of securing a wild-card spot and aiming for their first playoff berth since 2014. The Tigers’ lineup has prominently featured young talent, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players aged 24 or younger. This infusion of youth has been both a challenge and a strength, demonstrating the team's developmental success.
Trey Sweeney has been instrumental in the Tigers' recent surge. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney became the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney has since started 29 of 32 games, proving his mettle. His performance in Triple-A this year (.267/.345/.450 slash line, 15 home runs, 20 steals in 107 games) indicated his potential, which he has begun to fulfill at the major league level.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers' farm system recently promoted top prospect Jackson Jobe, signaling the franchise's commitment to building a competitive team for the future. His arrival, along with the performances of other young players, bodes well for the Tigers.
As the season draws to a close, the performances of Edman, Mullins, and the youthful Tigers underscore the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball. Their narratives offer a potent blend of redemption, resilience, and promise, captivating fans and setting the stage for an electrifying postseason.