As the high-stakes final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, all eyes are on the tight postseason and awards races set to culminate by Sunday. Among the numerous storylines, the performances of Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins stand out as particularly intriguing.
Tommy Edman’s Late-Season Resurgence
Tommy Edman, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in the three-team Erick Fedde trade involving the White Sox, has emerged as a pivotal figure during this crucial stretch. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has returned with impressive vigor. In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has belted six home runs and swiped three bases, showcasing his versatility and resilience.
“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,” praised Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Since donning the Dodgers uniform, Edman has compiled a commendable .265/.310/.470 line over 31 games. His recent surge, marked by a .284/.333/.523 slash line over the last 23 games, has been instrumental in his team's late-season push. His contributions span beyond the batter's box; Edman has started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base, adding to his value with a 1.0 WAR over 31 games.
Cedric Mullins' Rebound
On the other side of the spectrum, Cedric Mullins has experienced a season of two halves. Through June 8, Mullins had a struggling .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, he has since turned his season around, ending his campaign with an overall .228/.299/.404 line, including 18 home runs.
“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,” reflected Mullins.
Mullins’ resurgence has translated into a positive 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games, a stark contrast to the minus-0.4 WAR he posted during the first 57 games of the season. This turnaround has been pivotal for his team’s mid-season efforts and demonstrates his ability to adapt and excel under pressure.
Tigers Eye Playoff Glory
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are making headlines as they stand on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, potentially marking their first playoff berth since 2014. The youth movement within the Tigers' roster is particularly notable, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger. Trey Sweeney has been essential in this mix. Taking over as starting shortstop after Javier Báez’s season-ending hip injury on August 22, Sweeney has started 29 of the last 32 games.
Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, was acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers. This season, he has put up a solid .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games. His addition has provided the Tigers with much-needed stability in the infield.
The Tigers’ promising outlook is further bolstered by the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe, signaling the organization's commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
As the regular season draws to a close, the performances of players like Edman and Mullins will be under the microscope, and the Tigers’ youthful roster will be tested under the playoff spotlight. The drama of this final week is set to encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability that defines Major League Baseball.