As the 2024 MLB regular season enters its final week, fans are on the edge of their seats. The race for postseason spots and individual awards is reaching its climax, promising a thrilling end to the season. Among the players making headlines, Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins are delivering standout performances that could define their teams' fates and their own legacies.
Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman has taken the spotlight with his relentless performance. Acquired by the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, Edman has quickly become a key player for his new team. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until his recent surge.
Over his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has showcased a remarkable blend of power and speed, hitting six home runs and stealing three bases. This late-season burst is impressive considering his circumstances. "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.
Edman's versatility has also been on display, as he has started games in center field, shortstop, and second base. His contribution of a 1.0 WAR over 31 games is a testament to his impact on the field. His batting line stands at .265/.310/.470 with the Dodgers, and over the last 23 games, he has improved to .284/.333/.523.
The Mullins Resurgence
On the other side of the spectrum, Cedric Mullins has experienced a rollercoaster season. On June 8, Mullins found himself with a disappointing .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, the outfielder managed to turn his season around, finishing with an overall .228/.299/.404 line and 18 home runs. His performance over the last 85 games has been particularly noteworthy, contributing a positive 2.4 WAR, after struggling with a minus-0.4 WAR in the first 57 games.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a change in mindset. "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," Mullins explained.
Tigers' Playoff Push
The Detroit Tigers are eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014, and they are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot. The youthful energy of the team is evident, with six of Tuesday’s starting nine position players being 24 or younger. The Tigers' farm system has also played a crucial role, with the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe.
The team had to make adjustments following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Trey Sweeney, who was acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has stepped up as the starting shortstop. Sweeney, a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. He has shown promise with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
As the season reaches its conclusion, the performances of players like Edman, Mullins, and the young Tigers will be pivotal. Their efforts not only influence the immediate outcomes but also set the tone for future seasons. The final week promises to be a showcase of talent, resilience, and the thrill that makes baseball an enduring favorite among sports fans.