As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, fans are bracing themselves for an intense conclusion, with postseason berths and individual awards hanging in the balance.
Tommy Edman's Impact
One player making significant waves is Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Edman, who was acquired in a three-team trade involving the Cardinals and the White Sox, has surged at the perfect time. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and dealing with an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases in his last 15 games. His late-season burst has been critical for the Dodgers.
In 31 games with his new team, Edman has posted a .265/.310/.470 line. Over the last 23 games, he's been even more impressive, slashing .284/.333/.523. His versatility has been a boon for the Dodgers, as he has started in center field, shortstop, and second base. Manager Dave Roberts couldn't be more pleased with Edman's contributions. “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 commented.
Cedric Mullins Turns It Around
Cedric Mullins is another player who has turned heads this season. After a dismal stretch where he slashed .170/.221/.301 up to June 8, Mullins has found his stride. His season stats now reflect a .228/.299/.404 line with 18 home runs. Mullins has demonstrated a drastic improvement in his game, accumulating a positive 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games, a significant turnaround from his minus-0.4 WAR in the first 57 games.
Mullins attributes his bounce-back 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 shared, reflecting on how letting go of past pressures has allowed him to thrive.
Detroit Tigers Eyeing Playoff Berth
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of a significant achievement: their first playoff berth since 2014. With a roster infused with youthful exuberance, the Tigers have captured the imagination of their fans. Remarkably, six of Tuesday's starting nine position players were 24 years old or younger. The youth movement has been essential, given the injuries that have impacted the team.
Trey Sweeney, who stepped in as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez’s season-ending hip injury on August 22, has been a key contributor. Sweeney joined the Tigers in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers and has since started 29 of 32 games. In Triple-A, Sweeney showcased his potential with a .267/.345/.450 slash line, adding 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney’s transition to the major leagues has been seamless.
Additionally, the Tigers’ farm system has provided reinforcements, including top prospect Jackson Jobe, who was called up recently, further bolstering the team’s depth as they push for the postseason.
The final week promises to be a thrilling ride, with individual performances and team dynamics playing pivotal roles in shaping the outcome of the season. As the Dodgers look to capitalize on Edman's resurgence and Mullins continues his redemption arc, the Tigers' youthful roster aims to reclaim their spot in October baseball. Every game and every at-bat counts, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 MLB regular season.