As the 2024 MLB regular season heads into its final week, the anticipation is palpable. With postseason dreams and individual awards on the line, teams and players alike are poised to make their final pushes. Among the standout stories are the resurgences of Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, and the Detroit Tigers' quest to break a decade-long playoff drought.
Tommy Edman's Impact
Tommy Edman, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in a high-profile three-team trade with the Cardinals and White Sox, has recently been on a tear. Having undergone offseason wrist surgery and subsequently suffering an ankle injury during rehab, Edman's season was fraught with challenges. Despite not seeing any game action until this late-season burst, he has managed to post an impressive .265/.310/.470 line in just 31 games with the Dodgers.
Edman’s breakout is further highlighted by his recent performance. Over the last 15 games, he has hit six home runs and stolen three bases. His versatility has also been a boon for the Dodgers, contributing defensively with 20 starts in center field, nine at shortstop, and appearances at second base. These contributions have culminated in a 1.0 WAR over his 31 games with the team.
“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.
The Resurgence of Cedric Mullins
Cedric Mullins' season has been a tale of two halves. On June 8, Mullins was struggling with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, the tides have turned dramatically for the center fielder. His overall season slash stands at .228/.299/.404, powered by 18 home runs—a testament to his midseason turnaround.
Mullins has posted a positive 2.4 WAR in his last 85 games, a stark contrast to the minus-0.4 WAR he had in his first 57 games. His ability to bounce back has been crucial, both for himself and his team's fortunes.
“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 reflected.
Tigers' Youthful Charge
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of clinching a coveted wild-card spot, putting them in potential position to secure their first playoff berth since 2014. The team’s youthful core has been instrumental in this resurgence, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 or younger.
The emergence of Trey Sweeney has been particularly noteworthy. Sweeney became the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Since then, Sweeney has started 29 of the Tigers' 32 games, showcasing his reliability and skill. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney—originally a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021—boasts a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 steals over 107 games.
The Tigers' farm system has also provided a boost with the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe. This infusion of young talent has galvanized a team looking to make a significant postseason impact.
As the season reaches its climax, these narratives add layers of excitement and complexity to the MLB landscape. Whether it's Edman's unexpected power surge, Mullins' return to form, or the Tigers' youthful push for the playoffs, the final week promises high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments on the diamond.