The Final Countdown: As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season dawns, fans are poised for a gripping conclusion. With postseason berths and coveted awards still hanging in the balance, the excitement is palpable. The 2024 season has been nothing short of dramatic, and the impact of key players has added layers to this high-stakes scenario.
Tommy Edman’s Late-Season Surge: Few stories have captivated the baseball world recently as much as Tommy Edman's resurgence with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Acquired from the Cardinals in a midseason three-team trade involving the White Sox's Erick Fedde, Edman has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and sustaining an ankle injury during his rehab, Edman has made an impressive comeback. His late-season burst includes six home runs and three stolen bases over the past 15 games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his amazement at Edman's contributions, saying, “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.”
Edman’s versatility has also been an asset; he has started in center field, shortstop, and second base this season. In the 31 games he's played for the Dodgers, Edman has posted a .265/.310/.470 line, and over his last 23 games, he’s hitting .284/.333/.523. These performances have been crucial, contributing to a 1.0 WAR in just over a month of action.
Cedric Mullins’ Redemption Arc: Another standout in the season's final stretch has been Cedric Mullins. In early June, Mullins looked like a shadow of his former self, sporting a dismal .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, his turnaround has been one of the more compelling narratives of the season. Mullins has since raised his overall line to .228/.299/.404 with 18 home runs and has contributed a positive 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a change in mentality. “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 stated. This acceptance and refocus have clearly paid dividends for the talented outfielder.
The Tigers’ Youth Movement: The Detroit Tigers are eyeing something they haven’t achieved in a decade: a playoff berth. This potential breakthrough is built on the contributions of a young core, with six of their starting nine position players being 24 or younger. This season, Trey Sweeney has emerged as a key player. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney stepped in as 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 potential at the MLB level. Before his call-up, Sweeney impressed in Triple-A, slashing .267/.345/.450 with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games. The former Yankees first-round pick has provided stability in the infield and shown flashes of power and speed that make him a player to watch.
Adding to the Tigers' excitement is the recent call-up of their top prospect, Jackson Jobe. This infusion of young talent has revitalized a franchise that has been on the brink of postseason contention for too long.
The Road Ahead: As the 2024 MLB regular season reaches its climax, the performances of players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins are reminders of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport. Teams like the Detroit Tigers, with their youthful vigor, highlight the league’s bright future. The stakes are high, and as the final moments unfold, fans can only anticipate more drama and excitement, culminating in a postseason that promises to be unforgettable.