As the curtain draws near on the 2024 MLB regular season, the climax is poised to deliver thrilling narratives with postseason dreams and prestigious awards hanging in the balance. Among the players shining brightest in this final act is Tommy Edman, who has emerged as a pivotal force for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-team trade involving the Chicago White Sox, Edman's journey this season has been nothing short of dramatic. After undergoing offseason wrist surgery and recuperating from an ankle injury during a rehab assignment, Edman's return to the field was delayed. Yet, since breaking his silence in game action, he has been nothing less than spectacular.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has tallied six homers and three stolen bases, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed. His performance since joining the Dodgers has been remarkable, evidenced by his .265/.310/.470 line over 31 games, and a more impressive .284/.333/.523 line over the last 23. His versatility in the field, with starts in center field, shortstop, and second base, has been invaluable, contributing to a solid 1.0 WAR over his 31 games with the team.
The Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, succinctly captured Edman's impact, stating, “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.”
On a broader spectrum, Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles has also undergone a notable transformation throughout the season. By June 8, Mullins’s numbers were bleak, with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, an extraordinary turnaround followed, resulting in an overall .228/.299/.404 slash including 18 home runs, and a remarkable 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games.
Mullins’ resilience and change in approach have played a significant part in his resurgence. Reflecting on his performance, Mullins remarked, “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.”
The Detroit Tigers, on the other hand, are on the brink of a landmark achievement, with a wild-card spot almost within their grasp. This potential milestone marks their first playoff berth since 2014, a testament to the young talent stepping up at crucial times. Notably, six of the Tigers’ starters on Tuesday were 24 years old or younger, highlighting a promising future ahead.
After Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22, 2021 first-round pick Trey Sweeney took over the shortstop role and has been reliable ever since. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury, delivering a solid .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, along with 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 107 games.
The Tigers' farm system continues to be a wellspring of talent, recently calling up top prospect Jackson Jobe, further inspiring hopes and excitement among the Detroit fanbase.
The final week of MLB's 2024 season promises to be an exhilarating ride as these players and teams vie for postseason glory and individual accolades. With high stakes and compelling storylines, the stage is set for a memorable culmination to an unforgettable season.