As the 2024 MLB regular season approaches its dramatic finale, fans are on the edge of their seats with postseason berths and individual accolades hanging in the balance. One player who has caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts is Tommy Edman, whose recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable.
Edman's Late-Season Surge
Tommy Edman has been a game-changer for the Los Angeles Dodgers since arriving in a three-team trade involving the Cardinals and the White Sox. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab, Edman has made an incredible impact in his limited time on the field. In his last 15 games, Edman has hit six home runs and swiped three bases, showcasing his versatility and resilience.
“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.
Edman’s performance with the Dodgers has been impressive, posting a .265/.310/.470 slash line over 31 games. Even more striking, his numbers improve to a .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games. Not only has Edman contributed offensively, but his defensive prowess has been evident across multiple positions, including center field, shortstop, and second base.
His overall contribution has led to a 1.0 WAR in just 31 games, making him an invaluable asset to the Dodgers as they push towards the postseason.
Cedric Mullins Finds His Groove
Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles has also had his fair share of ups and downs this season. Mullins had a dismal start, slashing .170/.221/.301 as of June 8. However, the outfielder has turned his season around, now boasting an overall .228/.299/.404 line with 18 home runs.
Reflecting on his season, Mullins explained, “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 numbers reflect Mullins' resurgence, with a 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games, a significant improvement from the minus-0.4 WAR he had over the first 57 games of the season. Mullins appears to have rediscovered his form, providing the Orioles with a much-needed boost in their lineup.
Young Talent Propels the Tigers
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014, buoyed by a roster imbued with youthful exuberance. On Tuesday, six of the starting nine position players for the Tigers were 24 or younger, contributing to the team’s dynamic energy.
One of the pivotal moments for the Tigers came after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22, which thrust Trey Sweeney into the starting shortstop role. Sweeney, acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has embraced the opportunity, starting 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney has demonstrated his potential with a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, alongside 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Additionally, the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe from the Tigers' farm system has further bolstered the team's playoff aspirations, showcasing the depth and talent within the organization.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 MLB regular season, the exhilarating performances of players like Edman, Mullins, and the young Tigers underline the unpredictability and excitement that makes baseball a beloved sport. With so much at stake, the coming days promise to deliver high-octane action, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama of postseason baseball.