As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, anticipation is building over the high-stakes action poised to unfold. Among the headline-makers is Tommy Edman, whose explosive performance has been vital for the Dodgers in their chase for playoff glory.
Edman, who joined the Dodgers in a blockbuster trade from the Cardinals, has been nothing short of spectacular since his late-season debut. In the last 15 games leading into Tuesday, he has hit six home runs and swiped three bases, showcasing both power and speed.
Despite missing most of the season due to offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman's return has been a revelation. In 31 games with the Dodgers, he has posted a respectable .265/.310/.470 slash line, but his recent surge over the last 23 games stands out even more, with a .284/.333/.523 line.
His versatility has also been crucial for the Dodgers, starting in center field 20 times, at shortstop 9 times, and at second base. Overall, Edman has contributed a solid 1.0 WAR in this short span. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn't help but laud his contributions, 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."
Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins has experienced a rollercoaster of a season. On June 8, his slash line stood at a dismal .170/.221/.301. However, Mullins has since turned things around, now boasting an overall .228/.299/.404 slash line with 18 home runs. His remarkable resurgence has been reflected in his WAR, which has risen to a positive 2.4 over the last 85 games after a dismal minus-0.4 WAR in the first 57 games.
Reflecting on his turnaround, Mullins said, "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."
Elsewhere, the Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, potentially ending a playoff drought that dates back to 2014. Remarkably, six of the team’s starters on Tuesday were 24 or younger, signaling a promising future built on youthful talent.
One notable young player is Trey Sweeney, who stepped up as the starting shortstop after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney has since started 29 of 32 games. The former Yankees first-round pick in 2021 boasted a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A, alongside 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Additionally, the Tigers have bolstered their roster by calling up top prospect Jackson Jobe, further indicating their commitment to a youth movement.
With the regular season winding down, these players' performances will be closely watched as teams vie for playoff positions and individual accolades. Whether it's Edman's late-season heroics, Mullins' resurgence, or the youthful exuberance of the Tigers, the final week promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.