A Season of Intrigue: MLB 2024's Final Week Brings High Stakes
As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the stage is set for high-stakes action with postseason and awards races set to be decided by Sunday. Among the standout performances in this stretch, Tommy Edman has emerged as a key figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers' push for postseason success.
Tommy Edman's Remarkable Resurgence
Tommy Edman’s journey this season has been nothing short of dramatic. Acquired in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, Edman joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals, bringing a new dynamic to the team. Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until his late-season burst. His performance has been nothing short of spectacular, making a significant impact in a short period.
With six home runs and three stolen bases in his last 15 games, Edman's contribution is evident. He boasts a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers, and an even more impressive .284/.333/.523 over his last 23 games. His versatility has been a boon for the Dodgers, starting in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base, accumulating a noteworthy 1.0 WAR over 31 games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his astonishment: "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."
Cedric Mullins' Quest for Consistency
Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles has also been making waves. Despite starting the season with a concerning .170/.221/.301 slash line as of June 8, Mullins turned his game around significantly. He now holds a .228/.299/.404 overall slash with 18 home runs. His impressive 2.4 WAR over his last 85 games contrasts starkly with his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins reflected on his improvement: "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." This newfound focus has clearly paid off, making Mullins a crucial element in the Orioles' lineup.
The Tigers' Young Talent Shines
In Detroit, the Tigers are on the verge of securing a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. Notably, six of Tuesday's starting nine position players for the Tigers were 24 or younger, showcasing the team's youthful vigor and potential.
One of the most significant changes came when Trey Sweeney stepped up as the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney, who has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury, was acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney holds a .267/.345/.450 line in Triple-A this year, recording 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers recently called up top prospect Jackson Jobe from their farm system, indicating a promising future for the franchise.
As the final week of the 2024 regular season unfolds, these stories of personal and team triumphs add a layer of richness to the MLB narrative. The outcome of these final games will undoubtedly be a testament to the resilience, talent, and tenacity that make baseball such an enthralling sport. As fans and analysts alike watch the drama unfold, the performances of players like Edman and Mullins, and the Tigers' young core will be pivotal in defining this season's legacy.