Postseason Anticipation as MLB Regular Season Ends
As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, the excitement is palpable with postseason berths and award races set to be determined by Sunday. It's been a season full of unexpected twists and noteworthy performances, particularly from players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, who have made significant impacts on their respective teams.
Tommy Edman's Remarkable Surge
Tommy Edman's late-season burst has been nothing short of spectacular. Having joined the Dodgers from the Cardinals in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox, Edman's journey has not been without obstacles. After undergoing offseason wrist surgery and suffering an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until his recent explosion.
In his last 15 games leading into Tuesday, Edman has hit six home runs and stolen three bases, showcasing an impressive combination of power and speed. His overall performance with the Dodgers includes a .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games, with a notably stronger .284/.333/.523 line over his last 23 games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is particularly impressed with Edman's contributions, both offensively and defensively. "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," Roberts remarked.
Edman's versatility has been a boon for the Dodgers, as he has started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. His performance has resulted in a 1.0 WAR over 31 games, highlighting his valuable contribution to the team's success.
Cedric Mullins' Resurgence
Cedric Mullins has had a tale of two seasons. On June 8, he had a dismal .170/.221/.301 slash line, but his performance since then has been a remarkable turnaround. Mullins now boasts an overall .228/.299/.404 slash line, including 18 home runs. Over his last 85 games, he has contributed positively with a 2.4 WAR, a significant improvement from his minus-0.4 WAR over the season's first 57 games.
Mullins attributes his resurgence to a change in mindset, moving away from the pressure of replicating his standout 2021 season, where he recorded 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. "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 explained.
Tigers on the Verge of a Playoff Berth
The Detroit Tigers are on the cusp of securing a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the youthful makeup of their roster. Six of Tuesday's starting nine position players for the Tigers were 24 or younger, signaling a bright future for the franchise.
The ascension of Trey Sweeney to the starting shortstop role has played a crucial part in the Tigers' success. Sweeney became the starter after Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, Sweeney has started 29 of the 32 games since Báez's injury. A former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021, Sweeney has impressed with his .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A this year, tallying 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
Adding to the Tigers' promise is the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe, ensuring that the team's future remains bright as they prepare for potential postseason action.
As the regular season winds down, the stakes couldn't be higher. Players like Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins have demonstrated resilience and skill, revitalizing their teams' fortunes. Simultaneously, the young and dynamic Tigers are poised to break their playoff drought, adding an extra layer of excitement to the final days of the 2024 MLB regular season.