As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season unfolds, fans are on the edge of their seats with postseason spots and awards hanging in the balance. Among the thrilling threads of this baseball season is the remarkable performance of Tommy Edman and Cedric Mullins, two players who have faced and surmounted significant challenges.
Tommy Edman's Remarkable Resurgence
Tommy Edman, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers from the St. Louis Cardinals via the intricate three-team trade involving the White Sox, has made an indelible mark. Edman's journey this season has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Following offseason wrist surgery and an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman hadn't seen any game action until a late-season surge.
Since his return, Edman has displayed an impressive .265/.310/.470 line in 31 games with the Dodgers. In his last 15 games leading up to Tuesday, he has smacked six home runs and swiped three bases. "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 versatility has also been on full display, having started in center field (20 starts), shortstop (9 starts), and second base. Over his last 23 games, Edman has been particularly stellar, compiling a .284/.333/.523 line. His contributions have been substantive, reflected in his 1.0 WAR over 31 games. Edman's story is one of resilience and grit, emblematic of the spirit of baseball.
Cedric Mullins' Steady Climb
Cedric Mullins’ journey this season offers another riveting narrative. On June 8, his slump was notable, with a .170/.221/.301 slash line. However, Mullins has steadily revived his performance, now boasting an overall .228/.299/.404 slash with 18 home runs. His resurgence over the last 85 games has markedly improved his WAR to a positive 2.4, rebounding from a minus-0.4 WAR in the first 57 games of the season.
Mullins attributes his turnaround to a shift in mindset. "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 reflected. This mental adjustment has played a pivotal role in his return to form, making him a crucial asset for his team.
Tigers on the Prowl
The Detroit Tigers are tantalizingly close to clinching a wild-card spot, eyeing their first playoff berth since 2014. An emblem of their youthful energy, six of Tuesday's starting nine position players were 24 years old or younger. This injection of young talent has invigorated the team, and key roles have been filled by players like Trey Sweeney, who became the starting shortstop following Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22. Sweeney, acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, has started 29 of 32 games since Báez's injury.
Sweeney's background as a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021 is noteworthy, and he has impressed with a .267/.345/.450 line in Triple-A this year, complemented by 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games. This burgeoning talent has made significant contributions to the Tigers' push for the postseason.
The Tigers' farm system also saw the recent call-up of top prospect Jackson Jobe, further bolstering their ranks. The organization has shown a commitment to nurturing young talent, a strategy that is paying dividends as they strive for a long-awaited postseason appearance.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 MLB regular season, these stories of individual triumph and team ambition highlight the enduring allure of baseball. Whether it's the dramatic comeback of a seasoned player like Edman, the mental fortitude of Mullins, or the youthful exuberance of the Tigers, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the season.