The Final Stretch: Drama Unfolds in MLB's Last Week
As the final week of the 2024 MLB regular season arrives, anticipation is palpable with the postseason and awards races set to be determined by Sunday. One name that has been catching attention is Tommy Edman, who has been a revelation for the Dodgers since joining them in a three-team trade involving Erick Fedde and the White Sox.
Despite undergoing offseason wrist surgery and experiencing an ankle injury during his rehab assignment, Edman has shown remarkable resilience. His season didn't take flight until a late burst where he hit six home runs and stole three bases in his last 15 games leading into Tuesday. This late surge has galvanised the Dodgers, especially with Edman's versatility in the field, where he has started 20 games in center field, nine at shortstop, and a few at second base.
In 31 games with the Dodgers, Edman has posted a .265/.310/.470 line, improving to .284/.333/.523 over his last 23 games. His overall contribution has translated into a 1.0 WAR, a testament to his impact. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked, “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 has also been noteworthy this season. After struggling mightily with a .170/.221/.301 slash line on June 8, Mullins has turned his season around. His current slash line stands at .228/.299/.404 with 18 home runs. Over his last 85 games, Mullins has managed a positive 2.4 WAR, a stark contrast to his minus-0.4 WAR over the first 57 games of the season. Reflecting on his journey, Mullins stated, “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.”
On a team note, the Detroit Tigers are on the brink of something special, inching closer to securing a wild-card spot which would mark their first playoff berth since 2014. The Tigers' youth movement has been a critical factor in this push, with six of Tuesday's starting nine position players being 24 years old or younger.
Trey Sweeney has emerged as an integral part of this lineup. After Javier Báez's season-ending hip injury on August 22, Sweeney has stepped up as the starting shortstop, starting 29 of the 32 games since Báez's injury. Sweeney, acquired in the Jack Flaherty trade with the Dodgers, was a former first-round pick by the Yankees in 2021. This year, he has posted a .267/.345/.450 slash line in Triple-A with 15 home runs and 20 steals in 107 games.
The Tigers' farm system has also contributed, with recent call-ups like top prospect Jackson Jobe adding depth to the roster. As they eye the playoffs, the mix of seasoned players and young talent makes the Tigers a formidable team.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the regular season. Players like Edman and Mullins are key examples of resilience and transformation, driving their teams amidst the high-stakes drama. The Tigers' quest for a playoff spot adds another layer of excitement, showcasing the promising future of baseball's next generation. As the playoff picture becomes clearer, the final week promises to be a culmination of months of dedication, surprises, and the enduring spirit of competition.