The Dodgers have had a “preliminary dialogue” with utility man Tommy Edman regarding a potential extension, per a report from Jon Morosi of MLB Network. It’s unclear how far those initial talks progressed, but there’s no indication that a deal between the two sides is particularly close at this time.
Edman, 29, came to L.A. as part of the three-team swap between the Dodgers, Cardinals, and White Sox that brought Michael Kopech to L.A. and sent Erick Fedde to St. Louis just before the trade deadline this summer. At the time, Edman hadn’t played in the majors at all in 2024 due to setbacks in his rehab from offseason wrist surgery. The switch hitter ultimately made his Dodgers debut on August 19 and made a strong first impression down the stretch. With the Dodgers, the versatile defender split time between center field and shortstop while hitting a respectable .237/.294/.417 (98 wRC+) with six homers and six steals in 153 trips to the plate during the regular season.
His performance reached a new gear during the postseason, however, as he again split time between shortstop and center field as the Dodgers mixed-and-matched between Gavin Lux, Miguel Rojas, and Enrique Hernandez up the middle. Amid those frequent position changes, Edman was able to maintain a high level of offensive production as he hit .328/.354/.508 with two homers, five steals, and five doubles in 16 playoff games. That strong performance was key to the club’s World Series championship and even earned him MVP honors for his work in the NLCS against the Mets. Looking ahead to 2025, Edman seems likely to be penciled into center field for the club’s Opening Day roster although his impressive versatility should allow him to second or third base, shortstop, or an outfield corner should the Dodgers require it.
Edman’s performance in the regular season with L.A. was more or less in line with what he had done throughout his career with the Cardinals. While his rookie season saw him slash an excellent .304/.350/.500 (124 wRC+) in 349 trips to the plate as a part-time player, he settled in as more of an average to slightly below average bat who generates value with his defense, versatility, and baserunning once he became a more regular fixture in the St. Louis lineup. From 2020 to 2023, Edman appeared in 504 of the club’s 546 regular season games and hit .258/.314/.392 (92 wRC+) with 42 home runs and 92 steals. He also connected for 104 doubles (plus 12 triples) during that time while playing quality defense at every position on the diamond except for first base and behind the plate.
Overall, Edman’s profile is not entirely dissimilar to those of Hernandez and Chris Taylor, who have spent eight and nine years respectively in Dodger blue thanks to their valuable versatility. With Edman just one year away from free agency, the Dodgers would likely have to pay something close to free agent prices to retain the switch-hitter beyond next season barring a hometown discount from the southern California native. Taylor received a four-year, $60MM contract in free agency from the Dodgers after hitting the market following an age-30 season that saw him earn All-Star honors, though that deal hasn’t worked out very well for L.A. to this point and the club may not be comfortable committing to Edman at that same level. With Edman already due to make $9.5MM in his final year before free agency next year, perhaps a three-year deal at an AAV similar to that the Dodgers offered Taylor could make some sense for both sides.
this little spark plug was the dodgers postseason MVP. deserves to see an extension
4 years 50 mil
Just because he got hot in the playoffs doesn’t mean they should overpay for below average results during the season.
What would be a good move at the right price. If they can keep him healthy.
Taylor surely doesn’t have much rope left with the team. Edman gives them a good Swiss Army Knife replacement to plug in around the diamond, provide good base running and hit a few dingers.
“Taylor surely doesn’t have much rope”…Chris Taylor’s not a good baseball player, but he’s a real testament to luck, hard work, timing and opportunity leading to great outcomes for a player.
If you can afford to pay big bucks to a utility guy he’s certainly a good one to have. He’s from the area and the Dodgers are known for liking players with versatility so makes plenty of sense to sign him long term.
Never did like that deal, Cardinals trading away Edmans. He made Josh Hader blow saves, two nights in a row a couple of years ago.
Hader does blow in bunches..
Dodgers got edman AND kopech in the deal. All they gave up was a couple. Of minor leaguers in single A. Incredible
Dodgers also gave up Miguel Vargas (and prospects Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus)
Came outa nowhere n was major force right through playoffs w/glove n bat @multple positions. One of Friedman’s greatest moves in the plethora of good Friedman transactions. He was heart n soul of team for good spell. Just showed up n played.
chris taylor for mitch haniger or mitch garver. New team/new opportunity
Take Chris Taylor, we need nothing back.
I don’t want to see Chris in a mariners uni again
I could see Chris Taylor moving for another bad contract. Might have to attach another player or prospect to him, as Chris Taylor’s contract is one of the worst in baseball. I was thinking for Jordan Montgomery or Bellinger’s contracts…
Bellinger isn’t that bad of a contract, and Montgomery is the worst bad contract out there
Edman had South Koreans excited about the post season from what I read. The Dodgers are smart. They want to be Asia’s MLB team.
Edman seems like it there. I see them working something out.
Players often get better when they go to a good situation with better talent and a better run team.
He was hurt when he was traded dipstick. The Cardinals were barely in playoff contention and needed immediate help. The Dodgers were a slam dunk to make the playoffs at that point they could afford to make the trade they made.
Better run team get the f out of here with that garbage. If all teams had a 400 million dollar payroll they would all be better run.
@Blackpink…You need some professional help, bro. And Edman was in St Louis for a few years, not just this “hurt” year.
He was hurt when he was traded you idiot. He didn’t just start eating Dodgers dogs and morph into a new player he was freaking hurt all of 2024 prior to being dealt.
You made a dumb post. Own it.
Stink needs all kinds of help. Stink should be banned.
Yes, he did get better after eating Dodger dogs. Everybody goes harder and longer after eating Dodger dogs. I can go all night after eating Dodger dogs.
Take a chill pill, Blackpink…
Edman was very good in 2022 and the first part of 2023. I’m sure the wrist was a problem in the second half which is why he finally shut down for surgery before the year was over.
He was traded because the Cardinals were getting too many young infielders and center fielders. Edman was the nearest to free agency and had value so he was used to bring in the pitching the Cardinals needed. He was very well liked in St. Louis.
Despite black pink’s harsh reaction, you have to admit this was an ignorant statement from mlb fan. Edman was a pretty decent playerin the seasons before the trade.
All those moves but he was the big key in winning. He fit perfectly there
It was hilarious people thought the Cardinals won that trade at the time. Edman wasn’t even fully healthy last season and already proved his worth.
Kind of reminds me of Dylan Moore with the Mariners, except we don’t know if he’d perform like Edman in the postseason.
Move over Ohtani, you’re yesterday’s news. Redman was the big acquisition in 2024.
As a Padres fan, he was a major part of your Championship. At 10 million a year, he is expensive. Im not sure you can afford to let him walk.