Tommy Edman was a key part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' run to the World Series. He will not be going anywhere any time soon.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Dodgers have signed Edman to a five-year extension worth $74 million. The deal will begin in 2025 and includes a $17 million signing bonus. A portion of the contract will be deferred as well, but the exact parameters have not been disclosed.
Edman had been a solid utility man for the Cardinals, seeing time at second, third, short, left field and center. He won a Gold Glove at second in 2021 and was a dependable part of the lineup. Edman posted a respectable .265/.319/.408 batting line in his five years in St. Louis, hitting 53 homers and 121 doubles while stealing 112 bases.
His versatility and all-around offense made Edman a popular target despite not playing before the trade deadline due to offseason wrist surgery and a sprained ankle. The Dodgers acquired him as part of a three-team deal, with reliever Michael Kopech also heading to Los Angeles.
While Edman appeared in 37 regular-season games with the Dodgers, he made his biggest impact during the postseason. Edman was named the NLCS MVP, driving in 11 runs on 11 hits, including three doubles and a home run, in his 29 plate appearances. He continued to perform well in the World Series, impressing the Dodgers enough to earn an extension.
From NLCS MVP to #WorldSeries home runs, Tommy Edman is doing it all this #postseason! pic.twitter.com/VMb1wS7m4s
— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024
Edman is also a perfect fit as the Dodgers construct their lineup. His ability to slot around the diamond adds flexibility regarding free-agent targets. He could take over the super-utility spot handled by the likes of Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez. Likewise, Edman could slot in as the Dodgers' regular center fielder, adding another solid piece to the lineup.
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