The Los Angeles Dodgers had discussed the potential of acquiring Tommy Edman for years before he finally arrived in a three-team trade this past trade deadline. The utility man, in several ways, epitomized the kind of optionality the franchise has always coveted.
So they wasted little time ensuring the Edman would stick around. Edman and the Dodgers are in agreement on a five-year, $74 million contract extension, the club announced Friday. The deal starts next season (he’d originally been set to make $8.25 million) and includes a club option for 2030, with some of the money in his deal being deferred, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. ESPN first reported the deal, which they said includes a $17 million signing bonus.
Edman landing with the eventual World Series champions almost didn’t happen this summer — at least not like it did. Discussions this summer with the St. Louis Cardinals and interested clubs initially had Edman set to be dealt to the last-place Chicago White Sox and then be redirected to a contender. The Dodgers jumped into the talks themselves, sending infielder/outfielder Miguel Vargas to Chicago along with minor leaguers Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez to acquire Edman and reliever Michael Kopech. Each emerged as critical postseason heroes for the eventual World Series champions, and remained under club control for 2025 as well. Now, the Dodgers are tacking on more time with the ultra-versatile Edman.
Edman, 29, went 11-for-27 (.407) with one home run, three doubles and 11 RBI in the Dodgers’ NLCS win over the Mets and won NLCS MVP honors. And he proved to be a valuable contributor through the postseason, finishing with a .328 batting average, 20 hits, two home runs, 13 RBI and 12 runs scored in 16 games.
Edman slashed .265/.319/.408 across 2,425 plate appearances in his five prior seasons as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, for whom he debuted in 2019. He made 13 starts at shortstop and 22 starts in center field in his first season with the Dodgers. Where he plays in 2025 is not immediately clear, with the Dodgers expected to move Mookie Betts to the infield but still seeking to add a corner outfielder.
Edman won the 2021 National League Gold Glove Award at second base, where he made 115 starts in addition to 35 in right field and three at shortstop. He tallied 12 Outs Above Average at second base that season.
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