MLB Rumors: Dodgers Discussing Potential Extension with Tommy Edman
The MLB offseason is often a time of intrigue, as teams make strategic moves to shore up their rosters, including contract extensions for key players. One of the latest rumors circulating in the baseball world involves the Los Angeles Dodgers potentially discussing a contract extension with St. Louis Cardinals utility player Tommy Edman. While Edman’s name may not be as widely recognized as some of the league’s star players, his versatility and skill set make him an intriguing option for any team, particularly the Dodgers, who have shown interest in bolstering their infield depth.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the implications of such a move, the potential reasons the Dodgers might be interested in Edman, and what an extension could mean for both him and the organization.
Who is Tommy Edman?
Tommy Edman is a multi-position player for the St. Louis Cardinals who has spent his entire MLB career with the club since debuting in 2019. Primarily a second baseman, Edman has also played shortstop and third base, showcasing his ability to contribute defensively across multiple spots in the infield. His versatility has made him an invaluable piece for the Cardinals, and his strong defensive metrics and ability to get on base are key attributes that many teams covet.
Edman’s offensive game is built around contact and speed. In his best seasons, he’s been a reliable contributor in terms of on-base percentage, and while he’s not known for hitting for power, he can still manage to deliver gap-to-gap hits and drive in runs. His 2023 season was a perfect example of his consistency. He finished the season with a respectable .261 batting average, a .324 on-base percentage, and a .380 slugging percentage. He added 16 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and played solid defense, all of which contributed to a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 3.0—showing his value both offensively and defensively.
Why Would the Dodgers Be Interested in Tommy Edman?
Versatility
One of the primary reasons the Dodgers would be interested in Tommy Edman is his defensive versatility. Los Angeles has built a reputation in recent years as a team that prioritizes multi-positional players. Edman is a perfect fit in this regard. He can provide insurance at multiple positions, allowing the Dodgers to rotate players through different spots while minimizing the risk of injuries and fatigue. If Edman were to sign with Los Angeles, he would be a critical depth piece, capable of filling in at second base, shortstop, or third base, especially in the event of an injury to one of their regular starters like Mookie Betts or Max Muncy.
The Dodgers have frequently utilized their roster depth to optimize their lineup, keeping players fresh throughout the season while still maintaining competitiveness. Having a player like Edman would only enhance this strategy. His ability to seamlessly move around the diamond and provide valuable defense at each position would be a strong asset for a team that is constantly striving to maximize its potential in all areas.
Infield Depth
The Dodgers have experienced several challenges with injuries in the infield in recent seasons, including to key players like Gavin Lux, who tore his ACL in spring training 2023, leaving the team with a major hole in the middle of the diamond. The Dodgers also saw Max Muncy battle through injuries during the year. Adding a reliable, healthy player like Edman could ensure that Los Angeles has enough infield depth to handle a long and grueling season. Edman is unlikely to be an everyday starter for the Dodgers, but his ability to fill in at different positions as needed would provide manager Dave Roberts with valuable flexibility.
Additionally, Edman would give the Dodgers an affordable option if they choose to move on from other players like Chris Taylor or Miguel Vargas, who might not have lived up to expectations in recent seasons. The Dodgers have consistently shown a preference for adding inexpensive, versatile players to their roster, and Edman fits that profile perfectly.
Defense and Speed
In addition to his versatility, Edman’s defense and speed are both crucial components of his game that align well with the Dodgers’ priorities. While the Dodgers are known for their high-powered offense, they also place great importance on solid defensive play and run prevention. Edman’s defensive prowess is underscored by his ability to play multiple infield positions, and he’s earned high marks for his range, arm strength, and overall defensive awareness. His ability to make difficult plays look routine at multiple positions makes him an asset to any team.
Edman’s speed is another factor that would appeal to the Dodgers. With the implementation of the new MLB rules regarding stolen bases—such as the larger bases and limits on pickoff attempts—speed is a more important factor than ever. Edman has the potential to be a significant base-running threat, and in a system like the Dodgers’, where analytics play a significant role in decision-making, his stolen base potential would be considered a valuable commodity.
On-Base Skills and Versatility
While Edman may not have the power numbers that some teams prefer in a starting infielder, his ability to get on base and contribute with his bat in other ways makes him a valuable asset. His 2023 season featured a solid .324 OBP, and though he may never be a middle-of-the-order slugger, he can be an effective table setter at the top or bottom of the lineup.
The Dodgers have often thrived on high on-base percentages and the ability to work deep into counts. Edman, with his ability to make consistent contact and keep the line moving, would fit right into that mold. Moreover, his adaptability—able to move around the lineup as needed—aligns with the Dodgers’ positionless approach to offense, where players are often asked to fill various roles depending on matchups and game situations.
What Would an Extension Look Like?
If the Dodgers were to negotiate a potential extension with Tommy Edman, it would likely be structured as a short-term deal with incentives tied to his playing time and performance. The Dodgers are known for their focus on long-term stability, so they may be reluctant to offer a large, long-term commitment to a player like Edman. Instead, they would probably target a deal that fits their current needs without committing too heavily financially.
A reasonable contract extension might look like a two- or three-year deal with an option for a fourth year, in the range of $25 million to $30 million. The structure would likely feature performance bonuses tied to plate appearances, games played, or even stolen bases. Given Edman’s track record as a consistent contributor and his potential to provide value as a versatile player, such a contract would make sense for both the Dodgers and Edman.
From Edman’s perspective, an extension with the Dodgers would be a great opportunity to secure long-term financial stability while playing for one of the most competitive teams in baseball. Given the Dodgers’ reputation for developing players, Edman could also benefit from the organization’s strong player development system, potentially enhancing his own skill set while competing for championships.
Potential Roadblocks
Despite the logical fit between Edman and the Dodgers, there are a few potential hurdles to consider. First, the Dodgers already have significant payroll commitments to high-profile players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, meaning they may not have an unlimited budget for secondary acquisitions. While Edman is not an expensive player, his potential extension could eat into the team’s financial flexibility, especially if the Dodgers are eyeing other high-profile targets in the free-agent market.
Second, the Dodgers could face competition for Edman’s services if other teams recognize his value as a versatile, cost-effective player. Teams in need of middle infield depth, such as the San Francisco Giants or Chicago Cubs, could offer Edman a more prominent starting role or more money, making it harder for Los Angeles to secure him at a reasonable cost. Edman’s familiarity with St. Louis and the Cardinals could also mean he’s inclined to stay with the organization that drafted him, particularly if he believes that he can be a regular contributor to their long-term success.
Finally, there is the question of whether the Dodgers would be able to offer Edman a sufficient opportunity to start. If he’s looking for an everyday role, his fit in Los Angeles may be more limited due to the team’s depth at key positions.
Conclusion
While still speculative, the rumor that the Dodgers are discussing a potential extension with Tommy Edman is an interesting one. Edman’s defensive versatility, speed, and solid
