Although Tommy Edman’s extension from the Los Angeles Dodgers has seemingly taken a backseat to the Blake Snell signing, it still remains an important part of the team roster foundation in 2025 and beyond.
Edman’s solid defensive versatility in both the outfield and infield gives the Dodgers incredible flexibility in their defensive alignments and late-game substitutions. His switch-hitting ability and speed on the basepaths add another dynamic element to an already potent lineup.
The New Deal
The 29-year-old Edman agreed to a five-year $74 million extension at the end of November that runs through the 2029 season with a club option for 2030. The option is worth $13 million and comes with a $3 million buyout.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Michigan native will receive a $17 million signing bonus. However, $25 million of the contract’s total value will be deferred and paid out over a span of ten years, starting five years after the deal is complete. Since Edman was already under contract for the 2025 season, the new deal is essentially a four-year extension.
Closing Out the 2024 Season Strongly
The three-team deal that brought Edman to Los Angeles from the St. Louis Cardinals — with the inclusion of righty reliever Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox — proved to be critical in the team’s World Championship run last season. At the time of the trade, Edman hadn’t appeared in a major league game following a setback from wrist surgery he underwent during the 2023 offseason.
Although he slashed just .237/.294/.417 over the final few months of the regular season, his defense proved to be crucial since the team had several holes, particularly with Miguel Rojas at shortstop. Despite the subpar offensive numbers, Edman became a critical contributor in the NLCS against the Mets once he shifted his bat into high gear, going an impressive 11-for-27 with three doubles and a long ball, eventually earning him the series MVP honor.
Looking Ahead
To guess where Edman primarily plays in 2025 is purely speculation at this point and depends on whether the team adds any more position players over the winter. Right now, it looks like the club is leaning toward Mookie Betts playing in the infield, which leaves a lot of open space in the outfield.
Gavin Lux and Rojas add infield depth, potentially opening the door for Edman to be the team’s regular center fielder. Of course, the Dodgers could end up trading Lux or someone else in a package that brings a more proven shortstop to the organization. The were a few whispers about the team being interested in Willy Adames before he landed a seven-year, $182 million contract with division rival San Francisco.
Still, if Betts does indeed move to second base, it leaves the outfield barren, even if Edman plays in center field every day. Without any additions — or without re-signing someone like Teoscar Hernandez or Enrique Hernandez — the club may need to turn to Andy Pages, Chris Taylor or even James Outman to fill in the gaps.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
They’ve made it clear that Mookie is now an infielder. What they haven’t made totally clear is whether he’ll play 2B, SS or some combo of both.
If it’s going to be mostly 2B, then Lux needs to be shipped somewhere. He’s not a utility player nor a part time player. He needs to play on a regular basis in order to be effective on offense. He’s already shown he isn’t a shortstop or an outfielder and he does have some trade value at this point.
There are three or four teams who could use a second baseman. In my opinion, the best solution for the team and for Lux is to include him in a trade for an outfielder or a bullpen piece.
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I don’t think there’s anyone out there who would sacrifice a decent outfielder to get Lux. The Dodgers don’t really have too many high level prospects to offer that they could afford to lose, except maybe Rushing or Cartaya, especially if they see a big future for Feduccia.
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I wouldn’t expect a team to give up a decent outfielder if Lux was the lead guy in the trade. My thinking was that if Lux isn’t going to be a regular here, we should include him in a trade, not necessarily as the best piece, or not necessarily for a star player. He’s totally wasted on the bench if he’s not going to be a regular so get what you can for him.
As far as high level prospects we could afford to lose, a lot of our best prospects are still a few years away. I have no clue what their plans for Rushing are, but in my mind if they don’t plan to play him as a MLB starter this year, trade him if you can get something good. At this point Cartaya is no longer a high level prospect. One list I saw had him #16 on the Dodger list, let alone the MLB Top 100. He might rejuvenate himself but today he has very little trade value.
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As Rushing has been playing the outfield in AAA I thought that they planned to play him there. But good catchers are valuable! I was a little surprised they re-signed Barnes, although he is a like a coach. I was shocked they signed Conforto his offense is not impressive. Is Conforto a safety net in case Teo doesn’t sign? Does that signing mean they are not confident in Pages or Outman. What does this team need? Not much honestly. An incredible young outfielder? Not many available. What would a trade using Lux, Rushing and a young pitcher get them?
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I wasn’t thrilled when I heard about the Conforto signing, but then saw some stats that made me feel a lot better.
His home/road splits are ridiculous. The guy just doesn’t hit in San Francisco but his stats on the road last year were just fine. This could turn into another Teo signing if it plays out right.
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First props to the Dodger organization for getting Flaherty, Kopech and Edman to power them to the Championship. Big fan of Edman glad they extended him. It will be a window on how they value Lux, Pages, Outman, Rushing, Miller and other potential trade pieces on who is on the roster in 25. I think some people have unrealistic expectations for guys like Pages. He played well last year for his first year. Outman has been working hard to improve and many have complemented him on his attitude and work ethic.
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Getting those three guys at the deadline was absolutely (in my mind) what ultimately won it all for us last year. I don’t think we win the World Series without those three.
I saw an interview with Andrew yesterday in which he stated that he hates making trades at the deadline. He said their goal is to be so strong and so well covered that they don’t need to do that.
I think the point he was making was that the deadline is the most expensive (player-wise) time of year to be making trades and that you usually have to overpay.
We shall see how it plays out in 2025.
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Great catch thanks for that. Seattle crushed Teo and Giant stadium is interesting in its dimensions and wet air.
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Great catch thanks for that. Seattle crushed Teo and Giant stadium is interesting in its dimensions and wet air.
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