Dodgers extend NLCS MVP Tommy Edman through 2029.
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Tommy Edman (25) breaks his bat while hitting a single during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Tommy Edman isn’t going anywhere, Dodgers fans. The Los Angeles Dodgers locked in their do-it-all star with a five-year, $74 million extension, keeping the NLCS MVP in LA through 2029. Edman has been a game-changer, and the Dodgers aren’t taking any chances letting him walk.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, this deal also comes with a $17 million signing bonus and a sixth-year club option worth $13 million. About a third of the contract is deferred, but that’s not unusual these days. This extension replaces the last year of Edman’s previous deal, giving the Dodgers a key piece of their roster locked down for the long haul.
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Tommy Edman fits the Dodgers’ blueprint
Edman’s versatility on the field makes him an ideal fit for the Dodgers’ strategy. He can play shortstop, center field, and second base—positions that are critical defensively. During the Dodgers’ World Series run, he proved his worth by excelling at shortstop and center field, positions the team struggled with after Trea Turner’s departure.
Despite missing most of the regular season due to wrist and ankle injuries, Edman made his impact felt after returning on August 19. In 37 regular-season games, he hit six home runs, drove in 20 RBIs, and posted a .711 OPS. Those numbers, while modest, set the stage for a breakout postseason.
In October, Edman became a force. Across 16 playoff games, he batted .328 with 13 RBIs, earning NLCS MVP honors after hitting .407 and driving in 11 runs against the New York Mets in a six-game series.
As a switch-hitter, Edman brings a distinctive dynamic to the lineup, though his splits reveal clear strengths and weaknesses. He hit just .181/.256/.267 against right-handed pitchers but obliterated left-handed pitching with a .412/.417/.882 line. This makes him a situational offensive weapon, capable of catching fire at key moments—like his .407/.393/.630 NLCS performance.
Solving the Dodgers’ biggest problems
Edman’s signing addresses glaring needs for the Dodgers. The shortstop position has been in flux since Trea Turner’s exit, even prompting experiments like Mookie Betts playing shortstop. Center field also remains uncertain, with Andy Pages and James Outman expected to platoon in 2025. Edman’s ability to cover both positions provides the team with much-needed stability.
This extension also gives the Dodgers flexibility as they navigate free agency and roster construction. His experience in the outfield could offset the potential loss of Teoscar Hernandez, while his infield versatility adds depth behind players like Betts, Gavin Lux, and Miguel Rojas.
Locking in Edman for five years is a strategic win for the Dodgers, who entered the offseason with significant priorities. They’ve already secured talent like Blake Snell for the rotation, and Edman’s extension further solidifies their core.
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Image: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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