Dodgers agree with Tommy Edman for 5 years and 74 million dollars
Los Angeles Dodgers extend contract to super utility man Tommy Edman, Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series, for 5 years and $74 million
The super utility Tommy Edman and Los Angeles Dodgers they arrived at a agreement about a contract extension by five years and $74 millionwhich will keep National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player with the world series champions at least until 2029.
The team announced the deal on Friday.
Edman, 29, was acquired by the Dodgers at this year’s trade deadline and distinguished himself with his versatility. Playing center field and shortstop, Edman, who hits both sides, shined during the National League Championship Series, driving in 11 runs, and followed up with a .988 OPS and six runs in five Series games. World.
The deal breaks the final season of a two-year contract Edman had previously signed and replaces it with one that runs from 2025 through the 2029 season. The deal includes a sixth-year club option for $13 million with a buyout of $3 million and will give Edman a $17 million signing bonus, sources said. About a third of the total value of the deal is deferred, according to the sources.
Edman’s extension comes on the heels of the five-year, $182 million deal Los Angeles signed with left-handed pitcher Blake Snell. After their championship, the Dodgers had searched for a front-of-the-rotation starter and hoped to extend Edman’s contract.
To do so, the Dodgers needed new money that exceeded the deal they had previously given to super utility player Chris Taylor, also a center fielder and shortstop. In addition to positional value, Edman’s combination of power and speed attracted the Dodgers, who received him from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-player trade that gave up infielders Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Pérez.
Edman, who had been sidelined while recovering from right wrist surgery and an ankle problem before debuting with the Dodgers in August, hit .237/.294/.417 with 6 home runs, 20 RBIs and 6 stolen bases in 37 games.
Although he spent most of his postseason games batting in the 8th and 9th spots, Edman hit fourth twice — in Games 4 and 6 of the National League Championship Series, against left-handed starters — and drove in seven races.
During the regular season, Edman hit .412/.418/.882 in 36 plate appearances as a right-handed hitter and .181/.256/.267 in 117 plate appearances as a left-handed hitter. Over his career, Edman’s OPS as a right-handed hitter is nearly 140 points higher than his OPS batting left-handed.
With Mookie Betts moving from the outfield to the infield in 2025, the Dodgers could opt to start Edman regularly in center field. If they decide to play Betts at second base, Edman could also play shortstop.
