The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant move to solidify their roster for the long term, announcing a five-year, $74MM extension with superutility man Tommy Edman. This deal, which runs from 2025 to 2029, includes a club option for the 2030 season worth $13MM, accompanied by a $3MM buyout. Edman’s signing bonus amounts to $17MM, while $25MM of the extension will be deferred and paid out over ten years starting after the completion of the contract. The 29-year-old Edman was previously under contract for $9.5MM in 2025, making this extension effectively a four-year deal worth $64.5MM in new money.
Negotiations between the Dodgers and Edman’s camp had been ongoing since last week, and now both parties have reached an agreement. The Dodgers wasted no time deciding that they wanted Edman as a key player for their future plans, as he made an immediate impact after being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-team trade at the deadline.
The trade that brought Edman to Los Angeles proved crucial in securing the Dodgers’ World Series title. Despite not having played in a big league game due to wrist surgery setbacks during the previous offseason, Edman seamlessly transitioned between center field and shortstop down the stretch and into the postseason. He hit .237/.294/.417 (98 wRC+) during the regular season and elevated his performance in the playoffs with an impressive .328/.354/.508 line over 67 plate appearances. As a result of his outstanding contributions, he was named MVP of the NLCS.
By committing to Edman long-term, the Dodgers ensure they retain a versatile player who can excel all over the diamond and smoothly shift between infield and outfield positions based on team needs. This type of player has been highly valued by the Dodgers in recent years, evident from their investments in players like Chris Taylor and frequent transactions involving Enrique Hernandez. While Hernandez is currently a free agent and Taylor may not be a regular starter in 2025, Edman joins Mookie Betts as an invaluable asset that provides flexibility in constructing the Dodgers’ lineup. Betts, who has won six Gold Gloves as a right fielder, has increasingly played at second base and shortstop in recent seasons, with plans to continue utilizing him on the infield dirt next year.
Looking ahead to next season, the Dodgers could potentially deploy Edman as their primary center fielder alongside Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas handling the middle infield duties. Although Edman only began playing center field regularly in 2023, his defensive prowess has been evident. In just 188 innings with the Dodgers this year, he posted +1 Outs Above Average at the position after achieving an excellent +5 mark in 330 innings for the Cardinals in 2023. If he can maintain his defensive excellence throughout a full season, combined with his league-average offensive production, Edman will undoubtedly prove to be an above-average regular for the Dodgers in 2025.
The offseason has already been eventful for the Dodgers, having secured Tommy Edman’s extension following their blockbuster five-year deal with left-handed pitcher Blake Snell earlier in the week. With areas to improve in the outfield corners and bullpen vacancies to fill, coupled with Clayton Kershaw’s uncertain contract status, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will have more work to do this winter. Having Edman locked into center field allows the club to focus on upgrading their offense in the outfield corners. Players such as Teoscar Hernandez and Juan Soto have been linked to potential moves to Los Angeles and would undoubtedly appreciate being supported by a center fielder of Edman’s caliber.
In summary, the Dodgers’ extension with Tommy Edman not only secures the services of a highly versatile player but also strengthens their roster for years to come. Edman’s defensive capabilities combined with his offensive contributions make him a valuable asset in the Dodgers’ pursuit of future success.
