Tommy Edman Secures Five-Year, $74M Extension with Dodgers
It’s official: Tommy Edman, the do-it-all superutilityman, is staying in Los Angeles for the long haul. The 29-year-old star and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a five-year, $74 million contract extension, ensuring the reigning National League Championship Series MVP will remain with the World Series champions through at least 2029. The Dodgers announced the deal on Friday, and it’s already making waves across the MLB landscape.
Edman’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Acquired by the Dodgers at this year’s trade deadline, he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his versatility and clutch performances. Whether he was patrolling center field or locking down shortstop, Edman delivered in a big way during the postseason. In the NLCS, he drove in an eye-popping 11 runs, and he didn’t slow down in the World Series, posting a .988 OPS and scoring six runs in just five games. Talk about stepping up when it matters most!
Breaking Down the Deal
The new contract replaces the final season of a two-year deal Edman had previously signed and will now cover the 2025-29 seasons. The agreement also includes a sixth-year club option worth $13 million, with a $3 million buyout. On top of that, Edman will receive a $17 million signing bonus, according to sources. However, about one-third of the deal’s overall value is deferred, which is becoming a common trend in MLB contracts.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key details:
- Length: Five years (2025-2029), with a sixth-year club option
- Total Value: $74 million
- Signing Bonus: $17 million
- Deferred Money: Approximately one-third of the total value
This extension comes on the heels of the Dodgers’ other big offseason splash: a five-year, $182 million deal with left-handed ace Blake Snell. After their championship run, the Dodgers made it clear they were prioritizing two things: bolstering their rotation and locking down Edman. Mission accomplished.
Edman’s Impact and Versatility
Edman’s value to the Dodgers goes far beyond his stats, though those are impressive in their own right. His ability to play multiple positions—center field and shortstop, in particular—makes him a manager’s dream. And let’s not forget his power-speed combination, which has been a game-changer for Los Angeles. The Dodgers initially acquired Edman in a three-way trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, giving up infielders Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus, and Jeral Perez to make it happen. Clearly, they saw something special in him, and he’s more than lived up to the hype.
Despite dealing with injuries earlier in the season—he was recovering from right wrist surgery and an ankle issue—Edman made an immediate impact after debuting for the Dodgers in August. In 37 regular-season games, he hit .237/.294/.417 with six home runs, 20 RBIs, and six stolen bases. While those numbers might not jump off the page, his postseason heroics more than made up for it. During the NLCS, he even batted cleanup twice, driving in seven runs in Games 4 and 6 against left-handed starters. That’s the kind of versatility and clutch performance that earns you a $74 million payday.
What’s Next for Edman and the Dodgers?
Looking ahead, Edman’s role with the Dodgers could evolve depending on how the team’s roster shakes out. With Mookie Betts expected to transition from the outfield to the infield in 2025, Edman could become the team’s everyday center fielder. Alternatively, if Betts ends up at second base, Edman might slide over to shortstop. Either way, his ability to adapt to the team’s needs makes him an invaluable asset.
One interesting wrinkle in Edman’s game is his performance as a switch-hitter. During the regular season, he hit .412/.418/.882 in 36 plate appearances as a right-handed hitter but struggled from the left side, slashing just .181/.256/.267 in 117 plate appearances. Over his career, his OPS as a right-handed hitter is nearly 140 points higher than as a left-handed hitter. It’s something to keep an eye on as the Dodgers look to maximize his offensive potential.
Final Thoughts
With this extension, the Dodgers have solidified a key piece of their championship puzzle. Edman’s versatility, postseason heroics, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations make him a cornerstone of the team’s future. And for Dodgers fans, the thought of watching him in Dodger blue through at least 2029 is reason to celebrate. The front office has made it clear: they’re not just content with one championship—they’re building a dynasty.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
