Dodgers sign Tommy Edman to 5-year, $74M contract extension

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers tried to trade for Tommy Edman more than once before finally acquiring him last July. Now, they plan to keep him around for awhile.

The Dodgers reached agreement with the 29-year-old Edman on a five-year, $74 million contract extension on Friday. The contract runs through 2029 with a club option for 2030.

Edman was signed for 2025 in the second year of a two-year, $16.5 million contract he agreed to with the St. Louis Cardinals and could have become a free agent next winter. The contract extension replaces that deal and reportedly includes a $17 million signing bonus and some deferred salary.

A Gold Glove winner at second base for the Cardinals in 2021, Edman spent most of his time in center field after joining the Dodgers but also played some shortstop. With Mookie Betts expected to move to second base, Edman could slot in at either shortstop or center field next year as well. The Dodgers do not have either position locked down at this point.

Edman was acquired from the Cardinals along with hard-throwing relief pitcher Michael Kopech in a three-way trade between the Dodgers, Cardinals and Chicago White Sox at the 2024 trade deadline. The switch-hittter did not make his season debut until well into August due to wrist surgery last winter and an ankle injury during his rehab that delayed his return.

Edman hit .237 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 37 regular-season games with the Dodgers. But during the postseason, he hit .328 (20 for 61) with two home runs and 13 RBIs. Eleven of those RBIs came during the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, when Edman went 11 for 27 (.407) and was named the NLCS MVP.

Edman’s versatility makes it less likely the Dodgers will re-sign free agent utilityman Kiké Hernandez. The Dodgers also have utility man Chris Taylor signed for $13 million in 2025, the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract.