Friedman Speaks: Dodgers Motivation for Extending Tommy Edman Revealed

Among their activity so far this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Tommy Edman to a long-term contract extension to keep him as part of their core moving forward.

Edman was originally set to play out the 2025 season on the final year of his old deal, but the Dodgers and Edman agreed to a five-year, $74 million contract. Edman’s extension includes a team option for a sixth year, which would be the 2030 season.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman attempted to land Edman for several seasons, and upon finally being successful at the 2024 trade deadline, he felt they couldn’t let the 29-year-old leave after one more year.

“As long as we were trying to acquire him, it just felt like once we finally got him, don’t let him go,” Friedman said. “He’s a guy that just fits us really well and with how talented he is on defense at difficult spots to find and access in the market, just could not foresee a way that he wouldn’t fit us looking out.

“He loved his time in L.A. and wanted to be here longer term, and we wanted him to. Usually when you have that, it’s a good jumping off point to get something done.”

Edman filled a pivotal role for the Dodgers, splitting time at shortstop and center field, two key areas of need on their roster at the time.

His play style is one the club has valued for years as the Swiss army knife type of player with strong defense at multiple positions.

The Dodgers leaned on Edman in the National League Championship Series, and with a few matchups against left-handed pitching, he showed his sneaky power.

Edman’s offensive outburst earned him NLCS MVP honors as he helped vault them to a World Series berth.

How will Tommy Edman be used in 2025?

Projecting Edman’s usage next season is likely in a similar way to how he was this past year. With Miguel Rojas requiring a dance partner to split time at shortstop, Edman is a prime option to spell him there.

Looking to center field, Edman plays a Gold Glove caliber outfield. His speed, instincts and glove skill are a necessary piece for a club that has lacked a true center fielder.

Look for Edman to remain an upside play against left-handed pitching, where his power ticks up, while still getting everyday starts against right-handed pitching.