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The Dodgers and super-utility man Tommy Edman have reached an agreement on a five-year $74MM extension that will cover the 2025 to 2029 seasons, with a club option for 2030, as announced by the team. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, includes a $13MM option for the 2030 season with a $3MM buyout. Additionally, there is a $17MM signing bonus, and approximately a third of the total money will be deferred, with $25MM paid out over ten years starting five years after the contract is completed, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Last week, there were early discussions about extending Edman’s contract, and those negotiations have now been finalized. Edman, 29, was acquired from the Cardinals by the Dodgers in a trade that also involved several other players just before the trade deadline this summer. Despite not playing in a big league game until August 19, Edman made a significant impact for the Dodgers, showcasing his versatility both in the field and at the plate. His performance during the regular season and playoffs earned him the NLCS MVP award.
The Dodgers were impressed enough with Edman’s play in just 53 games to commit to him long-term. With this extension, Edman is guaranteed $64.5MM over four years, with the club option giving the Dodgers control over him for an additional five years. This move aligns with the Dodgers’ strategy of valuing versatile players like Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez, giving them flexibility in lineup construction.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Edman’s defensive prowess and offensive contributions make him a valuable asset for the team, especially in the outfield. With Betts, Lux, and Rojas set to handle the middle infield, Edman could see regular playing time in center field, a position he excelled in during limited opportunities in 2023.
As the offseason progresses, the Dodgers continue to make moves, including the Edman extension and the recent deal with Blake Snell. With potential improvements needed in the outfield and bullpen, and key players like Kershaw still unsigned, the team has more work to do. Having Edman secured in center field could allow the Dodgers to focus on enhancing their offense in the outfield corners, with players like Hernandez and Soto rumored to be targets for the team.
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