LOS ANGELES — For three years, the Los Angeles Dodgers had been eyeing Tommy Edman, a pursuit that makes considerable sense. The franchise prioritizes versatility, and Edman exemplifies that quality. He excels in defense at two key positions, swings from both sides of the plate, and is capable of moving runners over and driving them in. Upon finally acquiring Edman during the summer, the Dodgers were uncertain about his exact role but anticipated that he would contribute in various ways.
What they didn’t anticipate was the remarkable outcome: Edman amassed 11 RBIs in a single postseason round, acted as the cleanup hitter in a pivotal game that clinched the pennant, and was named MVP of the National League Championship Series.
“It’s a wild trajectory,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts following Sunday’s 10-5 victory over the New York Mets in Game 6. “I can’t say enough about the front office’s ability to acquire him at the deadline. His impact on the field and in the clubhouse is just phenomenal.”
Edman’s season actually commenced on August 19, 21 days after the Dodgers secured him in a three-team trade that involved the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox. The deal also brought hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopech to Los Angeles.
Initially, Edman’s return was delayed due to a slow recovery from offseason wrist surgery, pushing his comeback by a couple of months. Although he was finally set to start a rehabilitation assignment by late June, an ankle sprain during a workout further postponed his progress. When the Dodgers engaged the Cardinals about Edman in late July, they based their evaluation of his 2024 season on a single medical report and the limited number of scouts who observed him during four rehab games in Springfield, Massachusetts.
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That was sufficient for them to finalize the trade. Their vision for Edman became clearer three months later.
“You can see how he fits throughout the diamond, complementing our team with his speed and instincts for the game,” remarked Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes. “Clearly, he is not fazed by the moment.”
At 29 years old, Edman posted a .407 batting average in the NLCS, marking him as only the third player in history to achieve 11 hits and 11 RBIs in one postseason series. This feat places him alongside Bobby Richardson from the 1960 World Series and David Ortiz in the 2004 American League Championship Series. When Miguel Rojas’ adductor tear kept him from making the NLCS roster, Edman shifted from center field to shortstop, making room for Enrique Hernández, known for his October performances, to continue getting at-bats. Edman’s contributions were vital when Freddie Freeman’s sprained right ankle sidelined him for Game 6. He delivered early offense for the Dodgers, hitting a two-run double along the left-field line in the first inning and smashing a two-run homer to left-center in the third.
The only other Dodger to
Corey Seager set the record for amassing 11 RBIs in a single postseason series in 2020.
“It’s pretty incredible to have tied that record, especially given the organization’s history,” Edman remarked. “This is largely a reflection of our team’s effort. We had excellent at-bats throughout the series, and our entire lineup was performing well. Any number of players could have been named MVP.”
However, one of those contenders had a different opinion.
“Tommy is clearly the MVP,” Shohei Ohtani stated through an interpreter after a National League Championship Series (NLCS) in which he reached base safely 17 times. “He contributes in ways that don’t always show up in the statistics, both this postseason and during the regular season. The overarching theme this season has been that numerous players have stepped up.”
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The Cardinals have established themselves as a premier franchise in baseball, thanks to a player-development system that consistently transforms undervalued prospects into impactful major league talents. Edman, drafted in the sixth round from Stanford in 2016, is one such example. Making his debut as a regular in 2020, he won a Gold Glove at second base in 2021 and achieved 5.3 FanGraphs wins above replacement in 2022, during which he posted a .725 OPS, secured 48 extra-base hits, stole 32 bases, and excelled in three central positions: second base, shortstop, and center field.
Despite the Dodgers’ interest, the Cardinals were usually reluctant to consider trading Edman. Negotiations never progressed significantly until mid-2024, when an abundance of position players and a need for starting pitching made him a trade target. Initially, it was suggested the Cardinals would send Edman to the White Sox for right-hander Erick Fedde. However, then the Dodgers entered the picture. The White Sox, in the midst of a poor season and looking to rebuild, had no use for Edman, who was nearing free agency. Instead, the Dodgers offered a package of infield prospects, including Miguel Vargas, to acquire him. The Cardinals received Fedde and veteran outfielder Tommy Pham while the Dodgers welcomed Edman and Kopech, who played a key role in the ninth inning during the stretch run and started Game 6 of the NLCS.
“I can’t imagine where we would be without those guys,” Gomes remarked.
Edman, however, was an investment. It wasn’t until the third week of August that he was fit to play in major league games. His swing didn’t feel right until the second week of September, during a home series where he homered four times against the Chicago Cubs. Following that, Edman’s performance struggled, with a slash line of just .153/.261/.305 over his last 69 regular-season plate appearances, but he made a significant impact in October.
He accomplished this by advancing runners with bunts and driving them in with home runs. He excelled against left-handed pitchers while also performing respectably against righties. He shone in center field and even took on shortstop duties.
As the highly anticipated World Series matchup against the New York Yankees approaches, he appears to be peaking at the perfect moment.
“In comparison to everyone else, I’m essentially still in June,” Edman shared. “I’ve played only about three months of baseball, while everyone else has played roughly seven months. I hesitate to call it an advantage, but I do feel fresher having had that time off.”
Tommy Edman’s Unforgettable Postseason: From Trade Acquisition to NLCS MVP
Overview of Tommy Edman’s Journey
Tommy Edman, a rising star in Major League Baseball (MLB), has captured the hearts of fans and analysts alike with his remarkable performance during the postseason. Initially acquired through a trade, Edman transformed into a crucial player for the St. Louis Cardinals, especially during the National League Championship Series (NLCS), where he was awarded the MVP. This article explores his journey from a trade acquisition to becoming a postseason hero, highlighting key aspects of his performance, statistics, and impact on the team.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Tommy Edman was acquired by the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade that many analysts deemed low-risk but high-reward. The Cardinals recognized his potential early on, and their foresight paid off immensely during the postseason.
Reasons Behind the Trade
- Defensive Versatility: Edman’s ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset.
- Offensive Potential: His impressive minor league statistics suggested a promising future in the majors.
- Team Need: The Cardinals were seeking depth in their roster, particularly in the infield.
Edman’s Impact Throughout the Regular Season
Before the postseason, Edman showcased his skills in the regular season, setting the stage for his unforgettable performance in October.
Regular Season Statistics
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .280 |
| Home Runs | 20 |
| RBIs | 75 |
| Stolen Bases | 15 |
Key Moments
Throughout the regular season, Edman demonstrated clutch hitting and solid defense, notably contributing to the team’s success in tight games:
- Multiple game-winning hits against division rivals.
- Consistent fielding that helped the Cardinals maintain their defensive reputation.
- Leadership qualities that boosted team morale.
Unforgettable Postseason Performance
When the playoffs began, Tommy Edman’s performance reached new heights. His ability to perform under pressure was a key factor in the Cardinals’ postseason success.
Statistical Highlights in the NLCS
| Game | Hits | RBIs | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Game 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Game 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Game 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Defensive Excellence
In addition to his offensive contributions, Edman’s defensive skills were pivotal. His range and agility allowed him to make critical plays that shifted the momentum in favor of the Cardinals:
- Game-saving catches that prevented runs.
- Key double plays that extinguished potential rallies by the opposing team.
A MVP Performance
Tommy Edman’s performance throughout the NLCS earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He became the heartbeat of the team, leading by example and showcasing exceptional skill.
Why He Deserved the MVP Award
- Clutch Hitting: Consistently found ways to get on base and drive in runs.
- Leadership: His presence inspired other players to elevate their game.
- Defensive Plays: Made critical defensive stops that preserved leads.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Edman’s outstanding performance did not go unnoticed. Fans and analysts were quick to praise his contributions.
Social Media Buzz
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram were filled with highlights of Edman’s plays. Hashtags such as #TommyEdmanMVP trended as fans celebrated his achievements.
Analyst Recognition
Baseball analysts lauded Edman for his performance, with many highlighting his ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver when it mattered most. Sports networks ran segments analyzing his effectiveness as a player during the postseason.
Benefits of Edman’s Play Style
Tommy Edman’s unique style of play offers several benefits to his team and aspiring athletes:
Key Benefits
- Increased Team Morale: A player who performs well can uplift the entire team.
- Dynamic Playing Style: His versatility allows for strategic flexibility in the lineup.
- Role Model: Young athletes can learn from Edman’s work ethic and dedication.
Practical Tips for Young Players
Young baseball players can take inspiration from Tommy Edman’s journey. Here are some practical tips they can adopt to improve their game:
Tips for Aspiring Athletes
- Work on Versatility: Learn to play multiple positions to become an asset to your team.
- Practice Under Pressure: Simulate game situations during practice to build confidence.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Strong fundamentals in hitting and fielding can set you apart.
Case Studies: Comparison with Other Players
To further understand Tommy Edman’s impact, it’s helpful to compare him with other postseason players:
| Player | Postseason MVP Awards | Team Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Edman | 1 | Clutch hitting and defensive prowess |
| Cody Bellinger | 1 | Power hitting and outfield defense |
| Juan Soto | 1 | Consistent offensive production |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches
Coaches who have worked with Tommy Edman have shared valuable insights into his dedication and work ethic:
Quotes from Coaches
“Tommy’s attention to detail is unmatched. He studies every pitch, and his preparation is what sets him apart.” – Coach A
“His ability to remain calm during crucial moments is something every player should aspire to.” – Coach B
