Tommy Edman stats paint the picture of a uniquely versatile and consistently impactful player in Major League Baseball. From his defensive prowess across multiple positions to his evolving offensive game and baserunning instincts, Edman has carved out a significant role for himself, first with the St. Louis Cardinals and now with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This article will thoroughly explore Edman’s key statistics, analyze his performance trends, and provide practical insights into what makes him such a valuable asset in today’s game.
Understanding Baseball Statistics: A Primer
Before we delve into the specifics of Tommy Edman’s numbers, it’s essential to understand the various statistical categories used to evaluate baseball players. Traditional stats offer a foundational view, while advanced metrics (sabermetrics) provide deeper, more nuanced insights into a player’s true value.
Traditional Batting Statistics
Batting Average (AVG): Hits divided by at-bats (H/AB). A measure of how often a player gets a hit.
On-Base Percentage (OBP): (Hits + Walks + Hit by Pitch) divided by (At-bats + Walks + Hit by Pitch + Sacrifice Flies). Represents how often a player reaches base.
Slugging Percentage (SLG): Total Bases divided by At-bats (TB/AB). Measures a hitter’s power by calculating the number of bases a player gains per at-bat.
On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): OBP + SLG. A comprehensive measure of a hitter’s overall offensive production.
Home Runs (HR): The number of times a player hits a ball out of the park for a score.
Runs Batted In (RBI): The number of runs scored as a direct result of a player’s action (excluding runs scored by the batter on their own home run).
Stolen Bases (SB): The number of times a player successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is throwing to another batter.
Overall Value Statistics
WAR (Wins Above Replacement): Perhaps the most encompassing statistic, WAR attempts to quantify a player’s total value to their team in terms of wins above what a “replacement-level” player would provide. It combines offensive, defensive, and baserunning contributions.
Deep Dive into Batting Statistics
Tommy Edman’s offensive profile is characterized by contact, gap power, and an ability to use his speed on the bases. While not a traditional slugger, his ability to get on base and wreak havoc with his legs provides significant value.
Batting Average, OBP, and SLG Analysis
Edman’s career batting average of .263 is solid, though it has fluctuated. His rookie season in 2019 saw an impressive .304 AVG, largely driven by a high .346 BABIP. This indicated some fortune, but also his ability to make consistent contact and utilize his speed to beat out throws.
While his AVG dipped in the shortened 2020 season (.250), he rebounded to the .260s in 2021 and 2022. The 2023 season saw a slight dip to .248, but his early 2025 numbers show a promising improvement to .248, with a significantly higher slugging percentage.
Power and Extra-Base Hits
Edman is not known for prodigious home run power, but he consistently hits doubles and triples. His career 131 doubles and 21 triples speak to his ability to drive the ball into the gaps. His home run totals have ranged from 5 (2020) to 13 (2022, 2023).
Notably, his early 2025 performance shows a significant jump in power with 8 HR in just 121 at-bats, putting him on pace for a career high. This increased power production, indicated by his .504 SLG and .196 ISO in 2025 (higher than his career .150 ISO), suggests a potential offensive evolution.
Baserunning Excellence: Stolen Bases
One of Edman’s most consistent offensive weapons is his baserunning. With 114 stolen bases and only 18 caught steals over his career, he boasts an impressive 86.4% success rate. He’s had multiple seasons with 27+ stolen bases, including 30 in 2021 and 32 in 2022.
This speed not only translates into stolen bases but also puts pressure on defenses, leading to more runs scored. His Sprint Speed percentile rankings from Statcast consistently place him among the fastest players in the league.
The Defensive Dynamo: Positional Versatility and Metrics
Tommy Edman’s defensive versatility is arguably his most valuable asset. He has played every infield position and center field in his MLB career, providing immense flexibility to his teams.
Gold Glove Caliber at Second Base
Edman won a Gold Glove Award at second base in 2021, a testament to his elite defensive skills at the position. His range, quick hands, and strong arm make him an exceptional infielder.
Positional Breakdown :
Second Base (2B): Most frequently played infield position.
Shortstop (SS): Capable of playing the demanding shortstop position, especially after the trade to the Dodgers in 2024.
Third Base (3B): Played extensively early in his career.
Center Field (CF): Increasingly deployed in center field, showcasing his speed and instincts.
Advanced Defensive Metrics
Outs Above Average (OAA): Edman consistently ranks well in OAA, particularly at second base. His ability to cover ground and make difficult plays is reflected in these metrics. For instance, in 2021, the year he won his Gold Glove, he had outstanding OAA numbers at second base.
Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): Like OAA, DRS emphasizes his beneficial effect on defense. His career DRS numbers are consistently positive, indicating he saves runs for his team through his fielding.
In 2024, after he transitioned to the Dodgers, he was primarily utilized in center field and at second base. While injuries have impacted his 2024 and early 2025 playing time, his defensive value remains high regardless of the position. He played 25 games at 2B and 11 in CF in 2025 before his ankle injury, according to FanGraphs.
Performance Trends and Recent Form (As of 2025)
As of mid-2025, Tommy Edman’s season has been impacted by injury, specifically right ankle inflammation, which sidelined him for a period in May 2025. Despite this, his numbers, particularly his power output, show some interesting trends.
2024 Season Recap
In 2024, before his injury and subsequent trade, Edman played 37 games, with 6 home runs and 6 stolen bases. His batting average was .237, with a .294 OBP and .417 SLG, leading to a .711 OPS.
He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2024 trade deadline and made a significant impact in the postseason, winning NLCS MVP honors and contributing to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series championship. He had a surprising six home runs in September after joining the Dodgers in 2024, demonstrating his ability to produce late in the season.
Injury Impact and Outlook
Edman’s 2025 season has been punctuated by his ankle injury. He returned from the 10-day injured list in late May 2025. While he’s demonstrating increased power, his playing time and consistent performance will depend on staying healthy.
His versatility continues to be a key asset for the Dodgers, who utilize him at second base and center field. The fact that he’s still dealing with some discomfort with straight-line running after his ankle injury suggests he’s still managing it.
The Value of Versatility: How Edman Helps His Team Win
Tommy Edman’s ability to play multiple positions at an elite defensive level is a significant strategic advantage for any team.
Maximizing Roster Flexibility
A “super utility” player like Edman allows managers to:
Rest Starters: Give everyday players a day off without a significant drop-off in defensive quality.
Adjust to Injuries: Seamlessly fill in for injured players at various positions.
Optimize Matchups: Deploy him in positions where his defensive skills are most needed against a particular opponent or pitcher.
Late-Game Substitutions: Bring him in as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner to close out games.
Baserunning Impact
His speed is not just for stolen bases. It allows him to:
Take extra bases: Turn singles into doubles and doubles into triples.
Score from first on doubles: Put himself in scoring position more often.
Force throwing errors: Pressure fielders into mistakes.
Clutch Performance
While not a primary power hitter, Edman has shown flashes of clutch hitting. While specific “clutch hitting” stats can be volatile year to year, his NLCS MVP in 2024 highlights his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
Real-Life Example: Tommy Edman’s Trade to the Dodgers (2024)
The trade of Tommy Edman to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2024 trade deadline serves as a prime example of a team leveraging a player’s versatility and specific skills. The Dodgers, known for their analytical approach, acquired Edman, who was dealing with a wrist injury for much of 2024, to bolster their infield depth and outfield flexibility.
Despite his injury-impacted regular season with the Cardinals and then the Dodgers, Edman excelled in the 2024 postseason. His NLCS MVP award was a testament to his ability to perform when it mattered most, hitting crucial home runs and making impactful plays.
This real-life example underscores that while regular season stats are important, a player’s perceived value can also be heavily influenced by their ability to rise to the occasion and provide positional flexibility, especially for a contending team. The Dodgers understood that his skill set, even with limited 2024 regular season action, would be highly beneficial in a deep playoff run.
Final Thoughts
Tommy Edman’s statistical profile is a testament to the evolving nature of baseball and the increasing value placed on versatile, high-IQ players. While his traditional batting average may not always jump off the page, a deeper dive into his Tommy Edman stats reveals a player who consistently contributes across the board.
His elite defense, baserunning prowess, and ability to play multiple positions make him an invaluable asset to any team, as evidenced by his NLCS MVP performance in 2024 and his sustained impact with the Dodgers.
As analytics continue to shape how we evaluate players, Edman’s blend of fundamental skills and adaptable talent ensures he remains a key component in the modern MLB landscape.
FAQs
How many Gold Glove Awards has Tommy Edman won?
Tommy Edman has won one Gold Glove Award, which he earned in 2021 as the National League’s top defensive second baseman.
What is Tommy Edman’s primary position?
Tommy Edman is a highly versatile utility player. While he has won a Gold Glove at second base, he has played extensively at second base, shortstop, third base, and center field throughout his career. The Dodgers utilize him primarily at second base and center field.
Has Tommy Edman ever been an All-Star?
As of May 2025, Tommy Edman has not been selected as an MLB All-Star. However, he was named NLCS MVP in 2024.
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