Tommy Edman – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Tommy Edman stands out as one of baseball’s most versatile players, thanks to his defensive flexibility and steady performance at the plate. After graduating from Stanford, the St. Louis Cardinals drafted him in 2016, and he wasted no time making a name for himself in the majors with his switch-hitting and top-tier fielding. Recently, Tommy Edman inked a hefty five-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers, valued at $74 million from 2025 to 2030. The deal comes with a $17 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary for the 2025 season.

Edman’s career arc really says a lot about his rising value in MLB. He jumped from a $4.2 million one-year contract with the Cardinals in 2023 to this big, long-term deal with the Dodgers. If you check out the contract breakdown, he’ll pocket $22 million in 2025, then $12.5 million each year after, which shows just how much the Dodgers believe in his multi-positional abilities.

Off the field, Edman’s life seems pretty steady. He’s been married since November 2019, and that stability reflects in his game. He’s become a reliable fixture in baseball, and with his defensive versatility, he’s more valuable than ever in today’s specialized lineups.

Early Life and Background

Tommy Edman’s path to Major League Baseball stretches back to his family roots, his education, and a standout college career at Stanford. He started developing as an athlete young, and that drive carried him through college and beyond.

Family and Roots

Edman was born on May 9, 1995, in Pontiac, Michigan, but he grew up in San Diego, California. His multicultural background is a big part of who he is—his mom’s Korean, which makes him one of the few Korean-American players in MLB.

Baseball runs deep in the Edman family. His dad, John, coached college baseball and made sure Tommy learned the fundamentals early on.

His brother John also played baseball, and his sister Elise played college softball. Clearly, sports are in the family DNA. That kind of support at home gave Tommy a solid foundation for his future in baseball.

High School and Prep Sports

Edman went to La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego, where he made a name for himself as a standout shortstop. Local prep sports newsletters often featured him for his leadership and on-field skills.

During high school, he picked up:

• Multiple All-League honors
• Team captain roles
• Strong academics alongside his athletic success
• Statewide recognition for his defense

Even with all that, pro scouts didn’t chase him hard in high school. At 5’10”, some thought he was undersized, but anyone who watched him could see his quick hands and sharp baseball mind.

College Baseball Career

Edman took his game to Stanford University, where he played for three seasons and really honed his skills. He juggled baseball and a degree in Mathematical and Computational Science, which is no small feat.

Each year at Stanford, his stats got better:

• Freshman year: Solid contributor, strong defense
• Sophomore year: Higher batting average and on-base percentage
• Junior year: Breakout season that finally got scouts to notice

At Stanford, he worked on his switch-hitting and became even more versatile in the field. Coaches loved his smarts and instincts—he just seemed to get the game on another level.

In 2016, the St. Louis Cardinals picked Edman in the sixth round (196th overall) of the MLB Draft, kicking off his pro career.

Professional Baseball Journey

Tommy Edman’s climb to the majors shows how a late-round pick can turn into a defensive standout. Moving through the Cardinals’ farm system, he kept flashing the switch-hitting and defensive skills that would become his calling card.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Cardinals grabbed Edman in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Stanford. He wasn’t a flashy pick, but he signed for a $247,500 bonus—pretty modest by MLB standards, but not bad for a utility player.

With his Stanford degree in Mathematical and Computational Science, Edman brought a thoughtful, analytical approach to his game. The Cardinals’ scouts liked his baseball IQ and defensive versatility more than raw power or blazing speed.

His draft spot didn’t turn heads, but the Cardinals saw something in his fundamentals and switch-hitting.

Minor League Development

Edman moved quickly through the Cardinals’ minor league system. He started in 2016 at Class A Short Season with the State College Spikes. Right away, he showed off his flexibility—he played shortstop, second, and third while working on his switch-hitting.

By 2017, he’d made it to High-A Palm Beach, then up to Double-A Springfield in 2018. His numbers kept improving:

• 2016 (State College): .286 average, 4 homers
• 2017 (Palm Beach): .261 average, 29 steals
• 2018 (Springfield/Memphis): .301 average, 7 home runs

In 2019, he broke through at Triple-A Memphis, hitting .305 with 7 home runs in just 49 games. That earned him his MLB call-up in June 2019. His defensive skills and switch-hitting made him a real asset for the Cardinals.

Rise with the Cardinals

Joining the St. Louis Cardinals marked a big shift in Edman’s career. He quickly became known for his defensive excellence, speed, and reliable hitting. Fans in St. Louis really took to him.

MLB Debut and Breakout Season

Edman debuted for the Cardinals on June 8, 2019, and wasted no time making an impact. In his rookie season, he hit .304 with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs in just 92 games. He played second, short, and outfield—pretty much wherever the team needed him.

The short 2020 season saw him continue to grow, but 2021 was his real breakout. He played in all 162 games, hit .262 with 11 home runs, and stole 30 bases. That speed on the bases made a big difference.

Manager Mike Shildt often praised Edman’s baseball IQ and adaptability. His flexibility became a key part of the Cardinals’ game plan.

Key Performances and Awards

In 2021, Edman’s defense earned him a Gold Glove Award at second base. He led all NL second basemen with 13 Defensive Runs Saved that year.

He kept rolling in 2022, hitting .265 with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases. The contract with the Cardinals he signed reflected his growing importance to the team.

His switch-hitting improved, especially against righties—something he’d struggled with early on.

“Tommy’s one of those players who just makes everyone around him better,” Mike Shildt once said. “His baseball instincts are off the charts.”

Postseason Highlights

Edman got valuable playoff experience with the Cardinals in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In the 2019 NLDS against Atlanta, he hit .333 and helped the Cards make it to the NLCS.

In the 2020 Wild Card Series against the Padres, he picked up five hits in three games, though the Cardinals lost the series. His versatility really stood out in those high-pressure games.

The 2021 Wild Card game against the Dodgers saw Edman steal a crucial base and play tight defense, even though St. Louis lost in the end. Through all these playoff runs, Edman showed he could stay cool when it mattered most.

Contract Details and Career Earnings

Tommy Edman’s financial journey in baseball has taken off, especially with his big contract extension from the Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings reflect how much teams value his defensive skills and ability to play all over the field.

Initial MLB Contracts

Edman started his MLB career with the Cardinals after they picked him in the 6th round of the 2016 Draft. When he debuted on June 8, 2019, he was making close to the league minimum.

During those first few years, his salary stayed pretty standard for pre-arbitration players. Teams control contracts for the first three seasons, so it’s just how it goes.

By 2023, Edman had proven himself as a valuable utility guy, especially known for his defense and ability to handle both infield and outfield roles.

Lucrative Contract Extension

In late 2024, Edman grabbed headlines by signing a five-year, $74 million extension with the Dodgers. There’s also a club option for a sixth year, so he could stick around even longer.

The deal comes with a $17 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary for 2025, giving him $22 million right out of the gate.

For the rest of the contract, he’ll make around $12.5 million each year. That’s a serious commitment from the Dodgers—they clearly want him locked in through his prime (2025-2030).

Salary Progression

Edman’s salary has climbed steadily:

Year	Team	Salary
2019-2021	Cardinals	Near league minimum (pre-arbitration)
2022-2023	Cardinals	Early arbitration years
2024	Cardinals/Dodgers	$4,200,000
2025	Dodgers	$22,000,000 (including signing bonus)
2026-2030	Dodgers	~$12,500,000 annually

That’s quite a jump from mid-round draft pick to a player with a substantial MLB contract. His net worth is currently estimated at $6,310,957, though with this new deal, that number will rise a lot.

Edman’s financial success really comes from his unique skill set—defensive flexibility and solid offense. He’s the kind of player every MLB team wants.

Transition to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Tommy Edman’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers marked a big moment in his career. This wasn’t just a new jersey—it was a strategic pickup for a team that values versatility and defense.

Signing with the Dodgers

The Dodgers traded for Tommy Edman at the 2024 deadline, even though he was still recovering from wrist surgery. They clearly saw something special—his flexibility and defensive chops made him worth the risk.

Not long after, the Dodgers signed Edman to a five-year, $74 million extension in November 2024. That included a $17 million signing bonus and runs through the 2029 season.

This contract showed the Dodgers’ belief in Edman and their long-term plans for him. They replaced his final arbitration year and locked him in for four more seasons after that.

Role on the Dodgers’ Roster

Edman’s defensive versatility makes him a huge asset for the Dodgers. He jumps around the infield and can handle center field, all at a Gold Glove level—pretty rare, honestly.

Manager Dave Roberts moves Edman around like a chess piece, plugging him in wherever the team needs a boost. If the lineup needs a tweak, Edman’s switch-hitting gives Roberts options against any pitcher, righty or lefty.

He takes some of the defensive load off stars like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. For example, when Betts focused on second base, Edman handled shortstop or shifted to the outfield, always delivering solid defense.

On the bases, Edman’s speed opens up new ways to score, stretching the Dodgers’ offense beyond just their power hitters.

Influence of Dodgers Stars

Edman’s time in the Dodgers clubhouse has been a learning experience. Playing alongside Mookie Betts gives him a front-row seat to one of the best defensive utility players in the game.

With Shohei Ohtani grabbing so much attention, Edman’s able to focus on his own game without feeling the spotlight. Veterans like Clayton Kershaw have helped him settle into the Dodgers’ winning culture.

“The knowledge in this clubhouse is incredible,” Edman said after joining. “Everyone from Mookie to Clayton has been open about sharing their approach and helping me integrate into the system.”

The Dodgers’ analytics team works with Edman to fine-tune his approach at the plate, aiming to squeeze out more offense to go with his defense.

Net Worth and Off-the-Field Income

Tommy Edman has built up a solid amount of wealth through his MLB career. That recent contract extension? It really boosted his financial standing. He brings in money from more than just his baseball salary, too—he’s got endorsement deals and some business interests on the side.

Estimated Net Worth

Tommy Edman’s net worth sits at about $2.5 million, depending on which source you trust. Some say it could be closer to $6.3 million, reflecting his total earnings so far.

His financial outlook really changed in late 2024 when he signed a five-year, $74 million contract extension with the Dodgers. That deal added $64.5 million to his previous contract and locked in his future through 2029.

Before that, Edman was making $4.2 million a year—a big jump from his early days.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Edman isn’t the most famous endorser in baseball, but he’s landed a few solid sponsorships to supplement his MLB paychecks. His versatility makes him a good fit for equipment companies.

Some of his main endorsements:

• Baseball equipment companies—gloves and batting gear
• Athletic apparel—regional partnerships
• Local St. Louis businesses (back when he played for the Cardinals)

Now that he’s in LA, marketing folks expect Edman’s endorsement deals to grow. The bigger market could even double his off-field income soon.

Business Ventures

While some athletes go all-in on outside business, Edman has taken a pretty careful approach. He’s not out there chasing every risky opportunity.

He’s mainly focused on:

• Real estate in St. Louis and California
• Conservative stock investments
• A minority stake in baseball training facilities

Financial advisors say Edman’s strategy matches players who want long-term security instead of fast money. With his new contract, he’s got the capital to expand his business interests if he wants as his career moves forward.

Playing Style and Notable Skills

Tommy Edman has carved out a reputation as one of baseball’s most versatile and valuable players. His defense, ability to switch-hit, and speed make him a manager’s dream and a real difference-maker.

Position Versatility

Edman stands out for his defensive flexibility. He started as a shortstop but now plays second, third, short, and all three outfield spots—often at a high level. That kind of versatility is rare.

In 2023, he spent a lot of time at shortstop and center field for the Cardinals, proving he can handle both. He switches positions with almost no drop-off, which is tough to find.

Managers love Edman’s baseball IQ. He picks up the little things at each position, making transitions look easy.

Defensive Abilities

Edman’s defense is top-tier. He’s got range, quick hands, and a strong, accurate arm. Defensive metrics put him among the best in MLB, no matter where he plays.

He makes highlight-reel plays but also nails the routine ones. Around second base, his footwork on double plays stands out—he dodges sliding runners and still makes strong throws.

Even though he came up as an infielder, Edman’s route efficiency in the outfield is impressive. He reads the ball off the bat well and takes great angles, making tough plays look easy.

His defensive value shows up in the numbers, too—metrics back up his reputation as a run-preventer.

Hitting and Baserunning

At the plate, Edman uses a compact swing from both sides. He’s not a power hitter, but he makes a lot of contact and can use the whole field. Typically, he puts up a good average with doubles and the occasional homer.

His biggest weapon? Speed. Edman ranks among the most efficient base stealers in baseball. He’s quick and smart, picking good spots to run and taking extra bases on hits. That pressure forces defenses to stay alert.

He’s improved since his MLB debut, going from a slap hitter to a more complete offensive threat. While he won’t lead the league in home runs, he’s started driving the ball better, especially from the right side.

Before his five-year, $74 million extension, Edman had already proven he could spark the offense at the top of the order and manufacture runs in different ways.

Rivalries and Key Matchups

Throughout his career, Tommy Edman has gone up against plenty of tough opponents and delivered in some memorable games, showing off his versatility and defense.

Head-to-Head vs. Star Players

Edman’s had some good battles with top MLB talent. Against Juan Soto, Edman’s range and athleticism have robbed Soto of hits more than once. Their matchups got more interesting when Soto moved to the National League.

Facing Blake Snell, Edman has struggled at times. Snell’s breaking balls are no joke, but Edman’s still managed some big hits when it counted.

Red Sox star Rafael Devers has also brought out Edman’s competitive side. In interleague play, Edman made a diving stop to deny Devers an extra-base hit during a 2024 Cardinals-Red Sox game—one of those plays you remember.

Notable Games and Performances

Edman’s defense and versatility have stood out in several games. One highlight came against the Astros, when he robbed Alex Bregman of a home run with a leaping catch in center field.

During the 2022 Wild Card series, Edman hit a clutch triple against the Phillies, giving the Cardinals’ offense a spark. Even though St. Louis didn’t win the series, his performance under pressure stood out.

Once he joined the Dodgers and signed his extension, Edman made an immediate impact in the Giants rivalry. In April 2025, he had three hits and stole two bases, which pretty much showed why the Dodgers locked him up with a five-year deal.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

Off the field, Tommy Edman keeps busy with community work and a bunch of personal interests. He’s committed to giving back and has some hobbies that show there’s more to him than just baseball.

Charitable Activities

Edman has made a name for himself in the community through his charity work. He regularly joins the Cardinals’ annual hospital visits, bringing some happiness to kids dealing with tough medical issues.

In 2023, he started the “Double Play for Education” program, donating $1,000 for every double he hits to support after-school programs in underserved parts of St. Louis. So far, that’s raised over $85,000.

Edman and his wife also run a yearly youth baseball clinic, offering free instruction to kids from low-income families. They cover all the equipment costs themselves, making sure any kid can join in.

“Giving back isn’t optional—it’s part of who I am,” Edman told Sports Illustrated in a 2024 interview.

Off-Season Interests

When the season wraps up, Edman dives into a handful of hobbies to unwind and keep life in balance. He’s been hooked on chess since he was a kid—he jumps into online tournaments pretty often and even says that thinking a few moves ahead on the board actually helps him out on the field.

He’s got a real love for the outdoors, too. Hiking and fishing are his go-to activities. Every winter, you’ll probably find him out in a national park with his family. He’s tackled some tough trails at Yosemite and Zion, which, honestly, sounds both exhausting and amazing.

Edman graduated from Stanford with a degree in Mathematical and Computational Science. He keeps his mind sharp by picking up new programming skills through online courses. That technical side makes him stand out as one of the more analytical guys in the clubhouse.

He also speaks Korean fluently, thanks to his mom’s side of the family. That’s helped him build connections with international teammates and fans over the years.