Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In their first trade deadline move of 2024, the Dodgers appear to be on the verge of aquiring Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a three-team deal involving the Cards, Dodgers, and Chicago White Sox. In the deal, according to Ken Rosenthal and other online sources, the Dodgers would give up prospects, including Miguel Vargas, in order to obtain the services of Edman and White Sox reliever Michael Kopech, while pitcher Eric Fedde is going to the Redbirds from Chicago.
The Dodgers’ addition of Edman addresses several key needs for their high-payroll roster. Edman is a versatile player with experience at shortstop and center field, both areas of concern for the Dodgers. With Mookie Betts sidelined by a fractured hand and Miguel Rojas out with a flexor strain, the Dodgers have struggled to find consistent production in these positions. Edman’s ability to fill in as a super utility option is a crucial asset. His history at shortstop and center field makes him a valuable addition, especially considering the Dodgers’ reliance on rookies Andy Pages and James Outman in center field, resulting in one of the worst performances in the majors at that position this year.
Edman, who has been recovering from offseason wrist surgery and a sprained ankle, remains under club control through 2025. Despite not having played a major-league game this season, he has a career 100 OPS+ and is expected to strengthen a lineup currently missing Betts, Rojas, Chris Taylor (strained groin), and Max Muncy (strained oblique). The Dodgers’ aggressive pursuit of Edman reflects their strategy to bolster their infield depth and improve their defensive and offensive capabilities as they aim for a strong playoff push.
Kopech is a decent bullpen piece, a hard-throwing righty who’s thrown an immaculate inning this year. Still, he’s never quite lived up to his promise on the Southside, getting middling ERA numbers in both a starter and reliever role. His best year was probably 2022, when he posted a 3.54 ERA and struck out 105 in 25 starts.
In addition to Vargas, who has shown promise at the plate of late, the Dodgers have given up two additional infield prospects: Jaral Perez (Dodgers’ 17th ranked prospect) and Alexander Albertus (23rd).
By acquiring , the Dodgers not only fill immediate gaps but also gain a flexible player who can adapt to multiple roles, providing much-needed stability and performance as they navigate through injuries and aim for postseason success.
This is a good start for the Dodgers. Hopefully, it won’t be the end of things. Go get that starter, Andrew!
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