How Tommy Edman Became the Superglue of the Dodgers’ Machine: “Blessed to Be in LA”
On April 12, 2025, Tommy Edman stands as a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a utility player whose seamless versatility and clutch performances have earned him the nickname “superglue” for holding the team’s star-studded roster together. From his trade-deadline acquisition in 2024 to his NLCS MVP heroics and a scorching start to the 2025 season, Edman’s journey with the Dodgers is a testament to adaptability, grit, and seizing opportunity. As he told USA Today, “I’m blessed to be in LA,” a sentiment that resonates with fans and teammates alike. This 1,000-word article explores how Edman became indispensable, his impact on and off the field, and why he’s a linchpin for the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series repeat bid.
From St. Louis to Stardom: Edman’s Path to LA
Tommy Edman’s rise to Dodgers prominence wasn’t instantaneous. A San Diego native and Stanford alum, Edman was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016, debuting in 2019 as a scrappy utility player. His 2021 Gold Glove at second base and 6.2 WAR in 2022 showcased his value, blending elite defense, speed (32 stolen bases in 2022), and switch-hitting reliability. Yet, as the Cardinals transitioned from contenders to a .500 club, Edman’s talents seemed underappreciated—until the Dodgers came calling.
On July 29, 2024, Los Angeles acquired Edman in a three-team trade with the Cardinals and White Sox, sending prospect Miguel Vargas and others to Chicago. Sidelined by wrist surgery and an ankle sprain, Edman hadn’t played a game in 2024, making the move a gamble. But Dodgers president Andrew Friedman, who’d coveted Edman for years, saw a perfect fit: a multi-positional dynamo who could thrive in a lineup boasting Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman. “We knew his versatility and baseball IQ would shine,” Friedman said post-trade.
Edman debuted on August 19, 2024, splitting time between center field and shortstop. His regular-season stats—.237 average, six homers in 37 games—were modest, but his defensive fluidity and knack for timely hits hinted at postseason potential. Little did anyone know, Edman was about to etch his name into Dodgers lore.
NLCS MVP: Edman’s October Explosion
The 2024 postseason was Edman’s coming-out party. With injuries to Miguel Rojas and Freeman’s ankle sprain limiting the lineup, Edman stepped up, particularly in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets. Batting cleanup—a surreal role for a player often in the Nos. 8 or 9 spots—Edman erupted, slashing .407 with 11 RBIs, tying a Dodgers postseason record set by Corey Seager in 2020. His Game 6 performance was electric: a two-run double in the first inning and a two-run homer in the third fueled a 10-5 rout, clinching the pennant and earning him NLCS MVP honors.
“Tommy was the heartbeat of that series,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He does things that don’t always show up in the box score.” Fans at Dodger Stadium agreed, chanting “MVP!” as Edman stepped to the plate, a moment his father, John, called “unbelievable” from the stands. Edman’s 20 postseason hits and .862 OPS across 16 games underscored his clutch gene, helping the Dodgers defeat the Yankees in five games for the 2024 World Series title. His .294 average and homer in the Fall Classic sealed his status as a postseason star.
2025: A Power Surge and Defensive Mastery
Edman’s 2024 heroics were no fluke. After signing a five-year, $74 million extension in November 2024, he entered 2025 with renewed purpose—and a refined swing. Working with hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc, Edman tweaked his left-handed mechanics, standing taller to generate a more direct bat path. The result? A jaw-dropping start: through 15 games, Edman has slugged six homers—matching his 2024 regular-season total—tying for the MLB lead. His .290 average, five doubles, and team-high 14 RBIs have him on pace to shatter his career-high 13 homers.
A April 11, 2025, game against the Cubs epitomized his impact. With the score tied at 0-0 in the sixth, Edman crushed a three-run homer off Matthew Boyd, powering a 3-0 shutout behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s nine strikeouts. “He’s finding pitches to drive,” Roberts noted, joking that Edman’s 60-homer pace might be ambitious but his knack for big hits isn’t. Defensively, Edman remains a Gold Glove-caliber force, logging starts at second base, center field, and shortstop. His relay throw to nab Manuel Margot on March 28, 2025, preserved a tie, earning praise on X as “low-key great.”
The Superglue Factor: Why Edman Fits
Edman’s nickname, “superglue,” reflects his ability to hold the Dodgers’ complex machine together. With a roster featuring seven nine-figure contracts and four likely Hall of Famers, egos could clash, yet Edman’s humility and work ethic make him a unifier. “He’s a competitor with a positive outlook,” said former teammate Paul DeJong, now with the Nationals. “He fits right in.” Despite his accolades, Edman ranks low in seniority, humorously struggling for cage time among veterans like Betts and Ohtani. “It’s a cool opportunity to learn from Hall of Fame careers,” Edman said.
His versatility is unmatched. Edman’s ability to toggle between up-the-middle positions—second base, shortstop, center field—gives Roberts lineup flexibility. He’s a switch-hitting threat, with a career .825 OPS right-handed and improving lefty production (.412/.418/.882 in 2024). His 27 steals in 2023 and six in 2024 show his base-running prowess, while his 2021 Gold Glove proves his defensive reliability. As one X post predicted, “A 30/30 season is doable” in LA’s potent lineup.
Off-Field Impact: A Dodger for Life
Off the field, Edman’s roots enhance his fit. A San Diego native, he relishes being near family, with parents John and Maureen aiding with his young son. His Korean heritage, via mother Maureen, connects him to LA’s diverse fanbase, and his 2023 World Baseball Classic stint for South Korea deepened that bond. Edman’s faith also shapes his perspective, as he noted post-NLCS: “God is so good. To end up here is crazy.” His five-year deal, with a $13 million club option for 2030, ensures stability, letting him focus on baseball.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Blueprint
As the Dodgers chase a repeat, Edman’s role is clear: be the glue. With Betts shifting to the infield, Edman could settle in center field, though his flexibility ensures he’ll plug gaps wherever needed. His early power surge suggests a potential 20-homer, 30-steal season, boosting a lineup already featuring Ohtani’s 50-50 threat and Freeman’s consistency. Defensively, he’ll anchor the middle, saving runs as he did in 2024 with two Defensive Runs Saved in center.
Challenges remain. Edman’s injury history—wrist and ankle issues in 2024—requires vigilance, and sustaining his power output over 162 games is uncharted territory. Yet, his work with LA’s hitting staff and drive to improve bode well. “I’m doing everything with purpose,” Edman said, crediting the Dodgers’ system for his growth.
Conclusion
Tommy Edman’s transformation from trade acquisition to Dodgers mainstay is a story of resilience and fit. His NLCS MVP award, 2025 hot start, and chameleon-like versatility have made him indispensable, earning the “superglue” moniker for binding a roster of giants. As he thrives in LA, Edman’s gratitude—“I’m blessed to be here”—mirrors the Dodgers’ fortune in having him. With a World Series defense looming, Edman’s blend of heart, hustle, and heroics positions him as the X-factor for another championship run.
