The Los Angeles Dodgers have so many stars, there are times a role player gets neglected.

Such is the case with Dodgers infielder/outfielder, Tommy Edman.

The versatile switch-hitting Edman, 29, has carved out quite a role for himself among a lineup that includes All Stars and potential Hall of Fame players.

Edman doesn’t seem a bit phased to be nestled among a starting lineup that includes Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, and when healthy, Freddie Freeman.

A player with less confidence than Edman may try to duplicate the incredible feats of those four stars.

But Edman is a lunch pail guy. He does his job, and does it very well. Nothing flashy. Just consistent, steady play from his usual No. six hole in the Dodgers lineup.

Edman is not a large man by today’s Major League Baseball standards. He is only 5-9, 193 pounds, but he packs quite a wallop from his strong frame.

About Tommy Edman:

A sixth round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2016 MLB draft out of Stanford University, Edman has returned home to California to play with the Dodgers.

Edman graduated from La Jolla Country Day School, in La Jolla, California, before entering Stanford. He played three years in the Stanford program, hitting a combined .281/.362/.365/.726, with 31 doubles, five triples, and four homers, and 71 RBIs in 733 collegiate plate appearances.

The Cardinals gave Edman a $236,400 signing bonus.

Selected in the draft as a middle-infielder, Edman has made himself into a very credible outfielder. He is currently playing second base, as well as the outfield for the Dodgers.

Edman has consistently outperformed expectations of his abilities. Edman was targeted as a utility type infielder when he first signed with the Cardinals.

In fact, in his development with the Cardinals in their minor league system, Edman climbed three levels, going to Double-A, in his first season as a professional. That is rarely accomplished.

Edman is a very well established, consistent hitter. He has excellent plate discipline, makes good contact, and can be counted upon to deliver a quality at-bat. Even in the clutch.

Edman is in his seventh big league season. He made his debut with St. Louis on June 8, 2019. At the age of 24, Edman got one at-bat in a game against the Chicago Cubs.

The Cardinals may have wished they still had Tommy Edman after Edman won the 2024 Most Valuable Player Award in the National League Championship Series.

Edman left the Cardinals in a complicated trade.

Edman played parts of five seasons with the Cardinals, but he was traded as part of a three-team deal along with pitcher Oliver Gonzalez, to the Dodgers on July 29, 2024. The Dodgers sent infielder Alexander Albertus, infielder Jeral Perez, and infielder Miguel Vargas to the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox send pitcher Michael Kopech to the Dodgers. The White Sox also send pitcher Erick Fedde, outfielder Tommy Pham, and cash to the Cardinals.

Not only is Edman good at the plate, he is a fine defensive player. He won a National League Gold Glove at second base with the Cardinals in 2021.

Edman has had an outstanding start to this season.

Edman has surprising pop in his bat.

With so many Dodgers runners on base when he gets up to the plate, Edman has a chance for his best major league season.

He has already hit five home runs. He hit a total of six last year, in 153 plate appearances with the Dodgers. He played in only 37 games in 2024.

Tommy Edman may provide the Dodgers that under the radar player that every team needs to accomplish their ultimate goal; winning the 2025 World Series.