Tommy Edman Shines as Dodgers’ Postseason MVP, Leading Team to NLCS Victory
The Los Angeles Dodgers had long set their sights on acquiring Tommy Edman, and it’s easy to see why. Known for his versatility, Edman perfectly fits the Dodgers’ system, excelling at multiple positions, switch-hitting, and delivering clutch performances. The Dodgers finally pulled the trigger on a deal this summer, acquiring Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals. While they envisioned him as a versatile asset, they couldn’t have predicted his remarkable postseason impact.
Edman became a postseason hero, driving in 11 RBIs in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and earning MVP honors. His contributions helped propel the Dodgers to a pennant-clinching win over the New York Mets, defeating them 10-5 in Game 6.
“It’s been a crazy journey,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the victory. “Credit to the front office for getting him at the trade deadline. He’s been incredible on the field and in the clubhouse.”
Edman’s arrival in Los Angeles wasn’t immediate. The Dodgers acquired him in a three-team trade with the Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox. However, Edman’s season didn’t begin until late August due to offseason wrist surgery, followed by a setback with an ankle sprain during his rehab. The Dodgers scouted him carefully, relying on medical reports and a few rehab games to finalize the trade. Even with his delayed start, Edman quickly proved his worth.
“You see what he brings: speed, baseball instincts, versatility, and nothing seems to faze him,” said Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes.
Edman’s stellar performance in the NLCS is backed by impressive stats. He batted .407, joining an elite group of players with 11-plus hits and 11-plus RBIs in a single postseason series. With key injuries on the Dodgers’ roster, Edman stepped up as a consistent presence in both center field and shortstop. His two-run double in the first inning of Game 6 and a two-run homer in the third provided an early lead the Dodgers never relinquished.
Edman is now one of only two Dodgers to tally 11 RBIs in a single postseason series, a feat previously achieved by Corey Seager in 2020.
“It’s surreal,” Edman said. “With the history of this team, to tie that record is special. But it’s really a testament to the entire lineup. Any of the guys could’ve been MVP.”
Shohei Ohtani, a key contributor in the series, was quick to praise Edman: “He was the MVP, no question. He’s been incredible all year, and he’s made a huge difference for us in the postseason.”
Edman’s journey from a sixth-round pick by the Cardinals in 2016 to an NLCS MVP is a testament to his development. After establishing himself as a key player for St. Louis, winning a Gold Glove at second base and posting solid numbers across multiple positions, Edman became a trade target when the Cardinals needed pitching depth. Initially, talks centered around sending Edman to the White Sox, but the Dodgers swooped in to finalize a deal that also brought in reliever Michael Kopech. In return, the Dodgers sent a package headlined by infield prospect Miguel Vargas, with the Cardinals receiving veteran outfielder Tommy Pham and pitcher Erick Fedde.
Gomes emphasized the importance of both Edman and Kopech, who solidified the Dodgers’ bullpen during their postseason push.
Edman’s season finally gained momentum in mid-September, during a series against the Chicago Cubs where he homered four times. Though he cooled off slightly toward the end of the regular season, hitting just .153 in his last 69 plate appearances, he turned things around when it mattered most—in October.
Whether it was bunting to move runners or hitting home runs to drive them in, Edman showcased his ability to adapt to any situation. He excelled against left-handed pitchers while also holding his own against righties. His defensive versatility was just as valuable, as he switched seamlessly between center field and shortstop.
Now, as the Dodgers prepare for a highly anticipated World Series matchup against the New York Yankees, Edman appears to be hitting his stride at just the right time.
“For me, relative to the rest of the guys, it’s like June,” Edman said. “Everyone else has played seven months of baseball, but I’ve only played three. I don’t know if it’s an advantage, but I definitely feel fresher.”
As the Dodgers march toward a potential World Series victory, Tommy Edman has become an indispensable part of their lineup—a player who can do it all and deliver in the biggest moments.