Versatility is one of Tommy Edman’s strengths and a key reason the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for him last year before then signing the 29-year-old to a lucrative contract extension in the offseason.
A preseason favorite to take over the Dodgers’ vacant center field position, Edman has predominantly played second base in Cactus League games. An everyday role as the Dodgers’ second baseman could be in the fold, at least until the team potentially gets comfortable handing the position to rookie Hyeseong Kim.
Due to Edman’s offseason approach, he will be prepared for any eventuality. Although there was a possibility he would spend more time in the outfield than the infield this season, Edman continued to approach his offseason workouts as he would any other year.
“Pretty much every offseason the last few years, I’ve prepared for both infield and outfield because I know one of my most valuable assets is being able to move around,” Edman recently said. “So I always try to stay prepared, regardless of where it looks like I’m going to play.”
While nothing is set in stone, a lot can happen over the course of a 162-game season. Edman believes there is a strong possibility the Dodgers will maneuver him all over the diamond as their ultimate chess piece, filling the role that Chris Taylor held during his best seasons with the team.
“I know there’s a good chance I’ll be moving around. It kind of depends on what happens throughout the year,” Edman said. “It’s a long season, and a lot of things can happen, so I’ll be ready to play whether that’s center field, second, shortstop, whatever.”
What positions Tommy Edman plays
Edman has played 718 Major League games, 308 of which have come at second base. He has far more experience in the infield, where he is an elite defender and won a Gold Glove Award at second base in 2021.
Edman has also logged 163 games at shortstop and 94 at third base. In the outfield, he has played 68 games in center field, 76 in right field, and nine in left.
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