Dodgers continue strong offseason with extension for postseason hero: Contract details, grade
The Los Angeles Dodgers have wasted no time making waves this offseason, signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal with deferred money. Coming off a dominant World Series victory, the Dodgers bolstered their one notable weakness by landing one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Snell is set to join a star-studded 2025 rotation alongside Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw—a lineup that seems almost unfair when paired with LA’s potent offense. For fans of other teams, the Dodgers’ offseason moves make an already daunting rival even more imposing.
On Friday, the Dodgers continued their aggressive strategy by locking in postseason hero Tommy Edman with a five-year, $74 million extension, also featuring deferred money to maintain financial flexibility. Edman, the NLCS MVP, delivered an outstanding October, slashing .328/.354/.508 with 33 hits, two home runs, and 16 RBIs across 119 at-bats.
The 29-year-old utilityman is also a defensive standout, having won a Gold Glove in 2021—a season where he led MLB in at-bats and swiped 30 bases. Edman’s extension underscores the Dodgers’ commitment to building a deep, balanced roster as they continue to set the bar in Major League Baseball.
Dodgers keep winning offseason by securing Tommy Edman on new contract with deferred money
The next MLB collective bargaining agreement might need to address the Dodgers’ free-agent strategy, as it’s pushing the boundaries of competitive fairness. While baseball prides itself on parity, Los Angeles seems nearly unbeatable at the moment.
Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting $700 million contract with significant deferred money is one thing, but the Dodgers’ repeated use of this financial maneuver has become a source of frustration. By deferring payments, LA circumvents immediate luxury tax penalties, allowing them to accumulate star players while other teams shy away from hefty tax bills. While the blame partially falls on less aggressive ownership across the league, the Dodgers have maximized this loophole to dominate the market.
The Dodgers’ five-year, $74 million deal for Tommy Edman exemplifies their savvy spending. Edman, whom the Cardinals moved on from prematurely, offers tremendous versatility as a utility player with a stellar glove across the infield and outfield. His offensive consistency during the regular season may have been uneven, but his postseason brilliance—highlighted by his October surge—proves his ability to perform under pressure. For a team like the Dodgers, known for valuing clutch playoff performers, Edman is a perfect fit.
With Mookie Betts likely transitioning to the infield, Edman will still find ample opportunities, whether playing alongside Betts or filling in across the diamond and outfield. As a complementary piece in the Dodgers’ stacked lineup, Edman is poised to thrive as a lower-order hitter, free from the pressures he faced in St. Louis.
Once again, the Dodgers demonstrate their willingness to invest while other teams hesitate. Edman is primed to become a fan favorite at Dodger Stadium, contributing to a roster that looks ready to maintain its dominance.