Every year, or at least every year since 2012, we’ve taken some time after the season was over to look at the past 162 games through the lens of the players that played them (and the management that was in charge of them). Last year, the Exit Interview series spent less time digging into splits and finding numerical oddities and more time reflecting on the player and their season. It was a style that seemed to work so we’re going to bring it back again this year. The legendary cardinalsgifs is back to bring us excellent series art, so it’s all downhill after you see that!
Player: Tommy Edman
Grade: N/A
It’s remarkable how injuries work. Edman had a surgery that John Mozeliak thought so little of he forgot to mention it during the winter before Edman showed up to Winter Warm-Up impaired. The wrist was going to be fine, though. He might be slowed in spring but he’d probably be ready for Opening Day. As the days in Jupiter passed and no Edman, it was clear that wasn’t going to happen. Opening Day became May became July. One of the most valuable tools the Cardinals had was gathering dust on a shelf because of a recovery that didn’t go as expected. So when the White Sox wanted him for Erick Fedde, it became too hard to pass up. Who knew when he’d be back and what sort of shape he’d be in? Plus his contract helped balance Fedde’s almost exactly. It was a reasonable move, even when the Dodgers swooped into the deal and got Edman instead.
Of course, Edman then went to LA, had some early success (but posted a 101 OPS+, right in line with his career marks), and became NLCS MVP on the way to winning a World Series ring. While it’s becoming way too common to see a traded Cardinal go on to have significant success, this trade isn’t the same as Randy Arozarena or Zac Gallen. Edman wasn’t a prospect, he was a known commodity. They didn’t give up on him too early, they got a reasonable return for him (though the jury is still out on how well Fedde will be). Edman’s a good guy that has had some big moments. It’s great for him but I don’t think it’s any sort of indictment of the front office.
What’s in store for 2025: Edman will definitely have a role with the Dodgers next year, probably alternating between the infield and the outfield, putting up a league average batting line, and maybe have more postseason success. What will really be interesting is how his free agency goes after 2025.
