40 Facts About Tommy Edman

Early Life and Education

Tommy Edman’s journey to MLB stardom began with a unique cultural background and a solid educational foundation.

1. Born on May 9, 1995, in Pontiac, Michigan, Tommy Edman has a Korean mother, Soo-Jin Edman, who emigrated to the United States as a child.
2. Raised in San Diego, California, Edman attended La Jolla Country Day School, where he excelled in both baseball and football.
3. During his senior year in high school, he was named the San Diego County Player of the Year in baseball, showcasing his early talent.
4. Edman attended Stanford University, playing college baseball for the Stanford Cardinal and helping his team reach the College World Series in 2016.
5. He graduated from Stanford in 2018 with a degree in management science and engineering, balancing academics and athletics.

Path to the Major Leagues

Edman’s journey through the minor leagues to his MLB debut is a testament to his dedication and skill.

6. Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB draft, Edman spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues.
7. He made his MLB debut on June 8, 2019, as a pinch hitter for the Cardinals against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
8. His first MLB hit came on June 14, 2019, against Steven Matz of the New York Mets.
9. Edman recorded his first career home run on June 20, 2019, against Tayron Guerrero of the Miami Marlins.

Early Success and Recognition

Edman quickly established himself as a valuable player for the Cardinals, earning accolades and recognition.

10. In his rookie season, Edman slashed .304/.350/.500 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 16 attempts over 92 regular-season games.
11. He had the fastest sprint speed of all major league third basemen at 29.4 feet/second.
12. During the 2019 post-season, Edman had six hits, including three doubles, in 19 at-bats in the Division Series.
13. In the National League Championship Series against the Washington Nationals, he was hitless in 14 at-bats.

Defensive Skills and Awards

Edman’s defensive prowess has earned him several prestigious awards and recognition.

14. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Edman was named the starting third baseman for the Cardinals, batting .250/.317/.368 with five home runs and 26 RBIs over 204 at-bats.
15. Renowned for his defensive skills, Edman has played various infield and outfield positions, rarely grading negatively as a defender.
16. In 2021, Edman won the Gold Glove Award as the National League's top defensive second baseman.
17. He also received the Heart and Hustle Award in 2021, given to players who demonstrate a passion for the game and a strong work ethic.
18. In 2021, Edman was awarded the MLB Player of the Week Award.
19. In 2022, Edman won the Fielding Bible Award for his multi-position defensive skills.

Career Statistics and Performance

Edman’s consistent performance has made him a key player for the Cardinals and now the Dodgers.

20. As of his last game with the Cardinals, Edman had accumulated 193 hits in 185 career games.
21. In 2021, he ranked 5th in the MLB and 2nd in the NL with 42 hits.
22. He had the 5th lowest K% in the MLB and was tied for 3rd in the MLB with 7 stolen bases.
23. Edman leads the entire MLB in Batted Ball Events, putting the ball in play more than anyone.
24. He ranks 2nd on the Cardinals in Hard Hit balls with 49, placing him 26th in the MLB.
25. Edman ranks 4th in the MLB in Outs Above Average with 5, preventing 4 runs.
26. He leads the MLB in competitive runs with 83, hustling on every play.

Trade to the Dodgers and Contract Extension

Edman’s career took a new turn with a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers and a contract extension.

27. In 2024, the Cardinals traded Edman to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline.
28. Before the trade, Edman and the Cardinals agreed to a two-year deal worth $16.5 million on January 22, 2024.

International Appeal and Versatility

Edman’s unique heritage and versatility have made him a fascinating figure in baseball.

29. Edman’s decision to play for Team Korea in the 2023 World Baseball Classic generated significant interest in both Korea and the United States.
30. Known for his versatility, Edman has played various infield and outfield positions, rarely grading negatively as a defender.
31. He trails only Jonathan Schoop among position players in Outs Above Average, with 11.
32. Since transitioning to shortstop, he features the third-highest mark in OAA (with six) and has a UZR/150 of 8.7.

Offensive Production and Speed

Edman’s offensive production and speed have been crucial to his success.

33. Edman has consistently driven his offensive production back to a level that resembles his rookie output, improving his walk rate each year.
34. His strikeout rate has also improved significantly, with a low rate of 13.7% in 2021 and currently at 18.1%.
35. Edman’s 3.8 fWAR leads the 21 qualifying shortstops as of June 30, 2022.
36. He has 19 steals, tied for the most among shortstops, and his walk rate is the sixth-highest among them.

Leadership and Fan Engagement

Edman’s leadership, hustle, and popularity among fans have made him a beloved player.

37. Known for his hustle and competitive spirit, Edman has scored a run in every single game the Cardinals have won.
38. Edman is a fan favorite among Cardinals fans, with consistent performance and versatility making him beloved.
39. His popularity is evident in numerous fan campaigns and discussions about his career, like the #EdmanAllstar campaign.
40. As Edman continues to play at a high level, his legacy as one of the most versatile and talented utility players in MLB is solidifying.

Tommy Edman's Lasting Impact

Tommy Edman's journey from a high school standout to a Gold Glove-winning MLB player is nothing short of inspiring. His versatility, defensive prowess, and consistent performance have made him a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals and now the Los Angeles Dodgers. Edman's unique heritage and decision to play for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic add an international flair to his story, making him a fascinating figure in baseball.

His accolades, including the Gold Glove Award, Heart and Hustle Award, and Fielding Bible Award, highlight his dedication and skill. Fans appreciate his hustle, leadership, and ability to make plays that impact the game. As Edman continues his career, his legacy as one of the most versatile and talented utility players in MLB is solidifying. His contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.