“The plan is for Mookie Betts to be in the infield” - Ex-Mets pitcher praises Dodgers’ $74M extension with Tommy Edman for his versatility

On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Tommy Edman to a five-year, $74 million deal. Seen as a strong endorsement of the infielder after his tremendous 2024 postseason, the deal is the largest of Edman's career.

In a recent appearance on MLB Network, former catcher AJ Ramos addressed the magnitude of the signing. According to Ramos, signing Edman gives the Dodgers a degree of flexibility, particularly as it pertains to Mookie Betts.

""This is the new wave." The #Dodgers agreed to a five-year, $74 million extension with Tommy Edman. @theajramos loves what Edman brings with his versatility." - MLB Network Radio on Xirius XM

In his interview, Ramos claimed that although “the plan is for Mookie Betts to be in the infield”, putting Edman at short could have some big benefits for the club. After spending most of 2024 in the outfield, manager Dave Roberts has indicated that Mookie Betts will play second base in 2024.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be shaping up to play Betts at second base and Tommy Edman at shortstop, Ramos claimed that there are plenty of possibilities. Gavin Lux is another option.

Prior to his move to the Dodgers in 2020, Betts played six seasons on the Boston Red Sox, where he made only one appearance at second base, with the rest coming in the outfield. For his play in the Boston outfield, Betts was awarded five Gold Gloves.

"Tommy Edman and has agreed to a five-year, $74 million contract extension with the Dodgers, per ESPN. Earned, not given." - Dodgers Central

Tommy Edman, on the contrary, is no stranger to various infield positions. A Gold Glover at second base with the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals, the 29-year-old Michigander will likely have no issues making the transition to shortstop.

LA is ready for Tommy Edman to call Dodger Stadium home

In 16 playoff games in 2024, Edman hit .328 with 2 home runs and 13 RBIs. making him one of the most productive Dodgers in his team's run to the World Series. During the NLCS, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told ESPN:

"It's a crazy trajectory, I can't say enough about the front office being able to acquire him at the deadline. What he can do for us on the field, in the clubhouse -- it's just amazing."

Whichever position Roberts slots Edman into, his bat, speed and baseball acumen will likely help his side in a big way over the next five seasons.