Albert Pujols Called Dodgers Coach to Approve of Tommy Edman Acquisition at Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Dodgers made multiple moves at the trade deadline in order to secure players they would likely need for a World Series. Among these key moves, the Dodgers acquired starting pitcher Jack Flaherty — a crucial addition give the injuries to their starting rotation — Michael Kopech, and Tommy Edman.
On paper, the trade for Edman was somewhat of a risk or long-shot. When the Dodgers brought in Edman, he had yet to play a game all season because of wrist surgery he underwent during the offseason.
Still, the move was immeditely approved by former Dodger and 11-time MLB All-Star Albert Pujols.
Pujols, who played alongside Edman in 2022 on the St. Louis Cardinals, called the Dodgers after they traded for Edman.
“When we made the trade, I got a call from Albert Pujols, and he said you’re going to love this guy because he’s a baseball player,” Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel said to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. “He can hit from both sides of the plate, he’s shown some power, he can play short, second and center field.
“He’s fundamentally sound, he makes the routine play, he knows how to run the bases, he can bunt, he can hit-and-run, and he’s got the talent to be on a championship-caliber team and to win a World Series.”
Edman’s versatility has come in handy for the Dodgers, as he has played in different spots on the field for Los Angeles this season, including at shortstop and center field. This is a trait the Dodgers covet in players, as they have players like Kiké Hernández and Mookie Betts. Hernández is a utility player, and Betts is someone who has played in both the infield and outfield.
Edman came through for the Dodgers in the lineup, too, especially during a stretch in September when he had four home runs in two games.
However, in the postseason, he’s truly made his mark.
Edman went 11-for-27 (.407) in the postseason with one home run and 11 runs batted in. He even won the NLCS MVP award.
Read more: Tommy Edman Wins NLCS MVP as Dodgers Advance to World Series
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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