The Los Angeles Dodgers need another outfielder, and whether or not they sign one this offseason hinges on the health of utility man Tommy Edman, per Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
“Much of the Dodgers’ outfield plans are contingent on Tommy Edman’s health,” Ardaya and Woo wrote. “Edman underwent ankle surgery in mid-November and will be delayed to start spring training, [general manager Brandon] Gomes said this week.”
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Edman spent the entire season battling an injury to his right ankle, and spent two separate stints on the injured list as he dealt with it. His injury limited him to playing second base after spending the majority of his first season in Los Angeles in the outfield. He underwent surgery on his ankle after the Dodgers won the World Series.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed the Dodgers expect to see Edman back in the outfield next season.
“Tommy’s coming off ankle surgery, our expectations are he’ll be good to go and be able to kick around and play infield and outfield,” Friedman said. “You don’t really know that until we’re out in spring training, moving around and seeing how he recovers.
“We’ve got some guys with some positional flexibility. That just opens things up in terms of what exactly we’re targeting and what can fit, which is helpful because that expands the number of possibilities, which increases the chances of lining up on something.”
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If Edman is available to play the outfield like Friedman says, the Dodgers will have three serviceable outfielders come the beginning of the 2026 season. A healthy Edman would play centerfield, with Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages on either side of him. The Dodgers also have a solid option in the outfield off the bench in Alex Call.
Should Edman not be available to play in the outfield, though, the Dodgers still have plenty of time to move for one of the big-name outfielders they’ve been linked to all offseason.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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7 Responses
wonder why they did not do the surgery earlier
It’s called, the “World Series”, which now runs into November, so mid-Novemmber isn’t stretch to have thet surgery done.
Why is Alex Call’s name being left out of the conversation for the D’s open OF spot? I’d say give him a starting shot and if things need improvement, seek it before Aug. 1st. I think last season’s Conforto experiment speaks for itself.
Also Ward from triple A. Had a big season.
Well if they are still looking for Edman to play in the outfield that makes Dalton Rushing the odd man out in that scenario. They should trade Rushing now why he still has a lot of perceived value. Back0up catchers are a dime a dozen in a situation like they have with Will Smith. They only need someone who xan play once or twice a week… They should have kept Ben Rortveldt because he was perfect in that role. Rushing is too good to sit but not good enough to start for the Dodgers… Trade him in a package for a decent outfielder we can maximize like Steven Kwan or Jarren Duran. Then Edman won’t have to be exposed to hurting his ankle again in the outfield… Belli would be nice but I am not sure the Dodgers can get him for what they are willing to pay, no matter what Scott Boras says. And I’m not sure Kyle Tucker will sign for a short term, high AV contact. Guess we will have to wait and see…
Rortveldt was doing great, hitting and fielding. The Rushing conundrum (play me or trade me) is puzzling to me. He is fodder now along with Teo, Glasnow, Sheehan, Kike, Pages, and others. I’ll say get a name OF or two or bring up a minor leaguer but don’t go all in, eggs in one basket for Tucker, Belli, or Skubal. Also, keep Glasnow and Sheehan for long relief. Pages is a great defender, too. Front office has lots to do.
The answer to our outfield is right there waiting. Harrison Bader. Above average CF. Move Pages to RF and Teo to LF if not traded.