Utilityman Tommy Edman and Cardinals reach $16.5 million, 2-year deal, avoid salary arbitration

Updated Jan. 22, 2024 10:10 p.m. ET

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Utilityman Tommy Edman and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a $16.5 million. two-year deal Monday to avoid salary arbitration.

Edman gets $7 million this year and $9.5 million in 2025. He would get a $250,000 bonus for finishing among the top five in MVP voting, $150,000 for World Series MVP and $100,000 each for a Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, Silver Slugger and League Championship Series MVP.

The 28-year-old switch-hitter earned $4.2 million last season, when he hit .248 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs while appearing in 137 games. He had asked for $6.95 million and had been offered $6.5 million when the sides exchanged proposed arbitration salaries on Jan. 11.

Edman's value lies more with his glove than his bat, though. The former Gold Glove winner is capable of playing every outfield position along with second base, third base and shortstop at a high level, giving the Cardinals some unique versatility.

“Tommy’s strong fundamental play, athleticism and versatility remains a valuable asset that we view as an important part of our team identity," Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said in a statement.

The Cardinals seledted Edman in the sixth round of the 2016 amateur draft. He made his debut in 2019, and since then he trails only Bryan Reynolds, Francisco Lindor and José Ramírez in hits among switch-hitting players.

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