tommy edman

Tommy Edman’s Ankle Woes: What It Means for the Dodgers and Team Korea

When the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the 2024 World Series title, few players were as pivotal to their success as Tommy Edman. But as the offseason unfolds, the infielder’s future is clouded by a persistent ankle injury—one that could reshape the Dodgers’ 2025 strategy and even impact South Korea’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) roster.

Here’s what we know, what we don’t, and why this story matters to fans across Canada and beyond.

The Core Story: Edman’s Surgery Dilemma

At the heart of this unfolding saga is a simple but consequential question: Will Tommy Edman need surgery this offseason?

According to verified reports from Sporting News and True Blue LA, Edman is managing a lingering ankle issue that limited his ability to play center field during the 2024 season. While he contributed offensively—most notably with a clutch home run in the World Series—his defensive versatility was compromised. Now, with the offseason underway, the Dodgers and Edman are weighing whether surgical intervention is necessary to prevent long-term complications.

“He’s been dealing with this for a while,” said a team source quoted in True Blue LA. “It’s not an acute injury, but it’s something that needs to be addressed if he’s going to return to full form.”

The stakes are high. Edman, acquired mid-season from the St. Louis Cardinals, proved invaluable to the Dodgers, filling multiple roles with elite defense and a .237/.304/.424 slash line in 37 regular-season games. His absence from a healthy center field picture could force the team to rethink its 2025 lineup—especially with Andy Pages’ own injury history and James Outman’s inconsistent performance.

Recent Updates: What’s Happened So Far

Let’s break down the timeline of events, based solely on verified news sources:

October 2024: World Series Heroics Amid Pain

• Edman homers in Game 5 of the World Series, helping the Dodgers secure the title.
• Post-game interviews reveal he played through ankle discomfort during the postseason.

Late October 2024: Surgery Rumors Surface

• Sporting News reports Edman is “discussing the possible need for offseason surgery.”
• No official diagnosis or timeline is confirmed, but the team acknowledges the injury is a concern.

October 28, 2024: WBC Implications Emerge

• The Chosun Ilbo (조선일보) warns that Edman’s potential surgery could jeopardize his availability for Team Korea in the 2025 World Baseball Classic.
• Edman, who holds dual citizenship and previously represented South Korea in the 2017 WBC, is seen as a key utility player for the squad.

November 2024: Dodgers’ Center Field Dilemma

• True Blue LA details how Edman’s injury has already altered the Dodgers’ outfield plans.
• With Edman unable to cover center field consistently, the team leaned on Andy Pages and James Outman—neither of whom matched Edman’s defensive impact.

As of early November, no final decision has been announced. The Dodgers’ medical staff is reportedly evaluating non-surgical options, including rest, rehab, and targeted therapy. But if surgery is required, recovery could take 4–6 months, potentially sidelining Edman for spring training and early regular-season games.

Who Is Tommy Edman? The Background You Need to Know

To understand why this story matters, it’s essential to grasp who Edman is—and why his versatility makes him so valuable.

A Swiss Army Knife on the Diamond

Drafted by the Cardinals in 2016, Edman quickly earned a reputation as one of MLB’s most versatile infielders. Over six seasons in St. Louis, he played:
- Second base (1,200+ innings)
- Shortstop (800+ innings)
- Third base (300+ innings)
- Center field (200+ innings)

His 2019 season was a breakout, with 112 OPS+ and 15 defensive runs saved (DRS), earning him a Gold Glove nomination.

The Dodgers Trade: A Perfect Fit

In July 2024, the Dodgers acquired Edman and pitcher Michael Kopech from the Cardinals in a blockbuster deal. The move was designed to shore up their infield depth—and it paid off. Edman:
- Played 37 games at shortstop, second base, and center field
- Posted a 1.7 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in just two months
- Became a fan favorite for his hustle and clutch hitting

Team Korea: A Personal and National Legacy

Edman’s connection to South Korea adds another layer. Born in Michigan to an American father and Korean mother, he grew up speaking Korean and represented the country in the 2017 WBC. His return in 2025 is highly anticipated, with fans hoping he’ll help Korea improve on its 2023 fifth-place finish.

As The Chosun Ilbo notes, his potential absence would leave a “major gap” in Korea’s utility role—a position critical for navigating the WBC’s short, high-pressure format.

The Domino Effect: Immediate Impacts of Edman’s Injury

Edman’s ankle issue isn’t just a personal health concern—it has real-time consequences for the Dodgers and Team Korea.

For the Dodgers: A Roster Domino Effect

1. Center Field Uncertainty
   - Without Edman, the Dodgers lack a proven, everyday center fielder. Andy Pages, a rookie, has shown promise but missed time in 2024 with a knee injury. James Outman regressed defensively (-12 DRS in 2024).
   - The team may be forced to pursue external options, like re-signing Kevin Kiermaier or exploring trades for players like Harrison Bader.

2. Infield Depth
   - Edman’s ability to back up shortstop (Mookie Betts) and second base (Max Muncy) is irreplaceable. His absence could force the Dodgers to rely on less experienced players like Miguel Rojas or Nick Ahmed.

3. Financial Implications
   - Edman is arbitration-eligible in 2025, with a projected salary of ~$10 million. If he misses significant time, the Dodgers may face a tough decision: pay for a player on the IL, or reallocate funds to other needs.

For Team Korea: WBC Roster Challenges

• The WBC requires rosters to be finalized months in advance. If Edman undergoes surgery in December or January, he may not be cleared to play until March—just as the tournament begins.
• Korea’s coaching staff, led by Lee Kang-chul, must now consider backup options like Ha-seong Kim (Padres) or Ji-hwan Bae (Pirates), though neither offers Edman’s defensive range.

For Fans: The Emotional Toll

• Edman’s underdog story—from overlooked prospect to World Series hero—resonates with fans. His potential absence from the 2025 season opener would be a blow to morale, especially after the Dodgers’ 2024 triumph.

What Happens Next? The Future Outlook

So, where do things stand? Let’s break down the possible scenarios, based on evidence and trends:

Scenario 1: Non-Surgical Recovery (Best Case)

• Edman avoids surgery, opts for rest and rehab.
• Returns for spring training, but Dodgers limit his center field time.
• Risk: High chance of re-injury if the ankle isn’t fully healed.

Scenario 2: Surgery, But Quick Recovery (Moderate Risk)

• Edman undergoes a minor procedure (e.g., debridement or ligament repair).
• Returns by late April/early May.
• Impact: Dodgers’ center field remains a question mark until then. Team Korea holds a roster spot open, but may need a last-minute replacement.

**Scenario 3