Dodgers Land Tommy Edman, Michael Kopech in Three-Team Trade

Edman won a Gold Glove as a second baseman in 2021 but can play multiple positions

SAN DIEGO — Until now, the Dodgers had maintained a relatively low profile as the Trade Deadline on Tuesday approached. However, on Monday, they decisively made their move, acquiring two players they have long desired.

In a significant three-team trade involving the White Sox and Cardinals, the Dodgers secured utility player Tommy Edman and Minor League right-hander Oliver Gonzalez from St. Louis, as well as right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech from Chicago.

In return, the Dodgers dispatched Miguel Vargas, along with prospects Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus, both of whom are included in L.A.’s Top 30 Prospects as per MLB Pipeline, to the White Sox. Vargas had already graduated from the prospect status but was regarded as one of the Dodgers’ premier positional prospects last season.

TRADE DETAILS
Cardinals receive: RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham, cash considerations
Dodgers receive: INF/OF Tommy Edman, RHP Michael Kopech, RHP Oliver Gonzalez
White Sox receive: INF/OF Miguel Vargas, INF prospect Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), INF prospect Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect), a player to be named later or cash considerations

Acquiring Edman and Kopech was imperative for the Dodgers, as both players are anticipated to address immediate needs. Edman, who has been sidelined for the entire season thus far, is optimistic about a swift return following a right ankle sprain that slightly delayed his rehabilitation last week.

Edman confirmed he was set to play second base for the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate on Tuesday.

“I’m feeling good,” Edman stated on Monday. “I’ve completed a couple of weeks of rehab. My ankle is improving, and I’ll be re-evaluated when I arrive in L.A. to determine the next steps.”

When fit, Edman can assist the Dodgers in stabilizing the shortstop position while Mookie Betts and Miguel Rojas recuperate from their injuries. Once Betts and/or Rojas rejoin the lineup, Edman is versatile enough to occupy various infield and outfield positions, including second base, third base, and corner outfield.

During the offseason, the Dodgers had approached St. Louis regarding the acquisition of the 2021 Gold Glove Award recipient. Securing Edman has been a key objective for the Dodgers for several months, and they finally succeeded in obtaining the California native on Monday.

However, Edman has encountered challenges in maintaining consistency at the plate over the past four seasons. Following an impressive rookie year, he has not surpassed an OPS of .725 in any of the last four seasons. Additionally, his readiness offensively remains uncertain after undergoing offseason surgery on his right wrist, which has kept him from participating in the entire ‘24 season. He is under team control until the conclusion of next season.

Conversely, Kopech provides the Dodgers with another formidable arm in the bullpen. The former top prospect transitioned to the bullpen at the beginning of the season and has thrived in this role, recording a 4.74 ERA while striking out 59 batters across 43 2/3 innings.

The 28-year-old pitcher ranks in the 99th percentile for fastball velocity and the 89th percentile for expected batting average against. His whiff percentage is also in the 86th percentile, all metrics that the Dodgers prioritize in their pitchers.

In recent weeks, with starting pitchers not delivering the anticipated results, the Dodgers have heavily relied on their bullpen. Adding Kopech now provides a crucial option that can safeguard the team against injuries over the next two months.

With Edman and Kopech now on board, the Dodgers will shift their attention to the starting pitching market, although the availability of players in the next 24 hours remains uncertain. White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet has been a target for some time, but the asking price may prove prohibitive, especially considering Crochet’s reported stance that he will not pitch in the postseason without a contract extension.

Furthermore, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has also been a subject of fervent speculation among the Dodgers, but acquiring the current frontrunner for the American League Cy Young Award would necessitate a substantial package of players and prospects, given that he is under team control through the 2026 season.

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