Title: “Tommy Edman’s Unexpected Power Surge: A Game-Changer for the Dodgers’ Offense”
In the world of Major League Baseball, the term “utility player” often conjures images of a versatile, scrappy athlete who can step in and perform wherever needed. But for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tommy Edman, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals, has recently taken on a new identity—one that has become a cornerstone of their offensive resurgence. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to play multiple positions, Edman’s unexpected power surge has made him an instrumental part of the Dodgers’ lineup in ways few could have predicted.
Edman, who was primarily recognized for his speed and defensive flexibility, is now turning heads for a completely different reason: his bat. Over the course of the 2025 season, the Dodgers’ offense has benefited immensely from his newfound power, making him one of the more surprising contributors in their lineup. Not only has Edman been providing reliable defense in the infield and outfield, but he’s also adding an element of power that has given the Dodgers a much-needed boost.
A Shift in Approach
Tommy Edman’s career trajectory took a turn during the offseason, when the Dodgers recognized a gap in their roster and saw an opportunity to maximize Edman’s potential. While his on-base percentage and contact skills have always been solid, it was his raw power that had never fully developed. However, a combination of training adjustments, improved mechanics, and a new mindset at the plate has allowed Edman to unlock this latent power.
Edman’s swing, which was once more geared towards contact and making consistent contact with the ball, has evolved. Under the tutelage of the Dodgers’ hitting coaches, Edman worked on increasing his launch angle and making better use of his lower half, allowing him to hit the ball with more authority. The result has been an increase in both his extra-base hits and his home run totals.
Whereas Edman had previously hit just a handful of home runs in his career, he has now been regularly hitting the ball over the fence. His increase in power has caught the attention of both fans and analysts alike, as his home runs seem to come at the most opportune times, helping the Dodgers in crucial moments throughout the season.
Making the Dodgers Dangerous in More Ways Than One
Edman’s added power has transformed the Dodgers’ offense in several key ways. With players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman already anchoring the lineup, the Dodgers were already dangerous at the top of the order. But Edman’s ability to now drive the ball with authority gives the Dodgers an added layer of depth and unpredictability.
One of the most important aspects of Edman’s transformation is his role as a table-setter in the lower part of the order. In past seasons, the Dodgers’ lower half was often a relative weak spot in their offense, as the back end of the lineup lacked the consistency to support the heavy hitters at the top. Now, Edman provides a dynamic that forces pitchers to pay attention throughout the entire lineup, even when they get to the seven or eight spots.
Moreover, Edman’s versatility allows him to fit seamlessly into various spots in the lineup. Whether batting second, sixth, or ninth, he can be relied upon to get on base, make solid contact, and now, drive the ball for extra bases. His ability to play multiple positions also means that Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts can experiment with different lineup combinations to exploit matchups without losing any defensive stability.
The Power Surge: Metrics Behind the Change
To understand just how much Edman’s power has changed, one can look at the numbers. In the 2025 season, Edman’s home run total has already surpassed his previous career highs in both homers and slugging percentage. But it’s not just about the long balls. His isolated power (ISO), a key indicator of a player’s raw power, has also taken a noticeable jump. Last season, Edman posted a relatively modest ISO of .132, but in 2025, that number has risen to an impressive .200, which is well above league average.
Additionally, Edman’s exit velocity—one of the most telling metrics for assessing power—has spiked. His average exit velocity in 2025 has improved by a full three miles per hour compared to previous seasons, suggesting that he’s consistently making harder contact. The result is a higher rate of extra-base hits, including doubles, triples, and home runs. It’s clear that the physical adjustments he’s made have translated into a significantly more potent offensive profile.
His swing mechanics have also been scrutinized and refined. Through video analysis and the use of advanced analytics, Edman has adjusted his swing plane and worked on generating more backspin on the ball, a key factor in driving the ball out of the park. This approach has paid off, with Edman’s launch angle increasing, leading to more line drives and fly balls that clear the fence.
The Impact on the Dodgers’ Postseason Push
As the Dodgers gear up for a postseason run, Edman’s contributions are becoming even more valuable. The team has long been a contender in the National League, but a lack of consistent offensive production from unexpected sources has often been their Achilles’ heel in critical moments. Now, with Edman providing both stability and power in a variety of spots in the lineup, the Dodgers look like a more complete team.
Edman’s ability to take over games with a clutch home run or a timely extra-base hit adds an element of unpredictability to an already star-studded lineup. Whether it’s a game-tying two-run shot in the seventh inning or a leadoff double that sparks a rally, his new-found power gives the Dodgers another weapon to lean on as they chase another World Series title.
Moreover, Edman’s emergence as a power threat also takes pressure off the traditional heavy hitters like Betts, Freeman, and Will Smith. With Edman providing protection lower in the lineup, opposing pitchers are forced to pitch more carefully throughout the entire order, knowing that any batter has the potential to change the course of a game with one swing of the bat.
What’s Next for Tommy Edman?
The future looks bright for Tommy Edman, both for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond. While his power surge has been one of the most talked-about stories of the season, it’s important to note that his ability to adapt and evolve as a player is a testament to his work ethic and baseball IQ. It’s clear that Edman has become more than just a utility player for the Dodgers—he’s now a key contributor to their offense, one whose impact goes far beyond his position on the field.
As the Dodgers continue their playoff push, they will rely heavily on the balance Edman brings to their offense. While his contributions may have been a surprise to many, they are now an integral part of the team’s overall success. If Edman can maintain this level of production, the Dodgers will be even harder to beat in the postseason, making them a formidable force in the National League and beyond.
In the end, Tommy Edman’s unexpected power surge is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball and the fact that even the most unlikely players can become game-changers. For the Dodgers, it’s a boon that has the potential to carry them all the way to another World Series championship.
