Tommy Edman is the St. Louis Cardinals’ most indispensable player

When talking about the St. Louis Cardinals most irreplaceable players, you would more than likely say Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt or Jack Flaherty. But if you want to dig deeper, and go with a less obvious answer, there is one that stands out: Tommy Edman.

Edman has done an admirable job replacing Kolten Wong, who had his club option declined and eventually signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is hitting .272/.325/.369 with two home runs and 12 RBI, which are not “wow” stats by any means, but it’s what he has done in addition to that is what makes him so valuable.

As MLB.com noted in their “Who is each team’s most indispensable player” list, Edman does not just play second base. He has played at shortstop and in the outfield — basically wherever the Cardinals need him — and he has played each position at a high level.

Edman, 26, has already quieted any concerns about his ability to adequately replace Wong. And if he can continue to produce offensively as a switch hitter, the Cardinals lineup can become even more dangerous — and leave few holes in the batting order as they attempt to win the National League Central.

Combined with Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, as well as plenty of other high-end players, the Cardinals look to be a matchup nightmare. They have many different ways to beat opposing pitching. Come October, that could be the difference in a potential World Series run.

Edman is a big reason for that. And their bet on Edman, and saving the $12.5 million on Wong, is what allowed the Cardinals to acquire Arenado. So far, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak looks like a genius for doing so, and what should give the fan base confidence that he will continue to press the right buttons come the trade deadline.