7 pleasant surprises for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021

ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 12: Members of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 at Busch Stadium on September 12, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 12: Members of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 at Busch Stadium on September 12, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: Tommy Edman #19 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 15, 2021 in New York City. The Cardinals defeated the Mets 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: Tommy Edman #19 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 15, 2021 in New York City. The Cardinals defeated the Mets 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Tommy Edman

Need a guy to take over for a Gold Glove second baseman? Need a guy to start in the outfield? Need a guy to hit and steal a base?

That’s Tommy Edman for the Cardinals. This season, Edman has done whatever is asked of him and more for the team. Edman took over the role of everyday second baseman with the unexpected release of Kolten Wong. When a player went down with an injury and they needed a proven outfielder, Edman was put in right field and mainstays were moved around.

Either position, Edman has been effective and brought stellar defensive, making some Gold Glove caliber plays himself.

He’s played in 144 games this season, hitting .265/.312/.394 with a +94 OPS. He’s earned the nickname Tommy Two-Bags with his 40 doubles on the season. He’s also knocked three triples and 10 home runs. With tremendous speed on the base path, Edman has 25 stolen base on the sesaon.

Prior to acquiring Nolan Arenado, fans fretted about moving Tommy Edman from third base to second base every day. But president of baseball operations  John Mozeliak knew Edman would be the team’s every day second baseman.

Edman has been everything the team needed him to be in 2021 and more.