Tommy Edman is here to stay for St. Louis Cardinals

Tommy Edman is here to stay for St. Louis Cardinals, whether it’s at second base or shortstop.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ roster, for the most part, is set in stone. The rotation is complete. The lineup may have 1-2 new faces. Of any unit, the bullpen will have the most turnover by adding new faces in the late innings.

So it’s been confusing seeing talk on Twitter amongst fans that Tommy Edman should not be in the starting lineup next season.

Edman, 26, was given the difficult task of replacing Kolten Wong. He had shown glimpses in small sample sizes, but was a relative unknown at second base entering the season. He not just exceeded expectations, winning the Gold Glove award over Wong, and established himself as perhaps the second baseman of the future.

What could change that, however, is if Nolan Gorman comes up at second base with Nolan Arenado at third base. In that event, Edman would slide into the shortstop position over Paul DeJong while continuing to be the No. 4 outfielder, barring an addition before Opening Day.

It’s a position of luxury for the Cardinals, considering that Edman is a very good defender. That’s not to mention that he’s capable offensively, hitting .262/.308/.387 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI last season. He’s also inexpensive – his 2021 salary was $581,800 – which affords the Cardinals financial flexibility that will be important as they have Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt on the books.

If there is any player in danger of losing their job, it’s DeJong. Even then, the front office has voiced support for him and he appears primed to enter the season as the starting shortstop, barring Trevor Story lowering his asking price in free agency.

So let’s put the Edman talk to bed. He’s going to be the second baseman in 2022 and by all accounts, will be a key player for the Cardinals in the short and long-term.