Cardinals: Tommy Edman’s Value is Greater Than Carlos Correa

Value wise, Tommy Edman is a steal compared to Carlos Correa

In total evaluation looking at the Cardinals utility-man Tommy Edman’s entire skillset and results, he was worth 2.97 wins above replacement players and according to my Jaybird Baseball Statistical model. That equates to $16.03 million in value. His ROI was an astounding $15.31 million considering he was only paid $722,900 salary. Not too shabby.

I think perspective is even better on this by reviewing how he compares to Carlos Correa who many consider an elite baseball player.

Correa has been a mainstay in the league since he came up. Currently he is seeking a mega contract for his services, but is he better than Tommy Edman? Offensively his value was 1.87 wins above replacement while Edman’s offensive value was 1.18 wins above replacement according to my Jaybird Baseball Statistical model. That includes all offense hitting and baserunning.

Peeking at some of the numbers further, Edman had the same number of singles with 105, outpaced Correa in doubles 31 to 24, outpaced Correa in triples 4 to 1, hit a respectable 13 homeruns compared to Correa’s 22, and the real kicker is that Edman stole 32 bags while only being caught 2 times. Correa did not swipe a bag at all and was caught 1 time. 105 of those singles or other possible walks increased their value by his ability to get to the next base up. That value is subtle, but it adds up for a guy like Edman.

Fielding wise Correa was below average costing the Twins 0.21 wins last season compared to Edman adding 1.52 wins above average. Edman took the field for 1,270 and 2/3 innings at 5 different positions while only having 6 errors, 7 defensive runs saved, and 11 outs above average. Correa played only shortstop for 1,113 and 1/3 innings having 8 errors, 3 defensive runs saved, and -3 outs above average.

Correa’s total evaluation based on by statistics was $10.04 million. Considerably less than Edman’s $16.03 million. That is right, Tommy Edman was worth more than Carlos Correa in 2022. No one will argue that Correa’s skill set probably evaluates with a higher ceiling, but at least a season ago Edman was more valuable. We do not give Tommy Edman enough praise. He is a fantastic all-around baseball player, and he deserves our respect.