Ex-Cardinals Gold Glover labeled ‘secret weapon’ for defending NL West champions

The St. Louis Cardinals have said goodbye to several notable players over the past decade, who are excited to move on to their next journey.

For example, former St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty was traded at the 2023 trade deadline after showing signs of decline. However, he is now a front-line starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is expected to land a major multi-year deal this winter.

Another player recently traded from the Cardinals is also doing well for the Dodgers and could be a vital piece in their World Series pursuit this postseason.

“The Dodgers have been trying to acquire (Tommy) Edman for years and they finally accomplished their goal in a three-way trade with the Cardinals and (Chicago) White Sox before this year’s trade deadline,” MLB.com’s Juan Toribio wrote Friday during the discussion of each team’s secret weapon for the playoffs.

The utility man did not play a single inning for the Cardinals in 2024 due to a slow recovery from offseason wrist surgery, but has excelled since returning to the field with Los Angeles, hitting .237 with 12 extra base hits, including six home runs, 20 RBIs and a .711 OPS in 37 games played.

“Edman, a switch-hitter, gives the Dodgers a different look,” Toribio continued. “He prioritizes contact over power, even though he did hit four home runs in a two-game span earlier this season. While all the stars at the top of the lineup get the attention, Edman could be a big help for the team in October. Dodgers. especially given his defensive versatility.”

It’s mind-boggling to think that the Cardinals traded a versatile and talented young star like Edman for 31-year-old starting pitcher Erick Fedde, who has had just one solid season in his seven-year career.

St. Louis traded for Fedde because it appeared to be in contention. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and the franchise is now in the process of rebuilding. Losing Edman will likely be another stain on the legacy of Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.

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