The Dodgers acquired Edman (wrist) and right-handers Michael Kopech and Oliver Gonzalez on Monday as part of a three-team deal involving the Cardinals and White Sox, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The Cardinals acquired right-hander Erick Fedde, outfielder Tommy Pham and a player to be named or cash considerations, while the White Sox received outfielder/infielder Miguel Vargas, infielders Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus (undisclosed) and a player to be named later or cash considerations in the deal.
Edman has resided on the Cardinals' injured list all season while he's experienced a slower-than-anticipated rehab from October surgery on his right wrist in addition to battling a sprained ankle, but he had been in the midst of a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield and looked to be on the cusp of making his 2024 MLB debut prior to Monday's trade. Since Edman has been used exclusively as a designated hitter up to this point during his rehab assignment, he'll likely need to make at least a few starts in the field in the minors before he's formally activated from the 60-day IL for his Dodgers debut. Whenever he gets the green light to join the big club, Edman should take on a near-everyday role while providing the banged-up Dodgers with some much-needed versatility, as he's capable of playing three infield spots as well as the outfield. Given his contact skills and speed, Edman could also be an option atop the batting order while Mookie Betts (hand) is on the shelf, though he's more likely to begin his Dodgers career in the bottom half of the lineup.