Baseball has always been a game that has captured the attention of millions of fans around the world. From the thrill of a game-winning home run to the tension of a bases-loaded, two-out situation, there’s always something exciting happening on the diamond.
But beyond the excitement of the game, there’s a business side to baseball that’s just as important – player salaries.
One player who has been in the spotlight recently is Tommy Edman of the St. Louis Cardinals. Edman has quickly become a key player for the Cardinals, with his speed, versatility, and solid defensive play making him a valuable asset to the team.
And with his recent contract extension, many fans and analysts are wondering – just how much does Tommy Edman make?
We’ll take a closer look at Tommy Edman’s career and recent contract, as well as dive into the business side of baseball to explore how player salaries are determined.
From arbitration to team payroll, we’ll examine the factors that can impact a player’s salary, and what Edman’s contract tells us about the economics of the game.
So whether you’re a die-hard Cardinals fan or just interested in the business of sports, read on to learn more about one of baseball’s rising stars.
Tommy Edman’s Career
Early Career and Rise Through the Minor Leagues
Tommy Edman was born on May 9, 1995, in San Diego, California. He attended Stanford University, where he played college baseball for the Stanford Cardinal.
In his junior year, Edman was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series, helping lead Stanford to the championship game. After his junior year, Edman was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
Edman began his professional career in the minor leagues, playing for the State College Spikes and Peoria Chiefs in 2016. He quickly established himself as a talented player, hitting .309 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs in 71 games across both teams.
Major League Debut and Notable Achievements
Edman made his major league debut with the Cardinals in June 2019, quickly becoming a fan favorite with his speed and versatility. He played in 92 games during the 2019 season, hitting .304 with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs. He also played solid defense, committing only two errors in 73 games at third base.
In the shortened 2020 season, Edman played in all 58 games for the Cardinals, hitting .250 with five home runs and 26 RBIs. He also stole six bases and played solid defense at multiple positions, including third base, second base, and right field.
Comparison to Other Players in His Position
Tommy Edman’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths, as he can play multiple positions and provide solid defense at each one. He has primarily played at third base, but has also seen time at second base, shortstop, and the outfield.
In terms of offensive production, Edman’s numbers compare favorably to other third basemen in the league. In 2020, he ranked 10th among all third basemen in fWAR (FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement), a statistic that measures a player’s overall value to their team.
His ability to steal bases also sets him apart, as he ranked second among all third basemen in stolen bases in 2020.
Overall, Tommy Edman has quickly established himself as a valuable player for the St. Louis Cardinals, thanks to his versatility, speed, and solid defense.
His ability to play multiple positions and contribute both offensively and defensively make him a key player for the Cardinals as they look to compete in the National League Central.
The Business of Baseball
Salary Structures and Contracts in Baseball
In baseball, player salaries are determined through a combination of factors, including team payroll, performance, and market demand.
Contracts can vary in length and structure, with some players signing long-term deals worth millions of dollars, while others may sign shorter contracts with lower salaries.
The Role of Arbitration in Determining Player Salaries
Arbitration is a process used in baseball to resolve contract disputes between players and teams. Players who have at least three years of major league service time but have not yet reached free agency are eligible for salary arbitration.
During the arbitration process, the player and team each present their case for what they believe the player’s salary should be for the upcoming season. An independent arbitrator then listens to both arguments and decides on a salary figure.
Factors That Can Impact a Player’s Salary
Several factors can impact a player’s salary in baseball. These include:
Performance: A player’s on-field performance is one of the biggest factors in determining their salary. Players who perform at a high level and produce strong statistics are often rewarded with higher salaries.
Market demand: The demand for a player’s services can also impact their salary. If multiple teams are interested in signing a particular player, that player may be able to command a higher salary.
Team payroll: A team’s overall payroll can also impact player salaries. If a team has a limited budget, they may not be able to offer high salaries to all of their players.
Position: Certain positions, such as starting pitchers and power hitters, tend to command higher salaries than others.
Experience: Players with more years of major league service time generally earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
Overall, a player’s salary in baseball is determined by a combination of their performance, market demand, and team payroll, as well as other factors such as arbitration and position.
Understanding these factors can help fans and analysts better understand how player salaries are determined and what impact they can have on a team’s overall success.
Tommy Edman’s Contract Details
Edman’s Recent Contract With the Cardinals
In January 2021, Tommy Edman and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a one-year, $4.2 million contract to avoid arbitration. This was Edman’s first year of arbitration eligibility, as he had accrued three years of major league service time.
The Length and Value of the Contract
The one-year, $4.2 million contract for Edman seems to be a fair value based on his performance and role on the Cardinals. Edman has established himself as a valuable player due to his versatility and solid defensive play, as well as his ability to contribute offensively.
The contract also provides flexibility for the Cardinals, as they can reassess Edman’s performance after the 2021 season and determine whether to offer him a long-term contract or explore other options.
Comparison to Other Contracts for Players in Similar Positions
Compared to other contracts for players in similar positions, Edman’s contract seems to be in line with market value. For example, Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, who had similar service time to Edman, agreed to a one-year, $4.57 million contract for the 2021 season.
Other third basemen who have signed similar contracts in recent years include Gio Urshela of the New York Yankees ($4.65 million for 2021) and Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins ($5.65 million for 2021).
Overall, Tommy Edman’s one-year, $4.2 million contract seems to be a fair value for both the player and the team. It provides flexibility for the Cardinals while also rewarding Edman for his contributions to the team.
As he continues to develop as a player and establish himself as a key contributor, he may be in line for a long-term contract in the future.
Implications for the Cardinals and the League
How Edman’s Salary Impacts the Cardinals’ Payroll and Roster Decisions
Edman’s salary of $4.2 million for the 2021 season will impact the Cardinals’ payroll and roster decisions. With Edman under contract, the Cardinals will have a better sense of their overall payroll for the season and can make informed decisions about other players on their roster.
For example, they may need to make decisions about arbitration-eligible players such as Jack Flaherty and Harrison Bader, whose salaries will also impact the team’s payroll.
How Edman’s Salary Compares to Other Players in the League
Compared to other players in the league, Edman’s salary of $4.2 million is relatively modest. However, it reflects his current status as a player with three years of major league service time and limited experience at the major league level.
Compared to other third basemen, Edman’s salary is also relatively low. For example, Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs, who has similar service time and plays the same position, is set to earn $19.5 million in 2021.
The Role of Player Salaries in the Overall Economics of Baseball
Player salaries play a significant role in the overall economics of baseball. With a total payroll of around $162 million for the 2021 season, the Cardinals must make informed decisions about how to allocate their resources and which players to invest in.
Player salaries also impact the overall competitiveness of the league, as teams with higher payrolls may have a greater ability to attract and retain top talent.
Additionally, player salaries can impact the fan experience, as fans may be more likely to support teams that are investing in their players and working to build competitive rosters.
Edman’s salary of $4.2 million reflects his current status as a player with limited experience, and it will impact the Cardinals’ payroll and roster decisions for the 2021 season.
However, in the overall economics of baseball, player salaries play a significant role in the competitiveness of the league and the fan experience, making it important for teams to make informed decisions about how to allocate their resources.
Here’s a Table Comparing Tommy Edman’s Contract With Other Players in Similar Positions:
| Player | Team | Years | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Edman | St. Louis Cardinals | 1 | $4.2 million |
| Scott Kingery | Philadelphia Phillies | 6 | $24 million |
| Isiah Kiner-Falefa | Texas Rangers | 1 | $2 million |
| David Fletcher | Los Angeles Angels | 5 | $26 million |
| Brandon Lowe | Tampa Bay Rays | 6 | $24 million |
This table compares the contract details for Tommy Edman with four other players who play similar positions. It shows the team, years of the contract, and salary for each player. This comparison can help provide context for Edman’s contract and how it stacks up against other players in the league.
FAQs
How do teams determine a player’s worth when negotiating contracts?
Teams consider a variety of factors when determining a player’s worth, including their age, experience, performance history, potential, and the current market for players at their position. They also take into account the team’s overall payroll and roster needs when making contract offers.
What is a qualifying offer in baseball?
A qualifying offer is a one-year contract offer made to a free agent by their former team, typically at the end of their contract. The value of the qualifying offer is calculated based on the average salary of the top 125 highest-paid players in baseball. If the player declines the qualifying offer and signs with a new team, the former team is eligible to receive draft pick compensation from the new team.
What is a luxury tax in baseball?
A luxury tax, also known as a competitive balance tax, is a penalty paid by teams that exceed a certain payroll threshold. The luxury tax is designed to discourage teams from spending excessively and creating an unfair competitive advantage. The threshold for the luxury tax is adjusted each year based on league revenues, and the penalty is calculated as a percentage of the amount by which a team exceeds the threshold.
How do arbitration hearings work in baseball?
Arbitration hearings are used to settle contract disputes between players and teams. Players who have at least three years of major league service time and are not under contract can file for arbitration, which allows them to negotiate a contract with their team. If the player and team are unable to agree on a contract, they may go to an arbitration hearing, where an independent arbitrator listens to arguments from both sides and decides on a contract value.
Conclusion
Tommy Edman’s one-year, $4.2 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals reflects his value as a versatile and productive player with three years of major league service time.
The contract provides flexibility for both Edman and the Cardinals, allowing them to reassess his performance after the 2021 season and make informed decisions about his future with the team.
In the broader context of baseball, player salaries play a significant role in the overall economics of the sport, impacting team payrolls, roster decisions, competitiveness, and the fan experience.
Edman’s contract is just one example of how player salaries and contracts shape the business of baseball and impact the sport at large.
