The Los Angeles Dodgers recently benefited from the acquisition of Tommy Edman, whose professional journey began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Edman’s strong approach to the game, honed during his collegiate years at Stanford University from 2014 to 2016, has made a remarkable impression on the Dodgers since his trade to the team in 2024.
As part of a significant three-team trade that also involved the Chicago White Sox, Edman quickly made his mark, earning the title of MVP in the 2024 National League Championship Series. This stellar performance led the Dodgers to secure Edman with a five-year contract extension worth $74 million during the offseason.
While recovering from right ankle surgery, the 30-year-old has been reflecting on his past, particularly the influence of his late Stanford coach, Mark Marquess, who recently passed away. Edman honored Marquess by sharing a touching tribute on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play at Stanford and acknowledging the lasting impact Marquess had on his life.
Edman made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since established himself as a dynamic player capable of excelling in multiple positions—second base, third base, shortstop, and center field. His defensive prowess was recognized when he received the Gold Glove Award for second base in 2021. This season, Edman is expected to primarily play at second base, though his role in center field may depend on the recovery of his ankle.
Mark Marquess was a legendary figure in collegiate baseball, with a noteworthy coaching career that spanned over four decades at Stanford. Starting as an assistant coach in 1972, he was promoted to head coach in 1971 and compiled an impressive record of 1,627 wins against 878 losses. Under his leadership, Stanford reached the postseason 23 times and secured back-to-back college baseball championships in 1987 and 1988. Marquess’s legacy continues to resonate in the baseball community, with Edman being among those who benefited from his guidance.
The combination of Edman’s talent and resilience, along with Marquess’s enduring influence, points to a promising future for the Dodgers as they look to capitalize on the skills and dedication that Edman brings to the team.