Fervent Cardinals Supporters Showcase Excessive Reaction to Ex-Player's Prosperity

Let's face it, when life throws you one curveball after another, it's natural to feel like every fresh problem is a punch to the gut.

The Cardinals' fan base has been feeling that bitter sting lately. Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Randy Arozarena, Adolis Garcia, Tyler O'Neill, Lane Thomas—the list goes on. You name 'em, and when they left St. Louis, it seemed they found greater success somewhere else. And the latest to join the trend is Tommy Edman, who's been tearing it up with the Dodgers after being traded last season.

It's no secret that Edman helped the Dodgers clinch the 2024 World Series title. He earned the NLCS MVP award, hit .407 with 11 RBI in the playoffs, and showcased his versatility by playing up the middle and in the outfield. Not to mention, he landed a tidy five-year, $75 million extension from the Dodgers.

With Edman's performance, Cardinals fans are understandably upset. But let's take a step back and consider this objectively.

Is the Cardinals' Trade of Tommy Edman a Mistake?

Here's the lowdown—and remember, this is just one man's perspective: Despite Edman's contribution to the Cardinals during his time with the team, he wasn't part of their long-term plans. Two things can be true at once—Edman can thrive in the Dodgers' dynamic lineup, but the Cardinals no longer needed him.

Let's break it down.

Before the 2024 season, Edman had just two years of club control left with the Cardinals. The five-year, $74 million deal he got from the Dodgers was looming, and St. Louis wasn't—and shouldn't have been—the club to pay that hefty sum.

In the Cardinals' current roster, Masyn Winn is the shortstop of today and tomorrow. Brendan Donovan is manning second base, outproducing Edman offensively, and exhibiting better skills overall. Victor Scott II may not have the spark that Edman does, but he's not breaking the bank like Edman is. Scott has been dynamic this year, and the Cardinals have high hopes for him moving forward. And don't forget about JJ Wetherholt—he's coming, and he'll grab one of those infield spots at some point.

So, where was Edman going to fit in? Sure, he could have played over Scott, but is that the best use of their roster and both players' value? No, it isn't, and while Erick Fedde lacks the flair that Edman has demonstrated, he's an essential piece for the Cardinals' roster right now and beyond this season.

Many—not just Cardinals media and fans, but experts across the game—believed the Cardinals made an outstanding trade when they obtained both Fedde and Tommy Pham while only parting with Edman. While we all wish every deal could be a steal, it usually takes value to get value, and a player like Fedde deserves that.

Now, the Cardinals could stumble if they don't maximize Fedde's value at this year's trade deadline or secure a compensation pick for him during the offseason. But the trade itself, value-wise, was not a mistake, and letting go of Edman in the long term was also the correct decision. Had they not traded him at the 2024 deadline, he would have been a top trade candidate this offseason for them. Perhaps they would have received a prospect package instead, but even then, I still believe the value of Fedde outweighed that.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion on this matter, and this is mine. I'm happy for Edman. I'm looking forward to watching him shine in Los Angeles this week when the Dodgers face off against the Rockies. Edman's a good guy, plays the game with integrity, and always made St. Louis proud. But sometimes paths diverge, and it isn't anyone's fault. The Cardinals are in the midst of a transitional phase in their franchise, and Edman was primed to contribute for a contender. The Cardinals have cost-effective options at every position Edman could have helped them at, and committing more than $15 million per year to keep him just wasn't a sound investment for the value they could obtain in return.

Time will tell if my analysis holds up, but for now, the Edman trade remains a win-win for the Cardinals and Dodgers. The White Sox were left holding the bag yet again as they lost another trade. I just don't see Edman's current success as indictment of the Cardinals.

Tommy Edman's stellar performance with the Dodgers has made the Cardinals' fan base consider his departure as a mistake.
However, it was clear that Edman wasn't part of the Cardinals' long-term plans, as they faced a hefty financial commitment with his impending contract extension.
In contrast, the Cardinals have cost-effective options like Masyn Winn, Brendan Donovan, and Victor Scott II that outshine Edman's production, making his return not a sound investment for the team.
Experts across the MLB believe that the Cardinals made an outstanding trade by obtaining Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham while parting with Edman.