LOS ANGELES -- Some unfortunate news from the Dodgers' front: second baseman Tommy Edman could miss the beginning of the 2026 season, per The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.
The 30-year-old Edman had been dealing with an ailing right ankle last season, which subsequently led to a few IL stints throughout the season. In attempts to get back in tip-top shape, Edman underwent surgery on said ankle back in November.
Edman played in 97 games last year and had a slash line of .225/.274/.656. He found himself limping throughout the postseason and was just 'healthy enough,' which mainly limited him to playing the infield on certain occasions, and even found himself playing a bit of center field come time for the World Series.
While the expectations were for Edman to be up and at it by the time Spring Training rolled around, there might be a change of plans for the Dodgers' infielder.
Los Angeles had signed infielder Andy Ibáńez to a one-year, $1.2 million deal at the beginning of the month, and at first glance, it seemed like an acquisition that had no sort of direction, but with the recent reports by Ardaya regarding Edman's durability, it all makes sense that the Dodgers expect Edman to not be ready for opening day.
Ibáńez has proven reps throughout every corner of the infield in his career, and the Dodgers would hope that, if duty calls, Ibáńez could potentially take the place of Edman.
This news of Edman could also open the door for Hyeseong Kim to make the opening day roster and man the second base position full-time. On the other hand, World Series hero Miguel Rojas can also take over at second base if need be.
While Los Angeles had some gaps to fill this offseason with their bullpen and uncertain outfield positioning, the Dodgers don't have to worry as much about who their everyday infield configuration will look like, with Freddie Freeman still eyeing first base, either Rojas, Kim or Ibáńez at second, Mookie Betts at shortstop, and Max Muncy at the hot corner.