Former Chicago Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr., a member of the franchise's 2016 World Series championship team, has become a free agent. The right-hander, who wore number 6 for the Cubs, appeared in 13 postseason games during Chicago's title run, posting a 2.45 ERA across 11 innings.
Edwards made his major league debut with the Cubs in 2015 and spent parts of five seasons in Chicago before being traded to the San Diego Padres in 2020. He has since pitched for the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals organizations. The 32-year-old last appeared in the majors in 2023 with the Nationals, recording a 4.82 ERA in 18.2 innings.
Known for his distinctive low-three-quarters delivery and high-spin fastball, Edwards accumulated 329 strikeouts in 288.1 career regular-season innings with a 3.31 ERA. His free agency opens the door for a potential return to a contending bullpen seeking late-inning experience.
