The Chicago Cubs are bringing back a familiar face. According to Fansided's Robert Murray , Carl Edwards Jr. and the Cubs agreed to terms on a minor-league contract that includes an invite to Spring Training.
The 32-year-old was once a staple of Joe Maddon's bullpen during a Cubs run that featured playoff appearances in four of five seasons while Edwards Jr. pitched on the North Side.
The lanky right-hander first joined the organization at the 2013 trade deadline in a deal that had sent starter Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers. Edwards Jr. has bounced around the league since last pitching for the Cubs in 2019. Most recently, he spent the 2023 season with the Washington Nationals and posted a 3.69 ERA in 32 appearances.
With pitchers and catchers reporting on Feb. 14, the Cubs are actively monitoring the pitching market in all aspects. Whether it be via trade or signings, Jed Hoyer and Co. seem open in their approach to solidifying the bullpen. Most recently, the Cubs have reportedly shown interest in former Houston Astros reliever Ryne Stanek.
If Edwards Jr. can make the big-league club out of camp, it'll be a welcome addition to a Cubs bullpen that ran out of steam at the end of last season's wild-card chase.
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