At this point, almost nobody remains on the Chicago Cubs roster from the 2016 World Series champs. Due to trades, free agency and retirement, only one player from that fabled team is still with the organization -- pitcher Kyle Hendricks.
Unfortunately, that's just the nature of the sport. Hardly anyone stays in one place for long anymore.
As of Friday, however, Hendricks is no longer alone. The Cubs are bringing back another member of that 2016 squad, re-signing a familiar face to bolster their pitching staff.
Welcome back, Carl Edwards Jr.!
According to MLB insider Robert Murray, Chicago is signing the 32-year-old righty to a minor-league contract. The deal includes a Spring Training invitation to see if he can earn a spot on the big-league roster.
It's a homecoming of sorts for Edwards, who debuted with the Cubs in 2015 and promptly helped them end their 108-year championship drought the following season. Edwards played a key role during that 2016 postseason, posting a 2.84 ERA in the playoffs and recording the first two outs of the final inning of Game 7.
Edwards remained with Chicago through 2019 but has bounced around over the last few years, suiting up for the San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, and Atlanta Braves.
Most recently, he was with the Washington Nationals, spending the last two seasons there. He continued to be a reliable relief option for the Nats, logging a 3.07 ERA and two saves in 93 2/3 innings.
The Cubs hope Edwards can remain effective and provide some depth in the bullpen based on his solid track record. Time will tell, but for now it's good to have him back.
More must-reads: