"Jed did something finally" "Champ returns home" - Cubs fans joyous as team signs Carl Edwards Jr. to a minor league deal

By Krutik Jain

Modified Jan 27, 2024 05:09 GMT

The Chicago Cubs signed free agent reliever Carl Edwards Jr. to a minor league deal, per MLB Insider Robert Murray. The bullpen pitcher will return to the organization with whom he debuted in 2015. Furthermore, Edwards will join the club as a non-roster invitee.

Fans on X, formerly Twitter, took a liking to this move by Hed Hoyer, who is the club's president of baseball operations. Among the reactions, some also took an indirect jibe at the club that didn't fare well this offseason despite being ready to splurge big.

Heading into the 2024 season, the Cubs acquired Yency Almonte from the LA Dodgers and it seems he will feature on the Opening Day roster. At best, two or three spots are still available on the Cubs roster, among the likes of José Cuas, Daniel Palencia, Keegan Thompson, Hayden Wesneski and Javier Assad.

Carl Edwards Jr.'s first stint with Chicago Cubs

Though the South Carolina native was picked by the Texas Rangers in the 2011 MLB draft, he was dealt to the Cubs midway through the 2013 season. After spending a couple of years as a minor, he made his debut on Sept. 7, 2015.

In the 2016 World Series, Carl Edwards Jr., along with teammates Addison Russell, Dexter Fowler and Jason Heyward, were the first African-Americans to feature in a World Series game for the Cubs.

In Game 3, he struck out the side in relief at the top of the sixth innings against the then-Cleveland Indians. Edwards appeared in the bottom of the 10th innings of Game 7, recording the first two outs while allowing one run. The club finally went on to win the World Series.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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