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Carl Edwards Jr.

Not to be confused with Carl Edwards.

Carl Edwards Jr.
Edwards with the Washington Nationals in 2023
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1991-09-03) September 3, 1991 (age 33)
Newberry, South Carolina, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 7, 2015, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record16–14
Earned run average3.54
Strikeouts328
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. (born September 3, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.

Career

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Texas Rangers

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Edwards was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 48th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft out of Mid-Carolina High School in Prosperity, South Carolina.[1] Edwards initially committed to play college baseball for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, where he would join a high school teammate and friend, Will Bedenbaugh. However, when Bedenbaugh died in a car accident, Edwards couldn't face the idea of playing for the team where his friend's absence would be glaring, and decided instead to pursue professional baseball.[2][3] He spent his first professional season with the Arizona League Rangers and Spokane Indians. He finished the year 5–3 with a 1.48 earned run average (ERA) and 85 strikeouts over 67 innings pitched. He started the 2013 season with the Hickory Crawdads, going 8–2 with a 1.83 ERA and 122 strikeouts over 93+1⁄3 innings (18 starts).

Chicago Cubs

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On July 22, 2013, Edwards along with Mike Olt, Justin Grimm, and a player to be named later (Neil Ramírez) were traded to the Chicago Cubs for Matt Garza.[4] He was sent to the Class A-Advanced Daytona Cubs, where he had a 1.96 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 23 innings (six starts). After the season, he was named MiLB Pitcher of the Year.[5]

Prior to the 2014 season, he was ranked by Baseball America as the 28th best prospect in baseball.[6] He spent the 2014 season with the AA Tennessee Smokies, where he compiled a 1–2 record and 2.44 ERA over ten starts. On November 20, 2014, Edwards was added to the Cubs 40-man roster in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. He began 2015 with Tennessee, and was promoted to the Triple–A Iowa Cubs in May.

2015 season

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On September 7, 2015, Edwards made his Major League debut for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.[7] In 36 appearances out of the bullpen between both Tennessee and Iowa prior to his callup, he was 5–3 with a 2.77 ERA and 75 strikeouts over 55+1⁄3 innings.

2016 season

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Edwards began 2016 with Iowa. He was recalled May 11 to Chicago, but returned to Iowa the next day. He was recalled once again on June 20 and spent the rest of the season with Chicago. On September 1, Edwards recorded his first Major League save, against the San Francisco Giants.[8] Edwards finished the 2016 season with a 3.75 ERA in 35 innings pitched.[9]

Carl Edwards Jr. delivers a pitch during the 10th inning of World Series Game 7.

On October 25, Edwards along with teammates Addison Russell, Dexter Fowler, and Jason Heyward became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game.[10][a] In Game 3, he struck out the side in relief duty in the top of the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first African-American to pitch for the Cubs in a World Series game.[11] Edwards appeared in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 7, where he recorded the first two outs of the inning and surrendered one run. The Cubs went on to win their first World Series in 108 years.[12]

2017 season

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Edwards Jr. with the Chicago Cubs in 2017

2017 was Edwards' first full season in the major leagues; he was 5–4 with a 2.98 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 66+1⁄3 relief innings pitched.

Edwards struggled in the division series against the Washington Nationals, pitching 2+1⁄3 innings and allowing six runs.[13] Notably, he allowed a game-tying two-run home run to Bryce Harper in the eighth inning of Game 2.[14] Edwards' performance improved during the league championship series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, again pitching 2+1⁄3 innings, but this time allowing no runs.[13]

2018 season

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In 2018, Edwards posted a 3–2 record and recorded 67 strikeouts and a 2.60 ERA in 52 innings.

2019 season

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Edwards suffered from various injuries in 2019, and struggled from the start of the year.[3] He pitched in four games between March 30 and April 5, recording only five outs. He allowed three hits (two home runs), five walks, and six runs.[15] He was optioned to the Iowa Cubs on April 6 to work through his mechanics.[16] The Cubs recalled Edwards on May 6.[17]

San Diego Padres

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On July 31, 2019, Edwards was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Brad Wieck.[18] Edwards struggled greatly in San Diego, posting a 32.40 ERA in 2 games for the team. On November 4, 2019, he cleared waivers and elected free agency.

Seattle Mariners

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On December 4, 2019, Edwards signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.[19] In 2020, he allowed 1 run over 5 games, striking out 6.[20] On October 22, 2020, Edwards elected free agency after being outrighted off of the 40-man roster.

Atlanta Braves

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On January 29, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves organization.[21][22] On March 25, 2021, he opted out of his contract and became a free agent.[23] On April 5, 2021, Edwards re-signed with the Braves on a new minor league contract.[24] On May 7, 2021, Edwards was selected to the active roster.[25] He allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk before being designated for assignment the next day.[26] On May 10, Edwards elected free agency.[27]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On May 14, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.[28][29] On May 30, Edwards was selected to the active roster.[30] On June 17, he was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left oblique strain.[31] He was released by the organization on August 29, 2021.[13]

Chicago White Sox

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On August 31, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights.[13]

Washington Nationals

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On February 25, 2022, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.[32] For the 2022 season, Edwards added a change-up to his arsenal. Dominant with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, Edwards earned a call-up to the majors, which happened on May 10.[33]

On January 13, 2023, Edwards agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Nationals, avoiding salary arbitration.[34] After posting a 3.69 ERA in 32 relief appearances, Edwards was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation on June 21.[35] He began a rehab assignment with the rookie–level Florida Complex League Nationals on August 15.[36] On August 23, Edwards was shut down indefinitely after suffering a stress fracture in his right scapula;[37] he was transferred to the 60–day injured list on August 28.[38] He became a free agent following the season.

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

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On January 26, 2024, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[39] He opted out of his deal with the Cubs and became a free agent on March 23[40] and later re-signed with them on April 6 to a new minor league deal.[41] In 20 appearances for the Triple–A Iowa Cubs, he compiled a 1.85 ERA with 22 strikeouts and 7 saves across 24+1⁄3 innings pitched. Edwards was released by the Cubs organization on June 16.[42]

San Diego Padres (second stint)

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On July 4, 2024, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[43] Upon joining the organization, he began working primarily as a starting pitcher.[44] On August 8, the Padres selected Edwards' contract, adding him to their active roster.[45] He made one appearance for the Padres, issuing two walks and allowing one hit while recording no outs. Edwards was designated for assignment by San Diego on August 12.[46] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas on August 14,[47] but rejected the assignment in favor of free agency.[48] Edwards re-signed with the Padres on a new minor league contract on August 19.[49] On November 6, he elected free agency.[50]

Personal life

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Edwards and his fiancée, Anquinette Smith, welcomed their first child in August 2015, and their second in July 2018.[51] Edwards and Anquinette married in 2021.[52]

Miscellaneous

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Edwards was sometimes known as "C.J." (for Carl Jr.[3]) in the minor leagues, a name which Joe Maddon continued to use while the two were with the Cubs.[53] Edwards also earned the nickname "The String Bean Slinger" for his strong arm combined with his skinny physique (6' 3", 170 lbs),[54] which he has adopted for the back of his personalized jersey during the annual Players Weekend.[55][52][3]

Notes

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  1. ^ Jackie Robinson's rookie season was 1947 which was two years after the Chicago Cubs appearance in the 1945 World Series. In 1953, Ernie Banks, known as Mr. Cub, became the first African-American on the Cubs roster.

References

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  1. ^ Haugh, David (July 24, 2013). "Edwards' rise in Garza trade an unlikely tale". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  2. ^ Morris, Ron (September 13, 2014). "C.J. Edwards: The legend of the String Bean Slinger". The State. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d "40 in 40: Carl Edwards Jr". February 3, 2020.
  4. ^ Muskat, Carrie (July 22, 2013). "Cubs land Rangers' Olt in package for Garza". MLB.com. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  5. ^ Dykstra, Sam (October 23, 2013). "Edwards takes different route to MiLBY". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  6. ^ "2014 Baseball America Top 100 Prospects: The 25th Edition". Baseball America. February 20, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  7. ^ Gonzales, Mark (September 8, 2015). "Carl Edwards Jr. survives nerves for successful major-league debut". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  8. ^ Gonzales, Mark (September 1, 2016). "Cubs' Carl Edwards Jr. takes big leap with 1st save". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  9. ^ "Carl Edwards Register Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  10. ^ Collier, Jamal (October 25, 2016). "Fowler Cubs' first African-American in Series: Center fielder will be first up in Game 1; Heyward, Edwards, Russell also honored by distinction". mlb.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  11. ^ "Box Score: Game 3, 2016 World Series". Gameday. mlb.com. October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  12. ^ Wagner, James (November 3, 2016). "Carl Edwards Jr., the String Bean Slinger, Helps Cubs Get to the Finish Line". The New York Times. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d "Carl Edwards Jr. Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  14. ^ Collier, Jamal (October 7, 2017). "Nationals homer, rally to beat Cubs in Game 2". MLB.com. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  15. ^ "Carl Edwards Jr. Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  16. ^ Zencka, TC; Bradley, Ty (April 6, 2019). "Cubs Option Carl Edwards Jr. To Minors, Send Mike Montgomery To IL, Promote Kyle Ryan And Select Allen Webster". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  17. ^ "Cubs recall reliever Edwards from Triple-A". May 6, 2019.
  18. ^ "Padres get Edwards Jr. from Cubs for Wieck". MLB.com. July 31, 2019.
  19. ^ Seattle Mariners (December 4, 2019). "Mariners Sign Free Agent RHP Carl Edwards Jr". MLB.com. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  20. ^ "Matt Magill, Carl Edwards Jr., Nestor Cortes Jr. Elect Free Agency". October 22, 2020.
  21. ^ Randhawa, Manny (January 29, 2021). "Edwards to Braves on Minors deal (report)". MLB.com. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  22. ^ Burns, Gabriel (January 29, 2021). "Report: Braves sign reliever Carl Edwards to minor-league deal". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  23. ^ Burns, Gabriel (March 25, 2021). "Carl Edwards opts out of Braves contract, becomes free agent". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  24. ^ "Atlanta Braves reach minor league deals with Carl Edwards Jr., Jesse Biddle, Yolmer Sanchez". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 5, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  25. ^ "Braves select reliever Carl Edwards Jr., designate Nate Jones". Rome News Tribune. May 7, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  26. ^ Burns, Gabriel (May 8, 2021). "Braves promote Jasseel De La Cruz, Victor Arano to bullpen". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  27. ^ "Braves Announce Roster Moves". May 10, 2021.
  28. ^ "Blue Jays sign reliever Carl Edwards Jr. to minor-league contract". Sportsnet.ca. May 14, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  29. ^ "Blue Jays sign reliever Carl Edwards Jr., assign to Bisons". MILB.com. May 14, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  30. ^ "Blue Jays recall Carl Edwards Jr., designate Ty Tice for assignment". Sportsnet. May 30, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  31. ^ "Blue Jays Place Rafael Dolis on 10-Day IL, Select Jared Hoying". June 17, 2021.
  32. ^ Franco, Anthony (February 25, 2022). "Nationals, Carl Edwards Jr. Agree To Minor League Contract". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  33. ^ Andrew Golden (June 8, 2022) [2022-06-05]. "With a fresh perspective, Carl Edwards Jr. has excelled in Washington". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.[please check these dates]
  34. ^ "2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  35. ^ "Nationals' Carl Edwards: Lands on IL". cbssports.com. June 21, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  36. ^ "Nationals' Carl Edwards: Begins rehab assignment". cbssports.com. August 15, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  37. ^ "Nationals' Carl Edwards: Out with stress fracture". cbssports.com. August 23, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  38. ^ "Nationals' Carl Edwards: Moved to 60-day IL". cbssports.com. August 28, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  39. ^ "Cubs, Carl Edwards Jr. Agree To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  40. ^ "Carl Edwards Jr. Opts Out Of Minor League Deal With Cubs". MLB Trade Rumors. March 23, 2024.
  41. ^ "Cubs Sign Carl Edwards Jr., Ali Sanchez To Minor League Deals". MLB Trade Rumors. April 6, 2024.
  42. ^ "Looks Like the I-Cubs Have Released Carl Edwards Jr". bleachernation.com. June 18, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  43. ^ "Transactions". MLB.com.
  44. ^ "Padres minors: Carla Edwards Jr. stretching out in El Paso; Isaiah Lowe loses TinCaps debut". sandiegouniontribune.com. August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  45. ^ "Padres Designate Jackson Wolf For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  46. ^ "Padres Designate Carl Edwards Jr. For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  47. ^ "Transactions". MLB.com.
  48. ^ "Carl Edwards Jr. Elects Free Agency". mlbtraderumors.com. August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  49. ^ "Transactions".
  50. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2024). "Minor League Free Agents 2024". Baseball America. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  51. ^ Connolly, Matt (November 17, 2016). "Despite new fame and attention, Cubs pitcher C.J. Edwards remains same humble person". The State. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  52. ^ a b [1] [dead link]
  53. ^ Miles, Bruce (April 5, 2019). "Brewers manager not discouraged over amount of Cubs fans at Miller Park". Daily Herald. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  54. ^ Wittenmyer, Gordon (October 15, 2013). "Scout Found C.J. Edwards, 'The String Bean Slinger', Off The Beaten Path". Baseball America. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  55. ^ "Men's Chicago Cubs Carl Edwards Jr. "Stringbean Slinger" Majestic Royal/Light Blue 2018 Players' Weekend Cool Base Jersey". Mlbshop.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
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