Chicago Cubs: Five players poised for a big 2017 season

Carl Edwards – RHP

Let us not forget, Carl Edwards was one out away from being Mike Montgomery. After breezing through the first two hitters, it was a Brandon Guyer walk and a Rajai Davis single that lead Joe Maddon to make the change. But the important thing to remember is this: Maddon trusted him with the World Series on the line. You couldn’t say that about many in the Cubs bullpen.

With much of the Cubs bullpen in the late innings accounted for (for now), Edwards figures to be a middle relief guy. But Maddon isn’t a big one for roles and could shift pitchers around as he sees fit. Edwards ability to strike hitters out plays well at the end of games, and Maddon believes in him.

He’s only thrown two innings this spring but has struck out four while allowing just one unearned run. Should any of the current late inning group falter, Edwards role should grow as well as his chance to have a breakout season.