Chicago Cubs: Under the radar options for closer in 2018

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 17: Carl Edwards Jr. #6 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 17, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Carl Edwards, RHP

Perhaps the best option for the closer’s role prior to the signing of Morrow was Carl Edwards. Edwards is 26 years old and has just 114 major league appearances under his belt.

After grabbing a short cup of coffee with the team in 2015, Edwards made 36 appearances out of the bullpen in 2016. The right-hander logged a 3.75 ERA and struck out 52 batters in 36 innings pitched.

Following the signing of Davis, Edwards was slated to become the team’s set-up man. Over the course of the season, however, Edwards became Joe Maddon‘s go-to option out of the pen. For that reason, Edwards racked up 73 appearances and 66 1/3 innings pitched. In that time, Edwards struck out 94 batters and walked 38. That equates to more than five walks per nine innings and 12.8 strikeouts per nine.

Horrible postseason for Edwards

Edwards did not fare well during the 2017 postseason. In the NLDS against the Washington Nationals, Edwards was tagged for six earned runs over 2 1/3 innings pitched. The right-hander also walked four batters and amassed a 23.14 ERA.

Despite Edwards’ rough series, the Cubs defeated the Nationals and advanced to the NLCS. Facing the Los Angeles Dodgers, Edwards made two appearances and logged 2 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball. The youngster, however did walk two of the nine batters he faced.

Chances to be Cubs’ closer

As things stand right now, Edwards could very well start the season as the Cubs’ set-up man with Morrow or Cishek as the closer. If things do not work out with either of them, it would not be unexpected to see Edwards step in and assume the role.

One thing that scares me about Edwards is the walks. He has walked 55 batters in 107 career innings and averages almost five free passes per nine innings.

Barring an injury or under-performance by Morrow or Cishek, Edwards will not see much action as the closer in 2018. Instead, he seems likely to stay in the role of Maddon’s go-to guy as early as the sixth inning, so expect Edwards to rack up the appearances once again in 2018.

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