2016 World Series hero returning to the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs appear to be turning to a familiar face in their efforts to address the need in the bullpen.

On Friday, the Cubs agreed to a minor-league deal with relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.

Edwards was a pitching prospect who came up through the Cubs' organization with one of the lasting images of him in a Cubs uniform was him with the "W" flag draped over him as he was celebrating the team's World Series victory in 2016.

Edwards posted a 3.75 ERA for the Cubs in 36 appearances during the 2016 season and became a mainstay in their bullpen until he was traded to the San Diego Padres during the 2019 season.

Over the course of the past two seasons with the Washington Nationals, Edwards seemed to have re-established himself as a legitimate middle reliever in Major League Baseball. Edwards posted a 2.76 ERA with the Nationals in 2022 before a shoulder injury limited him to 32 appearances last season, where he had a 3.69 ERA.

Assuming health, it would be a safe bet for Edwards to make the team's Opening Day roster. The Cubs are likely very familiar with his profile given his ascension through their organization previously.

It would seem that the Cubs may have completed their additions to the bullpen. After Edwards signed a minor-league deal on Friday, the team signed Hector Neris to a one-year deal on Saturday. With the additions of Edwards and Neris, the Cubs have seemingly addressed both the middle and back end of their bullpen.

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