3 Cubs minor-league signings that will fuel spring training competition

Spring training is finally approaching for Chicago Cubs fans and the MLB world. With it, a new roster will take the field in 2024 for the North Siders as they look to reach the postseason after narrowly missing by one game just a few months ago. When it comes to spring training, the most exciting topics will be those players on the bubble of making the roster and which ones outperform the rest and make it to the coveted 26-man roster. Let's take a look at three players that will be in that bubble, starting with former friend Carl Edwards Jr.

3 minor-league signings to watch - 3. Carl Edwards Jr.

One of my favorite former Cubs relievers, Carl Edwards Jr., should have a real shot at securing a bullpen role after inking a minor league deal with the Cubs on January 25. Over the last two seasons, Edwards Jr. compiled a combined 3.07 ERA with the Washington Nationals throughout 89 appearances. Lifetime, he now owns a 3.59 ERA but has yet to recapture the magic he had with the Cubs from 2017 and 2018 when he notched a combined 2.81 ERA, 12.2 K/9, and 151 ERA+.

Still, he has been successful recently. Landing him on a minor league deal may have high value for the Cubs' front office. Given the team's state-of-the-art pitching infrastructure being what it is today, there's no reason to believe Edwards Jr. can't continue to perform well at the major league level. Spots on the 26-man roster will be slim, but he will be one of the pitchers in consideration for a spot if he performs well in spring training.