Cubs reunite with 2016 World Series team member
Sep 14, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs batting helmet sits on the dugout rail before the Cubs play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs are bringing back a memorable member of their 2016 World Series squad.
Relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. has reportedly agreed to a minor league deal to reunite with the Cubs. MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided reported the news of Edwards Jr.’s signing.
Free-agent reliever Carl Edwards Jr. and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a minor-league contract, according to a source familiar with the deal. Edwards posted a 3.69 ERA in 31.2 innings with the Nationals last season. The deal includes an invite to spring training.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 27, 2024
Edwards famously got two of the final three outs for the Cubs in the decisive 10th inning during Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. The Cubs broke their longstanding curse one out later to win the series against the Cleveland Indians.
The approval rating of the signing among Cubs fans appeared to be quite high on social media.
The Cubs have signed Carl Edwards Jr. to a minor-league contract, per @ByRobertMurray. pic.twitter.com/jxjbbY6o2Q
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 27, 2024
THE RETURN OF CARL EDWARDS JR https://t.co/BYXq5IT89A pic.twitter.com/nqD4A29yxc
— Jacob Zanolla (@jz2016cubs) January 27, 2024
Me seeing the Cubs bring back 2016 Cubs legend Carl Edwards Jr. pic.twitter.com/rJi7hSldoL
— Caleb Webb (@calebgwebb) January 27, 2024
The 32-year-old righty last pitched for the Washington Nationals in 2023. In 32 games last season, Edwards had an ERA of 3.69 with 2 saves and a WHIP of 1.52 across 31.2 innings pitched.
Cubs fans also might remember Edwards for skipping out on an informal White House visit back in 2017. The reason he gave for missing out on meeting then-president Donald Trump was interesting to say the least.