Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. (born September 3, 1991) is an American professional

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...

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for the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the

Mexican League The Mexican Baseball League (, or LMB, ) is a professional baseball league in Mexico. It is the oldest running professional sports league in the country. The league has 20 teams organized in two divisions, North and South. Teams play 114 games ...

. He has previously played in

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(MLB) for the

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Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle. The Mariners compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. The team joined the American ...

Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...

Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...

Washington Nationals The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. They play their home games at Na ...

San Diego Padres The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. ...

, and

Los Angeles Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, ...

Career

Texas Rangers

Edwards was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 48th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft out of Mid-Carolina High School in

Prosperity Prosperity is the flourishing, thriving, good fortune and successful social status. Prosperity often produces profuse wealth including other factors which can be profusely wealthy in all degrees, such as happiness and health. Competing notions ...

South Carolina South Carolina ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders North Carolina to the north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia (U.S. state), Georg ...

. Edwards initially committed to play

college baseball College baseball is baseball that is played by Student athlete, student-athletes at institutions of higher education. In the United States, college baseball is sanctioned mainly by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); in Japan, ...

for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, where he would join a high school teammate and friend, Will Bedenbaugh. However, when Bedenbaugh died in a car accident, Edwards couldn't face the idea of playing for the team where his friend's absence would be glaring, and decided instead to pursue professional baseball. He spent his first professional season with the Arizona League Rangers and Spokane Indians. He finished the year 5–3 with a 1.48

earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...

(ERA) and 85

strikeouts In baseball or softball, a strikeout (or strike-out) occurs when a batter accumulates three strikes during a time at bat. It means the batter is out, unless the third strike is not caught by the catcher and the batter reaches first base safe ...

over 67 innings pitched. He started the 2013 season with the Hickory Crawdads, going 8–2 with a 1.83 ERA and 122 strikeouts over innings (18 starts).

Chicago Cubs

On July 22, 2013, Edwards along with Mike Olt, Justin Grimm, and a

player to be named later In Major League Baseball, a player to be named later (PTBNL) is an unnamed player involved in exchange or "trade" of players between teams. The terms of a trade are not finalized until a later date, most often following the conclusion of the seaso ...

( Neil Ramírez) were traded to the

for Matt Garza. He was sent to the Class A-Advanced Daytona Cubs, where he had a 1.96 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 23 innings (six starts). After the season, he was named

MiLB Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), constituted of teams affiliated with MLB clubs. It was founded on September 5, 1901, in response to the growing dominance of the National ...

Pitcher of the Year. Prior to the 2014 season, he was ranked by ''

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'' as the 28th best prospect in baseball. He spent the 2014 season with the AA

Tennessee Smokies The Knoxville Smokies are a Minor League Baseball team based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team was based in Kodak, Tennessee, a Knoxville suburb, fr ...

, where he compiled a 1–2 record and 2.44 ERA over ten starts. On November 20, 2014, Edwards was added to the Cubs 40-man roster in order to protect him from the

Rule 5 Draft The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball (MLB) player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor lea ...

. He began 2015 with Tennessee, and was promoted to the Triple–A

Iowa Cubs The Iowa Cubs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and are named for their Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate. T ...

in May.

2015 season

On September 7, 2015, Edwards made his Major League debut for the Cubs against the

St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in St. Louis. The Cardinals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Centra ...

at Busch Stadium. In 36 appearances out of the bullpen between both Tennessee and Iowa prior to his callup, he was 5–3 with a 2.77 ERA and 75 strikeouts over innings.

2016 season

Edwards began 2016 with Iowa. He was recalled May 11 to Chicago, but returned to Iowa the next day. He was recalled once again on June 20 and spent the rest of the season with Chicago. On September 1, Edwards recorded his first Major League save, against the

San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...

. Edwards finished the 2016 season with a 3.75 ERA in 35 innings pitched. On October 25, Edwards along with teammates Addison Russell, Dexter Fowler, and Jason Heyward became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a

World Series The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been contested since between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winning team, determined through a best- ...

game. In Game 3, he struck out the side in relief duty in the top of the sixth inning against the

Cleveland Indians The Cleveland Guardians are an American professional baseball team based in Cleveland. The Guardians compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. Since , the team ...

, becoming the first African-American to pitch for the Cubs in a World Series game. Edwards appeared in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 7, where he recorded the first two outs of the inning and surrendered one run. The Cubs went on to win their first World Series in 108 years.

2017 season

2017 was Edwards' first full season in the major leagues; he was 5–4 with a 2.98 ERA and 94 strikeouts in relief innings pitched. Edwards struggled in the

division series The Division Series is the quarterfinal round of the Major League Baseball postseason. Four series are played in this round, two each for both the American League and the National League. 1981 season The first use of the term "Division Series ...

against the

, pitching innings and allowing six runs. Notably, he allowed a game-tying two-run home run to Bryce Harper in the eighth inning of Game 2. Edwards' performance improved during the

league championship series The League Championship Series (LCS) is the semifinal round of postseason play in Major League Baseball which has been conducted since 1969. In 1981, and since 1995, the two annual series have matched up the winners of the Division Series, ...

against the

Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...

, again pitching innings, but this time allowing no runs.

2018 season

In 2018, Edwards posted a 3–2 record and recorded 67 strikeouts and a 2.60 ERA in 52 innings.

2019 season

Edwards suffered from various injuries in 2019, and struggled from the start of the year. He pitched in four games between March 30 and April 5, recording only five outs. He allowed three hits (two home runs), five walks, and six runs. He was optioned to the

on April 6 to work through his mechanics. The Cubs recalled Edwards on May 6.

San Diego Padres

On July 31, 2019, Edwards was traded to the

in exchange for Brad Wieck. Edwards struggled greatly in San Diego, posting a 32.40 ERA in 2 games for the team. On November 4, 2019, he cleared waivers and elected free agency.

Seattle Mariners

On December 4, 2019, Edwards signed a one-year contract with the

. In 2020, he allowed 1 run over 5 games, striking out 6. On October 22, 2020, Edwards elected free agency after being outrighted off of the 40-man roster.

Atlanta Braves

On January 29, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the

organization. On March 25, 2021, he opted out of his contract and became a free agent. On April 5, 2021, Edwards re-signed with the Braves on a new minor league contract. On May 7, 2021, Edwards was selected to the active roster. He allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk before being designated for assignment the next day. On May 10, Edwards elected free agency.

Toronto Blue Jays

On May 14, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the

organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. On May 30, Edwards was selected to the active roster. On June 17, he was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left oblique strain. He was released by the organization on August 29, 2021.

Chicago White Sox

On August 31, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the

Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The club plays its ...

and was assigned to the Triple-A

Charlotte Knights The Charlotte Knights are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. They are located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and play their home games at Truist Field ...

Washington Nationals

On February 25, 2022, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the

. For the 2022 season, Edwards added a change-up to his arsenal. Dominant with the Triple-A

Rochester Red Wings The Rochester Red Wings are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. They are located in Rochester, New York, and play their home games at Innovative Fie ...

, Edwards earned a call-up to the majors, which happened on May 10. On January 13, 2023, Edwards agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Nationals, avoiding salary arbitration. After posting a 3.69 ERA in 32 relief appearances, Edwards was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation on June 21. He began a rehab assignment with the rookie–level

Florida Complex League Nationals The Florida Complex League Nationals are a Rookie-level affiliate of the Washington Nationals, competing in the Florida Complex League of Minor League Baseball. Prior to the 2021 season, the team was known as the Gulf Coast League Nationals. The t ...

on August 15. On August 23, Edwards was shut down indefinitely after suffering a stress fracture in his right

scapula The scapula (: scapulae or scapulas), also known as the shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). Like their connected bones, the scapulae are paired, with each scapula on either side ...

; he was transferred to the 60–day injured list on August 28. He became a free agent following the season.

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

On January 26, 2024, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the

. He opted out of his deal with the Cubs and became a free agent on March 23 and later re-signed with them on April 6 to a new minor league deal. In 20 appearances for the Triple–A

, he compiled a 1.85 ERA with 22 strikeouts and 7 saves across innings pitched. Edwards was released by the Cubs organization on June 16.

San Diego Padres (second stint)

On July 4, 2024, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the

. Upon joining the organization, he began working primarily as a

starting pitcher In baseball (hardball or softball), a starting pitcher or starter is the first pitcher in the game for each team. A pitcher is credited with a game started if they throw the first pitch to the opponent's first batter of a game. Starting pit ...

. On August 8, the Padres selected Edwards' contract, adding him to their active roster. He made one appearance for the Padres, issuing two walks and allowing one hit while recording no outs. Edwards was designated for assignment by San Diego on August 12. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A

El Paso Chihuahuas The El Paso Chihuahuas are a Minor League Baseball team based in El Paso, Texas. The Chihuahuas compete in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) as the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. The team plays its home games at Sou ...

on August 14, but rejected the assignment in favor of free agency. Edwards re-signed with the Padres on a new minor league contract on August 19. He elected free agency following the season on November 4.

Los Angeles Angels

On March 11, 2025, Edwards signed with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the

. However prior to the start of the season on March 21, he signed a minor league contract with the

. After seven appearances for the Triple-A

Salt Lake Bees The Salt Lake Bees are a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team that plays in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Based in South Jordan, Utah, the team plays its home games at The Ballpark at Am ...

, the Angels selected Edwards' contract, adding him to their active roster. In two games for the Angels, he allowed three runs on four hits with two strikeouts over three innings pitched. Edwards was designated for assignment by the team on April 26. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Salt Lake on April 28. However, Edwards rejected the assignment and elected free agency on April 30.

Tigres de Quintana Roo

On May 5, 2025, Edwards signed with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the

Personal life

Edwards and his fiancée, Anquinette Smith, welcomed their first child in August 2015, and their second in July 2018. Edwards and Anquinette married in 2021.

Miscellaneous

Edwards was sometimes known as "C.J." (for Carl Jr.) in the minor leagues, a name which

Joe Maddon Joseph John Maddon (born February 8, 1954) is an American former professional baseball manager (baseball), manager and coach. He has managed the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). After playing ...

continued to use while the two were with the Cubs. Edwards also earned the nickname "The String Bean Slinger" for his strong arm combined with his skinny physique (6' 3", 170 lbs), which he has adopted for the back of his personalized jersey during the annual Players Weekend.

Notes

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Edwards Jr., Carl 1991 births Living people African-American baseball players American expatriate baseball players in Mexico American Twitch (service) streamers Arizona League Cubs players Arizona League Rangers players Atlanta Braves players Baseball players from Newberry County, South Carolina Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players Chicago Cubs players Daytona Cubs players El Paso Chihuahuas players Florida Complex League Blue Jays players Florida Complex League Nationals players Hickory Crawdads players Iowa Cubs players Los Angeles Angels players Major League Baseball pitchers Mesa Solar Sox players People from Prosperity, South Carolina Rochester Red Wings players Salt Lake Bees players San Diego Padres players Seattle Mariners players Spokane Indians players Sportspeople from Newberry, South Carolina Tennessee Smokies players Tigres de Quintana Roo players Toronto Blue Jays players Washington Nationals players Wilmington Blue Rocks players 21st-century African-American sportsmen 21st-century American sportsmen