The Los Angeles Angels are making a strategic move just in time for Opening Day by adding a veteran arm to their bullpen. They’ve inked a minor league deal with right-handed pitcher Carl Edwards Jr., a decision that could pay off for the team even as Edwards looks to rebound from a challenging season.
At 33 years old, Edwards brings a wealth of MLB experience to the table, even if his recent track record isn’t ideal. Last season, he made only one appearance with the San Diego Padres, a game he’d like to forget, as he couldn’t escape the inning, walking two batters and allowing a hit. After that outing, the Padres designated him for assignment, leading Edwards to explore free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment.
While his time in the majors last year was rocky, Edwards did manage to find some success in the minors. Pitching for Triple-A teams Iowa (affiliated with the Cubs) and El Paso (affiliated with the Padres), he posted a respectable 3.30 ERA. However, command issues continued to haunt him, as he walked over 14% of the batters he faced — a statistic that has been a recurring theme in his career.
For the Angels, adding depth to the bullpen is a critical move, especially with the uncertainty that often surrounds reliever performance at the start of the season. Edwards once stood out as a rising star in the Cubs’ bullpen. He debuted in 2015 and played an instrumental role in the club’s 2016 World Series triumph. With a lively fastball and impressive strikeout capabilities, he boasts a career 3.54 ERA across nearly a decade in MLB, coupled with a 28.1% strikeout rate and a 12.7% walk rate. His trajectory has taken him through several teams, including stints with the Cubs, Padres, Mariners, Braves, Blue Jays, and Nationals.
In the past two seasons with Washington, Edwards emerged as a steady contributor, accumulating a 3.07 ERA over 93 2/3 innings. However, he faced issues with his peripherals as well, and a stress fracture in his right shoulder cut his 2023 season short, limiting his offseason opportunities. He began this winter with a minor league deal from the Cubs but opted out in June after not making their Opening Day roster, subsequently joining the Padres’ Triple-A squad.
Edwards may not replicate the dominance seen earlier in his career, but his blend of experience and strikeout potential makes him an intriguing option for the Angels. The bullpen has been a major area of concern heading into the season, and this low-risk signing could provide them with a reliable multi-inning reliever who has faced high-leverage situations before.
Though Edwards will likely start the season at Triple-A Salt Lake, the Angels are banking on his ability to refine his command and maintain his health. If he can achieve this, he may become a valuable asset in the long, demanding season ahead. As Opening Day approaches, the Angels are clearly not finished enhancing their roster. Carl Edwards Jr. might be an under-the-radar addition, but his past performances suggest he could still deliver in crucial moments, offering a glimpse of hope for Angels fans eager for impactful pitching.
