The San Diego Padres are bringing in a player with championship experience to bolster their bullpen.
On Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the Padres are signing veteran reliever Carl Edwards Jr. According to Murray, Edwards will receive a minor-league contract from San Diego, giving him an opportunity to potentially return to the major leagues.
Edwards, 32, was an integral part of the Chicago Cubs team that won the World Series in 2016, even pitching in extra innings of Chicago’s dramatic Game 7 victory over the then-Cleveland Indians. Since his time with the Cubs, Edwards has played for five different teams, including a previous stint with the Padres in 2019. However, he has not appeared in a major league game since 2023. During his last season in the majors, Edwards posted a 3.69 ERA and recorded two saves over 32 appearances for the Washington Nationals.
Currently, the Padres are standing at 48-43 and are looking to strengthen their bullpen. While they have flamethrowing closer Robert Suarez and rising star Jeremiah Estrada, who set an MLB record with 13 consecutive strikeouts earlier this season, their bullpen lacks dynamic right-handed pitchers. This is where Edwards’ experience and potential can be valuable.
Edwards could be a crucial addition for the Padres in the second half of the year. His championship pedigree and previous success in high-pressure situations make him a promising candidate to help solidify the bullpen. If he can return to form, Edwards will be a significant asset for San Diego as they aim to maintain their playoff position and make a deep run in the postseason.
San Diego’s move to sign Edwards reflects their ongoing strategy of acquiring notable free-agent talent to address their roster needs. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Edwards can make a successful return to the majors and contribute to the Padres’ success.
