The Seattle Mariners’ decision to sign pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. to a one-year deal makes a lot of sense.
The lead-up to Thanksgiving was an interesting one for the Seattle Mariners and their fans, as they signed infielder Patrick Wisdom and three pitchers. Arguably the most intriguing pitching addition was Carl Edwards Jr.
As per MLB Network Insider Bob Nightengale, Edwards Jr. will reportedly get a guaranteed base salary of $950,00. His contract will also have $500,000 available in performance-based incentives.
At first glance, you can appreciate why a lot of Mariners fans might be dubious about the addition. After all, we’re talking about a player who produced a shocking 8.47 ERA in 22 appearances this past season, before it was ended early by shoulder issues.
However, if you delve a little deeper, you can understand why the M’s have taken a gamble with Edwards Jr. Prior to 2019, he was a productive arm for the Chicago Cubs.
Just a season earlier, the 28-year-old had a career-best ERA of 2.60 in 58 games. It was part of an extremely effective run during 2017-18, which saw him pitch 118.1 innings, resulting in a 2.81 ERA and 12.2 strikes per nine innings.
Edwards Jr. was also a key component in the Cubs’ bullpen in 2016, helping them win their first championship in 108 years. This included recording the first two outs in the 10th inning in Game 7 of the World Series.
The Newberry, South Carolina native has an enticing pitching style. He relies mostly on his 94 mph fourseam fastball and 80 mph curve.
Overall, Ewards Jr. has more than enough upside to make him a worthwhile gamble. And if he returns to his previous form he has two years of arbitration eligibility, meaning the Mariners have team control until 2022.
What is your take on the signing of Edwards Jr.? Do you agree with the Seattle Mariners’ decision or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
