Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. Bio
Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays in the New York Mets organization. Born on September 3, 1991, in Prosperity, South Carolina, Edwards began his professional career after being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 48th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft. Throughout his career, Edwards has established himself as a versatile relief and starting pitcher, appearing in Major League Baseball for nine different organizations. He achieved his most notable success with the Chicago Cubs, where he was part of the World Series championship team in 2016. Known for his strong arm and lean frame, Edwards has earned the nickname “The String Bean Slinger” among fans and teammates.
Early Life and Background
Edwards grew up in Prosperity, South Carolina, where he attended Mid-Carolina High School. During his high school years, he developed a passion for baseball and showcased his pitching talents on the field. He initially committed to play college baseball for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, where he planned to reunite with his high school teammate and close friend Will Bedenbaugh. However, a devastating car accident claimed Bedenbaugh’s life, and Edwards could not bear the idea of playing for a team where his friend’s absence would be constantly felt. This personal tragedy prompted Edwards to pursue professional baseball directly instead of college.
Path to Professional Baseball
Edwards entered the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft and was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 48th round. Rather than continuing his education at the collegiate level, he chose to begin his professional journey immediately. He made his professional debut with the Arizona League Rangers and also played for the Spokane Indians during his first season. In 2011, Edwards posted impressive numbers, finishing with a 5-3 record, a 1.48 earned run average, and 85 strikeouts across 67 innings pitched.
His performance earned him a promotion to the Hickory Crawdads for the 2013 season, where he continued to dominate hitters. With the Crawdads, Edwards compiled an 8-2 record with a 1.83 earned run average and 122 strikeouts over 93 and one-third innings pitched across 18 starts. These outstanding minor league statistics caught the attention of major league scouts and organizations looking to acquire pitching talent.
Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. Career
Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs Trade (2013)
On July 22, 2013, Edwards experienced his first major career transition when the Texas Rangers traded him to the Chicago Cubs as part of a package for starting pitcher Matt Garza. The trade also included Mike Olt, Justin Grimm, and Neil Ramirez. Upon joining the Cubs organization, Edwards was assigned to the High-A Daytona Cubs, where he continued his strong pitching performance with a 1.96 earned run average and 33 strikeouts over 23 innings across six starts. Following the 2013 season, the Cubs recognized his talent by naming him Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Prior to the 2014 season, Baseball America ranked Edwards as the 28th best prospect in all of baseball, signaling his potential as a future impact player at the major league level. He spent the 2014 season with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, compiling a 1-2 record with a 2.44 earned run average over ten starts. The Cubs added Edwards to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2014, to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
Chicago Cubs Breakthrough (2015-2019)
Edwards began the 2015 season with Tennessee and earned a promotion to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in May. On September 7, 2015, he made his Major League debut for the Chicago Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Prior to his call-up, Edwards excelled in the minor leagues with a 5-3 record, a 2.77 earned run average, and 75 strikeouts over 55 and one-third innings across 36 relief appearances.
The 2016 season marked Edwards’ breakthrough year and included the pinnacle of his career thus far. He was recalled to Chicago in May, returned briefly to the minors, and then recalled again in June, where he remained for the rest of the season. On September 1, 2016, Edwards recorded his first Major League save against the San Francisco Giants. The Cubs’ run to the World Series made Edwards a significant part of franchise history. 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 game. In Game 3 against the Cleveland Indians, he struck out the side in relief duty, becoming the first African-American pitcher to pitch for the Cubs in a World Series game. Edwards appeared in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 7, recording the first two outs while allowing one run. The Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years.
Edwards’ first full major league season came in 2017, when he posted a 5-4 record with a 2.98 earned run average and 94 strikeouts across 66 and one-third relief innings. In the postseason, he struggled in the Division Series against the Washington Nationals, allowing a game-tying two-run home run to Bryce Harper in Game 2. However, his performance improved during the League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he pitched two and one-third scoreless innings. In 2018, Edwards recorded a 3-2 record with 67 strikeouts and a 2.60 earned run average in 52 innings.
The 2019 season proved challenging for Edwards as he battled various injuries from the start of the year. He appeared in only four games in late March and early April, allowing six runs in limited action. The Cubs optioned him to Triple-A Iowa to work on his mechanics before recalling him in May. On July 31, 2019, the Cubs traded Edwards to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Brad Wieck. He struggled greatly with San Diego, posting a 32.40 earned run average in just two appearances before electing free agency in November.
Journeyman Years (2020-2024)
Edwards signed with the Seattle Mariners on December 4, 2019. In the shortened 2020 season, he allowed only one run across five appearances with six strikeouts. He elected free agency after the season. On January 29, 2021, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. After briefly appearing on their active roster in May, he elected free agency and signed with the Toronto Blue Jays later that month. He appeared in games for the Blue Jays before being placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain in June and was released in August.
Edwards joined the Chicago White Sox organization in late August 2021, signing a minor league deal and assigned to Triple-A Charlotte. He performed well with a 2.00 earned run average and three saves across ten appearances before electing free agency. On February 25, 2022, Edwards signed with the Washington Nationals organization. With Triple-A Rochester Red Wings dominating opponents, he earned a major league recall on May 10, 2022. For the 2022 season, Edwards added a change-up to his pitching arsenal. He agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract in January 2023, but his season was derailed by injuries. He posted a 3.69 earned run average across 32 relief appearances before landing on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation in June. A stress fracture in his right scapula ended his season, and he became a free agent after the year.
Return to Chicago and Recent Career (2024-2025)
On January 26, 2024, Edwards returned to the Chicago Cubs on a minor league contract. He opted out in March and re-signed with a new minor league deal in April. In 20 appearances for Triple-A Iowa, he compiled a 1.85 earned run average with seven saves, but he was released in June. He signed with the San Diego Padres in July 2024 and began working primarily as a starting pitcher. He made one appearance for the Padres before being designated for assignment, clearing waivers, and re-signing with San Diego in August. He elected free agency after the season.
On March 11, 2025, Edwards signed with Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League but did not play for them, instead signing a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels on March 21. After seven appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake, the Angels added him to their active roster. He appeared in two games before being designated for assignment in late April, clearing waivers, and electing free agency on April 30. He then signed with Tigres de Quintana Roo in May, going 5-2 with a 3.38 earned run average and 60 strikeouts across 74 and two-thirds innings in 14 starts.
Texas Rangers Return and New York Mets (2025-Present)
On July 22, 2025, Edwards returned to his original draft team, signing a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. With Triple-A Round Rock Express, he posted a 2-1 record with a 5.31 earned run average across eight appearances, seven as a starter. The Rangers selected his contract in September, and he made two scoreless appearances for the major league team, recording four strikeouts across three innings. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Round Rock before electing free agency in October.
On December 8, 2025, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. He was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse to begin the 2026 season, posting a 1-2 record with a 5.29 earned run average across four starts. The Mets selected his contract on April 24, 2026, and he recorded an impressive 1.50 earned run average with 11 strikeouts across six innings in his first two appearances. However, he was designated for assignment on April 30 and cleared waivers, electing free agency on May 3. On May 8, 2026, Edwards signed with the Detroit Tigers organization and was assigned to Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Edwards stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs approximately 170 pounds, giving him the lean frame that inspired his nickname “The String Bean Slinger.” Throughout his career, he has served primarily as a relief pitcher but has also shown the ability to work as a starting pitcher. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he has complemented it with a change-up, which he added to his repertoire during his time with the Washington Nationals in 2022. Edwards’ ability to pitch effectively in high-leverage situations was on display during the Cubs’ 2016 championship run, where he demonstrated composure in crucial postseason moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards’ career has been defined by several historic and memorable moments. Being part of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship team marked the highest achievement of his career, and his appearance in Game 7 made him part of franchise history as one of the first African-American players to represent the Cubs in a World Series game. His first major league save against the San Francisco Giants in September 2016 represented his emergence as a reliable late-inning option. The versatility of playing for nine different major league organizations demonstrates his persistence and ability to adapt throughout his professional journey.
Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. Career Statistics
Across his Major League Baseball career spanning from 2015 through 2026, Edwards has established himself as a capable major league pitcher with a solid track record. His career win-loss record stands at 16 wins and 14 losses, with a career earned run average of 3.51 and 345 total strikeouts. These statistics reflect his ability to miss bats and keep his team in games throughout his appearances.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Edwards’ most productive stretch came during his initial tenure with the Chicago Cubs from 2015 to 2019. During this period, he appeared in numerous high-leverage situations and was trusted with important innings during the Cubs’ championship run. His 2017 season represented his best full year, with a 5-4 record and 94 strikeouts in his first complete major league campaign. The 2018 season saw him post a career-best 2.60 earned run average across 52 innings of work. Edwards has accumulated the majority of his career strikeouts and appearances during his time with the Cubs organization.
Minor League and International Performances
Edwards has consistently performed well in minor league settings throughout his career. His early career numbers were exceptional, including a 1.48 earned run average in his first professional season and a 1.83 earned run average with Hickory in 2013. His performance with Triple-A Charlotte in 2021 and Triple-A Iowa in 2024 showed he could still dominate hitters at the highest minor league level. His 2025 stint with Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Mexican League demonstrated his ability to pitch effectively internationally, posting a 5-2 record with a 3.38 earned run average across 14 starts.
| Competition Level | Wins | ERA | Strikeouts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major League Baseball | 16 | 14 | 3.51 | 345 |
Carl Fleming Edwards Jr. Family
Family Background
Edwards has maintained strong connections to his roots in Prosperity, South Carolina, throughout his professional career. His journey through minor league baseball was influenced by personal relationships, most notably his close friendship with Will Bedenbaugh, his high school teammate. The tragedy of Bedenbaugh’s death profoundly affected Edwards and shaped his decision to pursue professional baseball directly rather than attending college as originally planned.
Personal Life
Edwards is married to Anquinette Smith, whom he began dating during his professional career. The couple welcomed their first child in August 2015, shortly after Edwards made his Major League debut with the Cubs. Their second child was born in July 2018. Edwards and Anquinette married in 2021. Throughout his career, Edwards has maintained a presence on social media, where fans can follow his journey through his Instagram account.
Nicknames and Identity
Beyond his given name, Edwards has been known by several nicknames throughout his baseball career. During his time in the minor leagues, he was sometimes called “C.J.,” an abbreviation for Carl Jr. Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon continued to use this nickname during their time together with the team. Edwards’ most recognizable nickname, “The String Bean Slinger,” was earned due to his combination of a powerful arm and his slender 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame. He embraced this moniker by using it on the back of his personalized jersey during MLB Players Weekend events.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition and resilience for Edwards. After beginning the year with a brief stint in the Mexican League with Tigres de Quintana Roo, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels organization in March. His time with the Angels was brief, as he appeared in only two major league games before being designated for assignment in late April. Rather than accept an outright assignment to the minor leagues, Edwards elected free agency, demonstrating his continued desire to find the right opportunity.
Edwards found success back in Mexico, signing with Tigres de Quintana Roo in May 2025. Working primarily as a starting pitcher, he returned to form with a 5-2 record and a 3.38 earned run average across 14 starts. He struck out 60 batters in 74 and two-thirds innings, showing he could still pitch effectively at a high level. This strong performance in the Mexican League caught the attention of his original organization, the Texas Rangers, who signed him to a minor league contract in July.
Back in the Rangers organization where he was originally drafted in 2011, Edwards pitched well enough at Triple-A Round Rock to earn a September call-up to the major league roster. He made two scoreless appearances for Texas, recording four strikeouts in three innings. While he did not crack the Rangers’ major league plans long-term, his ability to work as both a starter and reliever provided him with flexibility heading into the offseason. His journey through multiple organizations in 2025 demonstrated his persistence and ability to contribute at various levels of professional baseball.