NEWSLETTER
Today, the Chicago Cubs announced their second round of cuts from big league camp, and it was just pitcher C.J. Edwards.
Obviously the move is not indicative of Edwards’ ability, as he was not a threat to make the big league roster at this point. He got in two more innings yesterday in a big league game, and now it’s time to head to minor league camp to get ready for the season.
You all know the story with Edwards: his ceiling is as a front-of-the-rotation starter (maybe a solid two) in the big leagues, because he’s already got a plus fastball and curveball, and his changeup is nearly right there, too. The question, though, is going to be the durability (because of the slight frame) and the health (because of the shoulder issue last year).
It’ll be interesting to see if Edwards is sent back to AA Tennessee to start the year*, or if he gets the bump to AAA Iowa. Given his performance post-injury last year, and how folks said he looked in the AFL, I’m sure he’s ready for Iowa. The only issue will be what’s best for his development. It’ll also be interesting to see how the Cubs manage Edwards’ innings this year, given the injury in 2014. It’s hard to see him starting full-time all season long, so will the Cubs limit his starts? Limit his innings within starts? Consider him for the big league bullpen in the second half?
As is the case with so many Cubs prospects, I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for him.
With Edwards out, and after the larger first set of cuts, the Cubs have 52 left in big league camp.
*Edwards was technically optioned to Iowa in today’s move (he’s on the 40-man roster, so his “cut” is an option), but that is, for now, his camp roster. It doesn’t guarantee that he’ll open the year at Iowa.
