The Los Angeles Angels have struggled to maintain their strong start to the season. Following a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, their record now stands at 11-12, and they face significant issues. Heading into the game, Los Angeles had the third-worst bullpen in Major League Baseball with a troubling 5.45 ERA. Other concerning statistics, such as a 1.62 WHIP and the worst batting average allowed in the league at .283, all highlight the same problem: the team desperately needs bullpen help.
To address this, the Angels have added a former World Series champion to their roster. Before Wednesday’s game, the team announced they had selected the contract of former Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. In an interview with reporters (via The Sporting Tribune’s Brandon Deutsch), Edwards discussed how his championship experience could help the team. “Something called championship DNA,” he said. “Helps with all these guys being there. We got goals and expectations.”
Edwards played a key role in the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory, ending the team’s 108-year championship drought. With 280 innings pitched in the majors over his 11-year career, Edwards has posted a 3.54 ERA, a 1.211 WHIP, and a 120 ERA+. His best season came in 2017 with the Cubs, where he recorded a 2.98 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 73 appearances, earning 1.6 bWAR. Over the past five seasons, the South Carolina native has played for five different teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, and San Diego Padres.