Hits Free Agency Once Again
One of baseball’s skinniest pitchers is officially back on the open market.
Carl Edwards Jr., once a promising flamethrowing prospect for the Chicago Cubs and most recently under contract with the Texas Rangers, has elected free agency rather than signing a new deal with Texas.
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Minor Leaguers Can Move Early
While major league players must wait until five days after the World Series to become free agents, minor leaguers like Edwards can do so immediately.
To qualify, a player must have been outrighted off a team’s 40-man roster during the season — as Edwards was — and must also have been outrighted multiple times in his career.
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Carl Edwards Jr.
Freedom to Negotiate Anywhere
By choosing free agency, Edwards can now negotiate with any MLB team.
The Rangers could still attempt to re-sign him, but he’s free to explore new opportunities elsewhere in hopes of securing a more stable major league role.
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The “String Bean Slinger”
Now 34 years old, Edwards stands 6-foot-3 and weighs just 165 pounds — earning him the nickname “The String Bean Slinger.”
Originally drafted by the Rangers in the 48th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Mid-Carolina High School, he broke into the majors in 2015 and spent five seasons with the Cubs.
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Carl Edwards Jr.
A Well-Traveled Career
Since his time in Chicago, Edwards has pitched for several organizations, including the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, and the Rangers.
In 2025, he made two appearances for the Angels before joining Texas, where he threw two scoreless outings.
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What’s Next for Edwards?
Across his career, Edwards has posted a 3.56 ERA with 334 strikeouts in 286 innings pitched. With his experience and track record, it’s likely another team will take a chance on him.
The only question now is where he’ll land — and whether he’ll get another real shot at a major league bullpen role.
