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Keep an Eye On: Cubs’ Hurler C.J. Edwards

By Wayne Cavadi

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It’s no secret that the Chicago Cubs have the best farm system in baseball. Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber have become household names heading into 2015. A prospect many have little expectations for in 2015, is looking to make his mark this spring.

C.J. Edwards was a little known high schooler when he was drafted in the 48th round by the Texas Rangers in 2011. The righty would come over to the Cubs in the Matt Garza trade amid an amazing season at Low-A Hickory. Now, he will be in his first spring training as the Cubs number one pitching prospect. 

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“I’m going to approach it like I’m going to leave with these guys,” Edwards told Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. “It may happen, it may not. Nobody knows what’s going on. You just have to put in your mind to keep a strong mindset that I’m going to break. If you don’t, don’t be disappointed. I’m just going to go out there and give it my all and leave it to the guys upstairs.”

Edwards may have been little known when he was drafted, but almost immediately began pitching in the minors as if he were a veteran. He finished his debut system in the Rangers system with a 5-3 record to go along with a 1.48 ERA, an astounding 0.85 WHIP and 85 strikeouts over 67 innings spanning two levels.

He was traded after a scorching hot start for the Rangers’ affiliate Hickory Crawdads of the Low-A South Atlantic League where he went 8-2 with a 1.83 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 93.1 innings. He earned both SAL Mid-Season All Star and Baseball America Minor League All Star honors for his performance in Hickory. He earned an immediate promotion to High-A once landing on the Cubs and didn’t skip a beat. The most impressive feat of his 2013 season? He allowed one home run over 116.1 innings.

It isn’t his pitches that has the Cubs worried about their 23-year old right handed youngster. He has an above average, arguably major league ready three pitch arsenal already. His fastball, obviously as a strikeout pitcher, is his go-to pitch. MLBFarm’s scouting report shows that it hits consistently in in the low 90s early in the game, but drops to the high 80s as early as the third inning. He has a 12-6 curveball that swoops in in the high 70s and his changeup has improved each season toughing the low 80s.

What is worrisome about Edwards is his frame. Edwards stands at 6 foot 2 and weighs in at 155 pounds. His debut Double-A season in 2014 saw him limited due to shoulder problems stemming from inflammation. The question isn’t simply whether Edwards can hold up during a season, but how long such a frail frame can support a hard throwing strike pitcher.

The Cubs 2015 rotation has four pitchers set and quite a few options for their fifth. While Edwards isn’t expected to head to Chicago come Opening Day, there is no denying he has the tools to be a front of the rotation pitcher. Surrounded by veterans like Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Jason Hammel, Edwards could take advantage of his first spring training and, with a solid, injury-free 2015, could be ready by next year.

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