MLB: 10 prospects ready to play in the big leagues

It’s very rare in this day and age (after the end of the draft-and-follow era) for a 48^th round pick to emerge as not only a future Major Leaguer, but as one of the game’s best prospects. It’s also rare for a 6-foot-3, 170-pound pitcher to reach that distinction. Yet, Cubs prospect Carl Edwards, Jr. (also known as C.J.) is a consensus Top 50 prospect that is knocking on the door to the big leagues.

As we mentioned earlier, the Chicago Cubs are already relying heavily on young future stars in their everyday lineup, and the results have been very promising. But with the exception of 25-year old Kyle Hendricks in the starting rotation, the Cubs’ pitching staff is stocked primarily with veterans. There’s also rotation depth because starters Travis Wood and Edwin Jackson are working out of the bullpen. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a talented young newcomer.

A starter the bulk of his professional career, Edwards has been working out of the bullpen in 2015. After posting a 2.66 ERA with an eye-popping 36 strikeouts and .136 BAA in 23.2 innings across 13 games for Double-A Tennessee, the 23-year old was promoted to Triple-A Iowa.

Edwards is a hard-thrower, occasionally touching 97 miles an hour, but his fastball is most effective because of it’s cutting movement. Mixing in a solid curveball and change-up, the Cubs’ top pitching prospect has the repertoire of a front-line starter but because of the recent move to the ‘pen obviously factors into Chicago’s present plans as a reliever.

Thanks to the early transition, it’s likely – probable, even – that we’ll see Edwards at Wrigley Field this summer.

Next: Matt Wisler