Chicago Cubs to Add Lefty Reliever Edwin Escobar from Japan to Roster

Report: Cubs to sign lefty reliever Edwin Escobar out of Japan originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Chicago Cubs have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen by signing left-handed reliever Edwin Escobar from Japan, as reported by Luis Enrique Morales.

Morales’s report quotes Escobar’s cousin, former MLB reliever Kelvim Escobar. Additionally, Edwin Escobar confirmed the signing on his Instagram page.

As of now, the details of the contract, including whether it is a minor league or major league deal, remain unknown.

Prior to his time in Japan, Escobar, now 31, was considered one of the sport’s top prospects. His successful seven-year career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) began in 2017, where he established himself as a durable and reliable reliever.

During his tenure in NPB, Escobar achieved a 3.17 ERA with 143 walks and 383 strikeouts in 392.1 innings across 395 games, showcasing his impressive skills.

Before heading to Japan, Escobar had brief appearances in the MLB, participating in two games with the Boston Red Sox in 2014 and later joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016 for 25 games, his most recent major league stint.

In his 27 MLB games and two starts, Escobar holds a 1-2 record with a 7.01 ERA, tallying 12 walks and 19 strikeouts in 25.2 innings.

The Cubs’ signing of Escobar continues their pattern of acquiring under-the-radar players on low-risk deals, reflecting their recent approach to bullpen management.

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