Cubs select contract of Tennessee pitcher C.J. Edwards

The Chicago Cubs today selected the contract of right-handed pitcher C.J. Edwards from Double-A Tennessee. Chicago's 40-man roster now stands at 39 players.

Edwards, 23, is 14-7 with a 1.86 ERA (49 ER/237.0 IP) in 50 minor league outings (49 starts) covering the last three minor league seasons.

Chicago Cubs trade Arodys Vizcaino for Atlanta Braves IF Tommy La Stella

Image credit - Grant Dawson (CC)

The Chicago Cubs have acquired infielder Tommy La Stella from the Atlanta Braves, as well as Atlanta's number four international signing bonus slot, for right-handed pitcher Arodys Vizcaino and three international signing bonus slots (slot numbers two, three and four).

La Stella, 25, made his major league debut with the Braves last season and led National League rookies with 36 walks and a .328 on-base percentage (min. 300 plate appearances). In 93 games, he hit .251 (80-for-319) with 16 doubles, one home run and 31 RBI, and compiled a .984 fielding percentage (6 E/368 TC) in 88 games at second base. He began the year at Triple-A, his first time at that level, and hit .293 (49-for-167) with a .384 on-base percentage in 47 games for Gwinnett prior to his promotion to the majors.

Cubs officially announce Maddon as new manager

Photo by Keith Allsion

The Chicago Cubs today named Joe Maddon the 54th manager in franchise history, agreeing to terms on a five-year contract through the 2019 season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A two-time A.L. Manager of the Year during his nine seasons with Tampa Bay (2006-14), Maddon joins the Cubs after guiding the Rays to four post-season appearances (2008, 2010-11, 2013), including the organization's lone World Series appearance in 2008 when he earned his first Manager of the Year award before collecting the honor again in 2011. Only three active managers have more post-season appearances than Maddon (Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona, Mike Scioscia).

Cubs sign Wada to 1-year deal

Tsuyoshi Wada with the Fukuoka Hawks of the Japan Pacific League

The Chicago Cubs and left-handed pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada today agreed to terms on a 2015 major league contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.