🚨 CHICAGO CUBS MAKE A BIG MOVE: Acquiring Edward Cabrera from the Marlins for Top Prospects, Cubs’ Rotation Gets Stronger

The Chicago Cubs are making waves this offseason with a bold trade that could significantly bolster their pitching staff. According to ESPN, the Cubs are acquiring right-handed starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins, sending top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, infielder Cristian Hernandez, and 18-year-old infielder Edgardo De Leon back to Miami in return. While neither team has officially confirmed the deal, the move is expected to have a major impact on both rosters.

Cabrera’s Impressive Performance and Potential

Cabrera, who turns 28 this April, is coming off a highly productive 2025 season with the Marlins. The righty posted a career-best FIP of 3.83, which played a significant role in his impressive ERA+ of 125. Over the course of 137 ⅔ innings, Cabrera made 26 starts, marking a career high for him in innings pitched. His performance was a clear indication that he had turned the corner in his development as a starting pitcher.

For his career, Cabrera boasts an ERA+ of 108, showing consistent performance above league average. Additionally, he has accumulated 7.1 WAR over five MLB seasons, highlighting his ability to contribute significantly to his team’s success when healthy.

CBS Sports had previously ranked Cabrera as one of the top potential trade candidates of the 2025-26 offseason, and it’s easy to see why. Cabrera’s strong numbers in 2025 were supported by his raw arm talent, making him an attractive option for teams in need of pitching depth. He ranked in the 87th percentile for fastball velocity (averaging 96.9 mph), and he excelled in several key metrics, including strikeout percentage, whiff rate, chase rate, and groundball percentage. His five-pitch repertoire, which includes a nasty curveball and slider, allowed him to earn a swinging-strike rate of over 40% on both of those pitches in 2025. These factors combined made Cabrera one of the most highly sought-after pitchers on the market.

Moreover, Cabrera’s trade value was amplified by the fact that he is not eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season, giving the Cubs long-term control over his services.

Health Concerns and the Cubs’ Hopeful Outlook

While Cabrera brings a lot of potential to the Cubs’ rotation, there is an element of risk involved. Throughout his career, Cabrera has dealt with a number of arm injuries, including elbow tendinitis, a shoulder impingement, and, most recently, an elbow strain in September 2025. The Cubs will undoubtedly be hoping that Cabrera can stay healthy and avoid any significant arm issues moving forward.

If Cabrera can stay durable, there is significant upside for the Cubs. Last season, he was able to make a career-high 26 starts, and if he can continue to build on that success, he could be a key piece in the Cubs’ rotation for years to come. His frontline upside is apparent, and if he reaches his potential, Cabrera could be a cornerstone in the Cubs’ starting staff.

A Deep Cubs Rotation: Building a Competitive Pitching Staff

Cabrera’s arrival adds depth to an already competitive Cubs rotation. The Cubs already have a solid group of pitchers, including lefties Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, as well as righties Jameson Taillon and Cade Horton. Horton, in particular, is coming off a highly encouraging rookie season, showing promise as a potential future ace for the Cubs.

Colin Rea provides added depth to the Cubs’ pitching staff, and Justin Steele, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to return at some point during the 2026 season. With Cabrera now in the fold, the Cubs have assembled a pitching staff that is well-rounded and capable of competing in the National League.

Cabrera’s addition also gives the Cubs flexibility in terms of matchups, as they now have a solid mix of left-handed and right-handed pitchers in their rotation. His strikeout potential and ability to generate groundballs make him a valuable asset in both the regular season and the postseason, where pitching depth is critical.

Cubs’ Trade Return: Prospects Headed to Miami

In return for Cabrera, the Cubs are sending a promising package of prospects to the Marlins, including Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon. Caissie, the headliner of the deal, is a top outfield prospect who struggled in a brief MLB stint in 2025 but still boasts significant upside. At just 23 years old, Caissie is known for his strong exit velocities and the potential to develop into a powerful bat. However, he does have some concerns regarding his swing-and-miss rates, which will need to be addressed as he continues his development.

Cristian Hernandez, a 22-year-old infielder, spent time at High-A last season and is regarded as a potential future star. While he’s still working on refining his skills, Hernandez has shown flashes of brilliance and could become a key contributor in the Marlins’ system.

Finally, Edgardo De Leon, an 18-year-old who spent the 2025 season in rookie ball, rounds out the Cubs’ trade package. De Leon is still a long way from the big leagues, but he has a high ceiling and could develop into a valuable asset for the Marlins as he matures in their system.

Looking Ahead: Cubs’ Future with Cabrera

The Cubs are hoping that Cabrera’s arrival will help solidify their pitching rotation for the foreseeable future. While his health will remain a key factor in his success, the Cubs are betting on Cabrera’s talent and his potential to stay healthy over the long term.

In the coming weeks, the Cubs will likely continue to make adjustments to their roster, both in terms of pitching and position players, as they prepare for the 2026 season. The addition of Cabrera is a big step toward improving their rotation, and Cubs fans can now look forward to a deeper and more competitive team in the upcoming season.

As the Cubs continue to build their roster, the acquisition of Cabrera will no doubt be seen as one of the key moves of the offseason, with the potential to pay huge dividends in the years to come.