Cubs Make a Big Trade for Edward Cabrera, But Brewers May Be in Better Shape Than Ever

In a move that shook the baseball world on Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs made a bold move, sending their top prospect Owen Caissie along with two other key pieces to the Miami Marlins in exchange for the highly-coveted right-handed pitcher, Edward Cabrera. It’s a trade that promises both potential rewards and undeniable risks for Chicago’s rotation. Cabrera is a pitcher with immense upside, and should he live up to his potential, he could be exactly what the Cubs need to bolster their starting rotation. This trade is a clear attempt by Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, to address his team’s biggest need without disrupting the Major League roster or putting unnecessary strain on their finances.

But while Chicago’s big move is one to be acknowledged, it begs the question: What does it mean for their biggest rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers? After all, the Brewers have been the dominant force in the National League Central for the past three seasons, dispatching the Cubs in the NLDS last year. But despite this, the Brewers have remained notably quiet this offseason while the Cubs are making big moves. However, Milwaukee may not be in as precarious a position as one might assume. In fact, thanks to their own trade asset, Freddy Peralta, the Brewers’ situation might actually be more advantageous than it was just a day ago.

The Cubs and the Red-Hot Starting Pitcher Market

The trade for Cabrera is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The offseason has been defined by teams aggressively pursuing starting pitchers on the trade market, rather than in free agency, where options have been more limited. The starting pitching market has been especially volatile, as teams seek to shore up their rotations for the long haul. The Cubs’ acquisition of Cabrera is part of this broader trend, where clubs are more willing to spend prospect capital than money to add starting pitching depth.

So far this offseason, while there has been some significant action, it’s been mainly in the form of trades. Take, for example, the deal that sent Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Baltimore Orioles. In that trade, the Orioles parted with a massive haul, including four top-20 prospects and a draft pick, for a pitcher who, despite showing promise, posted a 4.87 ERA in 2025 and has a history of injury concerns. The fact that the Orioles were willing to make such a trade speaks volumes about the current climate for starting pitchers.

Then, there’s the trade that sent Edward Cabrera to the Cubs. Cabrera is undeniably talented, with one of the highest ceilings of any pitcher on the market. The Cubs clearly saw something in Cabrera that convinced them he could be the answer to their rotation woes. However, there’s a catch. Cabrera has yet to fully fulfill his potential in the big leagues, and his production hasn’t always matched the high expectations. There are also some lingering concerns about his shoulder and elbow, injuries that have limited him in the past.

Despite these risks, the Cubs are banking on Cabrera’s upside. The three years of team control he offers also sweeten the deal for Chicago, as they’ll have time to develop him into a front-line starter. But at the same time, the question remains: Will Cabrera be able to make good on his potential, or will he continue to underperform?

What Does the Freddy Peralta Situation Mean for the Brewers?

Now, let’s turn our attention to Milwaukee, where Freddy Peralta, a two-time All-Star, has emerged as the Brewers’ best trade asset this offseason. Peralta’s name has been thrown around in trade rumors, and as he enters his final year of team control before free agency, his value is high. The one glaring disadvantage the Brewers face is the fact that Peralta is set to become a free agent after this season, which will undoubtedly limit his trade value in the eyes of some teams. After all, no team wants to give up significant assets for a player they might only have for one season.

But despite that, Peralta is still an incredibly valuable piece. In terms of long-term potential, he might be the best option for any team looking for a No. 2 starter in 2026. That makes him a significantly better bet than both Cabrera and Baz, who have yet to prove themselves on the big stage.

For the Brewers, this puts them in an enviable position. While they don’t need to make a trade involving Peralta, they’re in a strong position to contend this season regardless of whether he stays or goes. Milwaukee has solid pitching depth behind Peralta, and should they decide to keep him for the season, they’ll still have the ability to contend. If they choose to let him walk after the season, they’ll receive a compensatory draft pick in return.

But it’s also possible that the Brewers could trade Peralta for a package of talent that could help them both in the short term and in the future. The moves involving Cabrera and Baz have set a high bar for what teams should expect in return for a top-tier starter, and it’s clear that the Brewers could cash in on Peralta if they so choose.

Could the Brewers Make a Big Move?

What makes Milwaukee’s situation especially interesting is the possibility that the Brewers could trade Peralta while still addressing their immediate needs. If they could receive an MLB-ready arm—such as Jonah Tong from the New York Mets—along with other prospects who could fill roles in the bullpen or infield in the future, the Brewers would be in a fantastic position.

A trade like that would allow the Brewers to continue contending while bolstering their future, something that could give them a sustained advantage over their rivals for years to come. The market for starting pitchers is red-hot right now, and with teams like the Mets, Red Sox, and Dodgers all in the mix for upgrades to their rotations, the Brewers could leverage their position to pull off a deal that strengthens their future without sacrificing their playoff hopes for this season.

What Does This All Mean for the Cubs?

The Cubs have undoubtedly made a significant move by acquiring Edward Cabrera, and it’s clear that they are serious about making a push for contention. By adding Cabrera to their rotation, the Cubs are getting a pitcher with a ton of potential, and the team could benefit immensely if he reaches his full potential. The Cubs have made the bold decision to make this move without parting with any key players on their Major League roster, and they’ve managed to keep their finances in check, which is a huge win for Chicago.

But the Brewers remain the team to beat in the NL Central. With their pitching depth and the looming possibility of a Freddy Peralta trade, Milwaukee has the potential to further strengthen its team in the coming weeks, should they decide to make a move. The Cubs may have won the battle by acquiring Cabrera, but in the long run, the Brewers may still win the war. The NL Central race just got even more intriguing, and the next few months could determine whether the Cubs or the Brewers come out on top.

Conclusion: The Cubs Take a Step Forward, But the Brewers Remain a Threat

The Cubs have made a major move by acquiring Edward Cabrera, but in the larger picture, the Brewers might still be better positioned. As the starting pitching market heats up and the trade rumors swirl, it will be fascinating to see how the Brewers respond. Freddy Peralta is a valuable asset, and if Milwaukee plays its cards right, they could emerge from this offseason stronger than ever. The Cubs have made a big step forward, but the Brewers’ depth and assets put them in prime position to maintain their dominance in the NL Central. The battle for supremacy in the division is far from over.