Edward Cabrera Shines in Cubs Spring Debut, but His Development Will Be Key to His Success in Chicago

MESA, Ariz. — Edward Cabrera’s first spring training start for the Chicago Cubs could be summed up in three words: “Good, very good.”

The 27-year-old right-hander, freshly acquired from the Miami Marlins, flashed the electric stuff that has long intrigued the Cubs’ front office. In an 8-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, Cabrera tossed two perfect innings, striking out three of the six batters he faced. It was the type of performance that confirmed why the Cubs coveted Cabrera since the offseason—his upside as a dominant starter is undeniable. However, the key to his success in Chicago will hinge on more than just raw talent.

Cabrera’s focus throughout his spring outing was on maintaining control of his pitch mix. While he possesses elite velocity and some of the best pitch characteristics in the game, his biggest challenge has always been command. During his five seasons with the Marlins, Cabrera struggled with walking too many batters, limiting the potential of his stuff. The Cubs are hoping that a refined approach in 2026 can reduce the walk rate and allow Cabrera to truly flourish.

A Look at Cabrera’s Pitching Arsenal

One pitch that could play a pivotal role in Cabrera’s ability to control his walk rate this season is his four-seam fastball. In 2025, Cabrera reduced his use of the pitch, throwing it only 13% of the time, down from 27.7% in 2024. Despite the reduced usage, opposing hitters were able to feast on the four-seam fastball, slugging six home runs off it and posting a .583 slugging percentage. His whiff rate on the pitch, a meager 18.1%, further highlighted the need for improvement in his fastball command.

During his spring training debut against the Guardians, Cabrera made a conscious effort to incorporate his four-seam fastball more effectively into his mix. Of his 31 pitches, 10 were fastballs, and he recorded two whiffs with the pitch, including a strikeout against Rhys Hoskins to end the first inning. The results were promising, but Cabrera himself knows that his success with the four-seam will depend largely on better locating the pitch.

“That’s one thing that I want to do, I want to throw it more,” Cabrera said through an interpreter. “If I want to throw it outside, throw it outside. That’s what every pitcher strives for.”

For Cabrera, the key is consistency. If he can improve his fastball command, it could unlock an even more potent weapon in his already impressive arsenal. The Cubs are confident that with focused refinement, Cabrera’s fastball can become a reliable pitch rather than a liability.

A Smooth Transition to Chicago

The Cubs have been careful not to alter Cabrera’s routine too drastically, understanding the importance of continuity as he transitions to a new organization. During his time with the Marlins, Cabrera’s spring routine typically involved an extra live batting practice session before getting into game action. The Cubs respected this approach and allowed Cabrera to ease into his first Cactus League start a week into the exhibition schedule.

While Cabrera’s physical routine has remained largely unchanged, the Cubs are taking a more holistic approach to his development. Unlike some organizations that might overhaul a pitcher’s repertoire, the Cubs see Cabrera as a talented player who is entering the prime of his career. The focus for Chicago isn’t on reinventing him but on unlocking his full potential through proper development, health, and opportunity.

“I don’t think there’s a big change that we think is needs to happen here,” manager Craig Counsell explained. “That’s not what the trade was about. We just think this is a talented pitcher coming into the right part of his career. And the health part of this is a real thing that we have to get right to the best of our ability, and then there’s some stuff that we can’t control.”

Cabrera’s Role in a Deep Cubs Rotation

One of the advantages Cabrera has joining the Cubs is the depth of the team’s starting rotation. Unlike in Miami, where Cabrera was often counted on to be the ace of the staff, he now joins a group of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The Cubs’ rotation includes Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon, two proven big-league starters with over 400 combined career starts, as well as Shota Imanaga, an emerging star who has shown flashes of brilliance. Cade Horton, the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, rounds out the rotation, with Justin Steele expected to return early in the season from injury.

Cabrera doesn’t come into a situation where he is expected to be “the guy.” Instead, he is part of a deep and balanced rotation that allows him to focus on his development without the pressure of being the staff’s leader. The Cubs’ strength lies in the collective talent of their starters, and Cabrera’s upside fits perfectly into this structure.

Counsell emphasized the importance of Cabrera’s development, noting that there is no rush for him to carry the weight of the rotation on his shoulders. “I think there’s something about that that somewhere along this journey will make it a little bit easier,” Counsell said. “But I can tell you that he has very high expectations of himself, and that probably doesn’t matter how everybody else sees him, how they would rank him, or whatever you want to say. So that’s generally still what’s going to be the most important thing.”

Looking Ahead: Cabrera’s Potential for the Cubs

As Cabrera progresses through spring training, the Cubs are excited about his potential to become a key contributor to their rotation. His talent is undeniable, and if he can fine-tune his command and consistency, he could emerge as one of the league’s top pitchers. The Cubs’ strategy is clear—give Cabrera the tools and environment he needs to succeed, but also allow him the space to grow into his role without the weight of overwhelming expectations.

The next few months will be crucial in determining just how impactful Cabrera can be for the Cubs. His spring training performances will offer a glimpse into what the future holds, but it will be his ability to stay healthy, refine his fastball command, and make adjustments that will determine whether his transition to Chicago becomes a success.

For now, Cabrera remains focused on one thing: improving with every outing. The Cubs are hopeful that, as the season progresses, Cabrera can find the consistency and command he needs to fulfill his vast potential and help lead their rotation to new heights.