What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs have acquired starting pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins in exchange for outfield prospect Owen Caissie, infielder Christian Hernandez, and third baseman Edgardo De Leon. Cabrera,
who had a career-best season in 2025 with a 3.53 ERA over 137 2/3 innings, is seen as a high-upside pitcher. Despite previous control issues, Cabrera improved his walk rate to 8.3% by adjusting his pitch mix, relying less on his four-seam fastball and more on breaking balls and a sinker. However, Cabrera has struggled with injuries, missing time due to elbow issues in 2025.
Why It's Important?
This trade is significant for the Cubs as they aim to strengthen their pitching rotation and remain competitive in the league. Cabrera's acquisition adds depth to the Cubs' rotation, which includes All-Star Matthew Boyd and promising youngster Cade Horton. The trade also reflects the Cubs' strategy to build a strong team capable of contending for the World Series. For the Marlins, acquiring young prospects like Caissie, Hernandez, and De Leon provides an opportunity to develop future talent and potentially strengthen their roster in the long term.
What's Next?
The Cubs will focus on finalizing their lineup, particularly addressing the need to replace star outfielder Kyle Tucker. With Cabrera's addition, the Cubs' rotation appears set, allowing them to shift attention to enhancing their offensive capabilities. The Marlins, on the other hand, will integrate their new prospects into their system, aiming to develop them into key contributors for the team's future success.
