Chicago Cubs Bolster Rotation with Edward Cabrera
The Chicago Cubs announced the acquisition of pitcher Edward Cabrera in a strategic move with the Marlins. The transaction, which seeks to strengthen the Cubs’ pitching staff, involves the departure of Owen Caissie, a prominent outfield prospect, along with two other young hitters, heading to Miami. In addition to Caissie, the Cubs also released infield prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon. This negotiation, which has generated expectations, seeks to strengthen Chicago’s rotation, which already has figures like Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga.Cabrera’s ability to generate “swing-and-miss” is a valuable attribute for the Cubs, who are looking to improve this aspect in their rotation. The team also has other candidates for the starting position, such as Cade Horton, Javier Assad, and Justin Steele, who is recovering from elbow surgery. The price paid by the Cubs was high, as Caissie, considered a high-caliber prospect, was given up in this trade. This decision also implies that Chicago needs to bolster its offense, given that the projected runs scored for 2026 were uncertain even with Caissie on the team. Although the Cubs have not yet made any major moves in the free agent market, last season’s right fielder, Kyle Tucker, is still available, as are infielders Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, as well as former Cub Cody Bellinger. The Cubs have held conversations with these players’ agents. Cabrera, known for his powerful arm, is coming off his best season in 2025, with an 8-7 record and a 3.53 ERA, achieving career highs with 150 strikeouts in 137⅔ innings. The pitcher, who will turn 28 in April, is under contractual control for three more seasons before being eligible for free agency after the 2028 season. Despite having struggled with injuries throughout his career, Cabrera has shown good health in 2025, although he has appeared in only 89 games in his five seasons with the Marlins. Cabrera is expected to receive a salary increase in 2026, starting from a base salary of $1.95 million from last season. This acquisition represents a more economical option compared to the starting pitcher options available in free agency. Caissie, 23, debuted in the Major Leagues last season, participating in 12 games with the Cubs and batting .192 with a home run. In 99 games in Triple-A Iowa, Caissie stood out with a .286 average, 22 home runs, and an OPS of .937. Hernandez, 22, played last season in High-A, batting .252 with 52 stolen bases, playing second base and shortstop. He has been in the Cubs organization since he was signed from the Dominican Republic in 2021. Hernandez was ranked as Chicago’s tenth-best prospect. De Leon, 18 years old, played in the Arizona Complex League last year, batting .276 and playing primarily in infield positions.Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer had expressed the organization’s interest in reinforcing its pitching, both in the rotation and in the bullpen.
Jed Hoyer
