Chicago Cubs Make a Strategic Move Acquiring Edward Cabrera

In a significant move aimed at bolstering their pitching staff, the Chicago Cubs have reportedly finalized a trade with the Miami Marlins to acquire right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera, as per ESPN's Jeff Passan. This acquisition comes on the heels of the Cubs' efforts to enhance their roster in anticipation of the upcoming MLB season.

The Trade Details

Cabrera, who has spent his entire five-year Major League Baseball career with the Marlins, stands out as a promising talent. Last season, in 2025, he experienced a breakout performance, finishing with an 8-7 record over 26 starts. He posted an impressive 3.53 ERA and recorded a WHIP of 1.228. These stats underline Cabrera's potential to make a significant impact on the Cubs' rotation.

ESPN's Jeff Passan detailed that the Cubs were not the only team interested in Cabrera, with the New York Yankees also having eyes on the 27-year-old pitcher. However, according to Jon Heyman from the New York Post, the Yankees were "never close" to finalizing a deal, ultimately clearing the path for the Cubs to secure their latest addition.

Cubs' Updated Starting Rotation

With Cabrera's acquisition, the Cubs have a renewed look to their starting rotation as they prepare for the 2026 season. Alongside Cabrera, the Cubs have also secured Colin Rea by signing him to a one-year contract on November 6. Rea had 27 starts during the 2025 season and will provide valuable experience, potentially serving as a versatile option in both starting and relief roles.

The anticipated rotation now sees the likes of Cabrera and Rea, both of whom bring distinct strengths to the table. Cabrera's fastball averaged an impressive 97 miles per hour last season, complemented by his signature changeup, which proved effective in earning strikeouts. In 2025, Cabrera fanned 150 batters while only walking 48, showcasing his ability to control the game from the mound.

Reasons for the Trade

Cabrera's youth and the favorable terms of his contract also contributed to his attractiveness on the trade market. The right-handed pitcher is under team control through the 2028 season, making him a strategic pick for the Cubs as they look to build a competitive roster for the foreseeable future.

This acquisition comes on the back of the Cubs' first postseason appearance since 2020, where they fell to the Milwaukee Brewers in a tightly contested five-game National League Division Series. The Cubs are clearly aiming to build upon that momentum and further their playoff aspirations in the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

The Cubs’ management has made it clear that rebuilding the team into a playoff contender is a priority. The addition of Cabrera aligns with this vision, given his upside and status as a rising star within the league. Fans and analysts alike will keenly observe how the Cubs' rotation shapes up as the new season approaches.

As the Cubs finalize their roster, they have set a clear trajectory toward bolstering their competitiveness in the highly challenging National League Central division. The combination of seasoned pitchers and emerging talents like Cabrera will be essential as the team aims to make deeper playoff runs in the upcoming seasons.

Conclusion

The Chicago Cubs have taken an exciting step forward with the trade for Edward Cabrera, signaling their commitment to enhancing their pitching rotation and building a strong competitive team in MLB. As the 2026 season approaches, fans are eager to see how these changes will translate into on-field success.