The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins in exchange for outfielder Owen Caissie and infield prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon. This move bolsters Chicago's rotation with a promising starter under team control through 2028. For Miami, the deal adds much-needed offensive talent to their prospect system.
The trade, finalized on Wednesday, addresses the Cubs' need for rotation depth following injuries that hampered their staff late in the 2025 season, when they reached the National League Division Series. Cabrera, entering his age-28 season, delivered a breakout 2025 campaign with the Marlins, posting a 3.53 ERA over 26 starts and 137 2/3 innings, his career highs, while striking out 150 batters. His arsenal features a 94.2 mph changeup used 25.8% of the time, a curveball at 23.6%, and a 96.8 mph sinker at 20.6%, contributing to an improved 8.3% walk rate compared to his career 11.7%. Despite elbow discomfort in July and a sprain in August, he returned strong, capping the year with five shutout innings against the Mets on September 28.
Cabrera slots into a Cubs rotation that includes Shota Imanaga, who accepted a $22.025 million qualifying offer, NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon. Justin Steele is recovering from elbow surgery and could return midseason, with Colin Rea, Javier Assad, Ben Brown, and Jordan Wicks providing depth. His arbitration eligibility begins with a projected $3.7 million salary for 2026, offering cost efficiency amid pursuits of free agents like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette.
The Marlins, rebuilding their offense, receive Caissie, their new No. 3 prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 47 overall. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter slashed .280/.384/.487 in 505 minor-league games since 2021, with 81 homers, though his MLB debut was limited by a concussion. MLB Pipeline notes his 'huge raw power' and potential for 30-plus homers annually. Hernandez, 22, brings speed with 52 stolen bases in High-A in 2025, while 18-year-old De Leon hit .276/.353/.500 in the Arizona Complex League. This package enhances Miami's young core, including Thomas White and Robby Snelling, as they aim to contend in 2026.