The Chicago Cubs bolstered their pitching rotation by adding Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins as their primary off-season move. In exchange for Cabrera, who had an impressive 2025 season with an 8-7 record and a 3.53 ERA, the Cubs traded outfielder Owen Caissie and infield prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon to Miami.
Caissie, a 23-year-old talent from Burlington, Ont., made his major league debut with the Cubs last year and showed promise with a .192 batting average in 12 games. However, his performance in triple-A Iowa was notable, hitting .286 with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs. Cabrera, on the other hand, is locked in for salary arbitration and cannot test free agency until after the 2028 season.
The Cubs, who finished as runners-up in the National League Central with a 92-70 record last season, aim to build on their playoff appearance by adding Cabrera to their pitching arsenal. Cabrera, 28 in April, will join a robust rotation featuring Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, and Jameson Taillon, among others.
While Cabrera’s arrival fortifies the Cubs’ pitching depth, Caissie was anticipated to contend for playing time in right field, especially with the potential departure of Kyle Tucker in free agency. Miami, on the other hand, made significant strides under new manager Clayton McCullough, finishing the season with a 79-83 record, a notable improvement from their 2024 last-place finish.
Hernandez and De Leon, part of the trade package sent to Miami, showcased their potential in their respective minor league performances. Hernandez, 22, posted a .252 average with seven home runs and 53 RBIs, while De Leon, 18, impressed with a .276 batting average, five home runs, and 15 RBIs in the Arizona Complex League in 2025.
Cabrera, standing at six-foot-five, made his MLB debut in 2021 and holds a career record of 25-29 with a 4.07 ERA in 87 starts and two relief appearances. Cabrera’s arrival in Chicago comes with some injury concerns, including recurring blisters on his pitching hand and a right elbow sprain that sidelined him briefly during the previous season. However, he closed out the season on a high note by pitching five scoreless innings against the New York Mets.
The trade signals a strategic move for both teams as they aim to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.
