Chicago Cubs acquired a right-handed starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in trade with Miami Marlins. Top outfielder Owen Casey, infielder Christian Hernandez and infielder Edgardo De Leon return to Miami.
Cabrera, who turns 28 in April, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign for the Marlins.
The numbers above were good for an ERA+ of 125, which he backed up with a career-best FIP ​​of 3.83. Additionally, Cabrera's 137⅔ innings pitched last season were a career high. He has posted a career ERA+ of 108 and a WAR of 7.1 in five starts. Major League Baseball seasons.
Edward Cabrera Trade Grades: Cubs make deal for frontcourt rookie, Marlins get 'B' grade vs. previous earnings
R.J. Anderson
CBS Sports previously rated Cabrera as one of the top potential trade candidates in the 2025-26 offseason.. This is not only because of his strong results in the last campaign, but also because of his talent in the arm game. In 2025, Cabrera ranked in the 87th percentile among major league pitchers with an average fastball velocity of 96.9 mph. Compare him to the starters alone and he would rank even higher. He also ranked around the 75th percentile among all pitchers in strikeout percentage, chase rate, whiff rate and slugging percentage. Cabrera boasts a five-pitch repertoire and earned over 40% of his swing rate on his curveball and slider last season. Additionally, Cabrera's high trade value reflects the fact that he is not eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season.
Cabrera has dealt with a number of arm issues throughout his career, including injuries due to elbow tendonitis, a shoulder impingement and a sprained elbow just last September. However, the Cubs are no doubt hoping Cabrera can avoid any serious arm issues and build on his career-high 26 starts last season. If he's truly healthy and steady moving forward, Cabrera promises to be an upside in the Cubs' rotation.
Cabrera will join a Cubs rotation that already features lefties. Matthew Boyd And Shota Imanaga along with right-handers Jameson Taillon And Cade Hortonthe latter ended with a very promising rookie season. Colin Rea adds depth and lefties Justin Steele will ever return from Tommy John surgery.
Casey, on the other hand, is a headliner, a top outfield prospect who had a short and disappointing MLB debut in 2025. He's only 23 years old, and his high exit velocity should compensate for his high error and miss rates. Hernandez is a 22-year-old infielder who was out of High-A play last year, and De Leon is an 18-year-old who spent 2025 as a rookie.
