The Chicago Cubs are going to be all about pitching this winter, at least that’s what Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is telling the baseball world.
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That really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however, for those who paid attention to the pitching staff’s collective failings in the playoffs and the precarious road that got the team to the postseason.
Aside from the need to rebuild almost the entire bullpen due to free agency, the starting rotation now suddenly seems in peril with the Cubs declining their option on Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele being out until about mid-season, still recovering from elbow surgery last April. There’s also the feeling that Matthew Boyd and rookie phenom Cade Horton, who both have long histories of injury, could fall short of their 2025 excellence in 2026.
Although rumors abound regarding Chicago’s willingness to be big spenders in pursuit of free agent starting pitching this offseason, reality tells us that the frugal Cubs ownership will only open up the pocket book so wide. If free agents are acquired, they’re more likely to be fringe arms or reclamation projects. It’s probably more likely that any impact pitcher would be acquired via trade.
And that brings us to a deal that would make so much sense for both teams that it almost has to be explored.
Chicago Cubs must resume pursuit of this burgeoning ace
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins Jun 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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The Cubs need to huddle with the Miami Marlins once again and get a deal made for 27-year-old right-hander Edward Cabrera.
This is hardly an out-of-the-blue idea. Lots of insiders and analysts have been talking up Cabrera-to-the-Cubs since early last season and the Cubs even kicked the tires on a possible trade for Cabrera prior to the trade deadline. Reportedly, the front office is still interested in Cabrera, too.
Per Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic:
“It would be surprising if the Cubs didn’t rekindle trade talks with the Miami Marlins, an organization that’s flush with pitching talent and looking to turn the corner into playoff contention.
The Cubs spiked a deal for Jesús Luzardo during the medical review portion last winter, and then circled back to the Marlins at the trade deadline. Multiple names were discussed, but the Cubs showed the most interest in Edward Cabrera…
The Cubs envision another level Cabrera could reach, especially through multiple years of working together in the same system.”
Edward Cabrera is on the verge of big things
Aug 8, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) reacts to his eleventh strikeout against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
Last season, the native of the Dominican Republic posted a 3.53 ERA over 137.2 innings and 26 starts. Many feel that 2025 was the year he turned the corner in his development and began to turn into the pitcher many felt he would become. If the Cubs are truly interested in adding a power pitcher to their rotation, Cabrera would be an ideal acquisition. As things sit right now, he’s already averaging over one strikeout per inning and his best may be yet to come.
The Cubs are also surely lusting over the fact that Cabrera is under team control through the 2028 season and will be making less than $2 million this coming season before becoming eligible for arbitration at the end of the year.
So, why would the Marlins be willing to deal someone like Cabrera, who’s making small-time money and still has three years before being eligible for free agency?
That’s the big question. But, by all accounts, the Marlins have been open to offers, possibly working under the belief that their surplus of pitching can be used to fill numerous other gaping holes in their roster.
Who the Cubs would have to give up
Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcantara against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In the case of the Cubs, a deal for Cabrera would have to involve some high-end prospects and/or major league-ready young assets. Given the Marlins’ needs and the fact that they’re in rebuild mode right now, it’s possible that they might go for a package including outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara and first base prospect Jonathon Long, along with a lower-level young talent.
Alcantara is currently ranked no. 5 in the Cubs’ system while Long is no. 7. Long, especially, was a revelation in 2025, hitting .305 with 20 home runs and 91 RBIs in Triple-A Iowa.
Best of all for the Cubs, the deal would be relatively painless for them as Long’s path to the majors is blocked by first baseman Michael Busch and Alcantara seems to be lost in the outfield mix. Losing both wouldn’t mean all that much to Chicago’s long-term plans.
The Marlins, meanwhile, have been scrambling to find outfield depth and someone who could be their every day first baseman. Early last season, they traded Vidal Brujan to the Cubs for first base prospect Matt Mervis, looking for a possible first base solution. That didn’t work out so well for them. Both 23-year-olds, Alcantara and Long, are regarded as possibly major league-ready right now and could be plugged into the Marlins lineup on opening day.
It should be noted, though, that lots of other teams are reportedly interested in Cabrera, so the Cubs will have some stiff competition in their pursuit. They’d likely have to add some more honey to the pot to get this deal made, maybe even going so far as to add another top 12-level prospect or maybe even a big league roster name such as Javier Assad.
This pickup would be worth it, though. Cabrera represents both a 2026 asset as well as a building block for the future.
No Cubs drama is expected at the offseason’s first major date
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