It’s not every day that a Rookie of the Year candidate gets traded. The same can also be said for an ascending young starting pitcher who has the potential to make the All-Star team this year. Seeing them traded for each other is only logical, but that’s what happened this week between the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins. It was an exciting transaction, and we have you covered with some Owen Caissie and Edward Cabrera trade reaction.

Ranked as the Cubs’ top prospect and one of the better prospects in the game, Caissie brings a lot of potential to the table. In his age-22 season in Triple-A last year, Caissie hit .286 with 22 home runs, 55 RBI, and 74 runs scored. On the surface, that’s impressive. When you then factor in that it came in just 99 games, the outfielder becomes more impressive.

Sep 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Owen Caissie (19) at bat against the Tampa Bay Rays during a game at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

There is true upside here, and there’s a lot to like with Caissie’s bat. The problem, and it’s more of a general statement with young hitters, is the strikeouts. While Caissie did walk 13.2% of the time last year, he also had a 27.9% strikeout rate.

In his 12-game cup of coffee last season with the Cubs, Caissie’s problem was evident as he had a 40.7% strikeout rate while batting .192. However, that shouldn’t change his long-term outlook and forecast.

Sep 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the fifth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

We also can’t dispute the talent of Cabrera. His biggest issue, though, is needing to stay healthy. Issues with his arm and health litter Cabrera’s resume, and his 137.2 innings pitched last year were a career high.

It was a successful 2025 for Cabrera, and all it did was fan the flames of optimism. He finished with a 3.53 ERA, 3.99 xERA, while striking out 9.81 batters per nine innings to go along with 3.14 walks per nine innings.

This is a trade all about upside and risk. With Cabrera, it’s a gamble on health, and with Caissie, it’s all about harnessing the strikeouts. It’s clear where the Marlins thought process lies as Caissie is the option with less risk. 

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