The team loved his stuff, his raw potential, and the fact that he seemed to be putting everything together for next level success. They also loved the fact that the young arm was under firm team control, not eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season.<\/p>\n
This offseason, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer finally pulled the trigger on a deal to bring Cabrera to Chicago. It was a big, bold move that cost the Cubs their no. 1 prospect OF Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect SS\/2B Cristian Hernandez, and INF Edgardo De Leon.<\/p>\n
Cabrera is \u201cready to take off\u201d
\n![\"Edward](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_27195766-900x600.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n
More News: Chicago Cubs projected to win NL Central by a ton, but\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n It was a heavy price to pay for a farm system already tapped and moving in the wrong direction, from top-tier to lower-third. But a 27-year-old with an upside like Cabrera\u2019s who could give the team three full years at a budget price is not something you really want to pass up, especially if your plan is to challenge for a championship in the here and now.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we see in Edward [Cabrera] is just a pitcher who\u2019s ready to take off,\u201d manager Craig Counsell said<\/a> during Cubs Convention. \u201cWe have to try to figure out how to get him to the next place. And that\u2019s what\u2019s fun about coaching \u2014 we\u2019re going to help him get to that place.\u201d<\/p>\n Last season, the native of the Dominican Republic had a career year, posting a 3.53 ERA over 137.2 innings and 26 starts. Many analysts feel that 2025 was the year he turned the corner in his development and began to become the pitcher many felt he would become. He struck out more, walked a lower percentage, and, overall, just seemed more commanding as an in-your-face power pitcher.<\/p>\n Bringing swagger to the Cubs\u2019 rotation Coming into spring training with the Cubs this season, Cabrera brings a swagger that stands out among the team\u2019s reserved, low-key rotation.<\/p>\n \u201cWith all due respect to everyone here, whenever I step on the mound, I think I\u2019m the best,\u201d Cabrera recently told the Marquee Sports Network<\/a> through an interpreter. \u201cEvery time I cross that white line and I get out there and start pitching, I\u2019m the best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt gets me excited to contribute here,\u201d Cabrera continued. \u201cJust to help them out because I always knew before getting here that this was a very competitive team\u2026a team that is always in the race.\u201d<\/p>\n For all his self-confidence, though, Cabrera does not come without risk.<\/p>\n Edward Cabrera, the risks The hard-throwing righty has a significant history of injury. Last season was the first time that he pitched more than 100 innings in the majors and, even then, he spent time on the IL twice, the second time with some concerning UCL\/elbow issues.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve talked to people around the league who were kind of surprised he cleared medicals,\u201d Marquee Sports Network\u2019s Lance Brozdowski said on the North Side Territory podcast<\/a>, at the time of the trade. \u201cTalking with teams who communicated with the Marlins about Cabrera; this was a hang-up for other teams.\u201d<\/p>\n Some feel that, given his power-pitching style and the apparent strain on his elbow, Cabrera is due for a physical breakdown that may require Tommy John surgery at some point.<\/p>\n The Cubs were willing to take that risk, confident that perhaps some mechanical tweaks and careful watching of innings will keep Cabrera healthy and productive. Chicago DOES have the rotation depth to limit his innings and give the occasional extra day of rest to ease the wear and tear.<\/p>\n But, risks aside, Cabrera brings legit power to a rotation more known for nuance and provoking manageable light contact. He also clearly brings a heaping dose of ace-level confidence.<\/p>\n Chicago Cubs: Cade Horton is being brutalized by pessimistic 2026 projections \t\tFor More Great Chicago Sports Content<\/p>\n Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News<\/a>, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.<\/p>\n Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23<\/a> for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE <\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Edward](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/USATSI_24323290_168419782_lowres-900x600.jpg\"\/)
Sep 25, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) looks on before delivering a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\n![\"Edward](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/USATSI_26811089-900x600.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27043382-scaled-e1759540619266.jpg\"\/)
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