The Chicago Cubs made a significant move by adding Edward Cabrera to their pitching rotation through a trade with the Miami Marlins. In exchange for Cabrera, the Cubs sent outfielder Owen Caissie and infield prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon to Miami. Cabrera, a right-handed pitcher, had an impressive record last season, going 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA over 26 starts and 137 2/3 innings.
Caissie, a 23-year-old player from Burlington, Ont., recently debuted in the major leagues and could potentially compete for a starting position with the Marlins. Despite a .192 batting average in 12 games with the Cubs, Caissie showcased his talent by hitting .286 with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs while playing for triple-A Iowa in the previous season.
Cabrera, who will be turning 28 in April, is under contract with the Cubs until the end of the 2028 season, as he is eligible for salary arbitration and not set to become a free agent anytime soon. The Cubs, who finished second in the National League Central last year with a 92-70 record and made it to the playoffs, have bolstered their rotation with Cabrera’s addition.
Joining a talented pitching rotation that includes Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, and Jameson Taillon, Cabrera brings his experience, having made his major league debut in 2021 with Miami. Despite some injury concerns, including blisters on his pitching hand and a right elbow sprain during the previous season, Cabrera has shown his resilience and skill on the field.
While Cabrera strengthens the Cubs’ pitching staff, Caissie was anticipated to compete for playing time in right field, especially with the departure of Kyle Tucker in free agency. On the other hand, Miami, under the leadership of manager Clayton McCullough, is looking to build on their progress from the previous season, with Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez leading their rotation.
Additionally, Hernandez and De Leon, the prospects sent to Miami in the trade, have shown promising performances in their respective minor league appearances, indicating a positive future for both players as they continue to develop their skills in professional baseball.