The Chicago Cubs are on the verge of landing one of the most electric — and intriguing — arms on the trade market.
A source confirms the Chicago Cubs are close to acquiring right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, a move that would add significant upside to Chicago’s rotation.
While the deal has not yet been finalized, momentum suggests the sides are closing in.
Source confirms: Cubs close to acquiring RHP Edward Cabrera from Marlins. First: @Michael_Cerami
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 7, 2026
Edward Cabrera’s 2025 Season Snapshot
Cabrera’s 2025 campaign showcased both his immense talent and the inconsistency that has defined much of his young career.
Edward Cabrera – 2025 Stats (Marlins)
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Games started: 26
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Innings pitched: 142.1
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Record: 9–10
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ERA: 4.11
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Strikeouts: 173
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WHIP: 1.34
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Opponent batting average: .226
Despite bouts of command issues, Cabrera continued to miss bats at an elite rate, flashing frontline stuff whenever he was able to stay ahead in counts.
Why the Cubs Are Targeting Cabrera
The appeal is obvious.
Cabrera brings:
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An upper-90s fastball
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One of the best changeups in the National League
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Swing-and-miss ability few pitchers can match
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Team control remaining, making him more than a rental
For a Cubs organization that believes strongly in its pitching development infrastructure, Cabrera represents a bet on upside rather than a finished product.
What Miami Is Doing Here
The Marlins have consistently shown a willingness to move starting pitching when the return aligns with organizational needs.
Trading Cabrera would allow Miami to:
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Reallocate resources toward offense
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Add young, controllable position players
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Continue reshaping the roster around its long-term core
Given Cabrera’s age and raw ability, Miami is expected to command a substantial return.
The Risk — and the Reward
Cabrera’s profile is not without risk:
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Occasional control lapses
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Short outings when pitch counts climb
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Durability questions at times
But the reward is massive.
If the Cubs can help Cabrera refine his command, he has the tools to become a top-of-the-rotation arm — something that is nearly impossible to acquire without paying a premium.
Bottom Line
This isn’t a safe move — it’s a bold one.
If the Cubs complete a deal for Edward Cabrera, they’re betting that elite stuff plus the right environment can unlock another level. Given Cabrera’s 2025 strikeout numbers and flashes of dominance, it’s a gamble that could pay off in a big way.
And if it does, this trade won’t just help the Cubs this season — it could define their rotation for years to come.
