In a significant offseason move, the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins have finalized a trade that sends right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from Miami to Chicago in exchange for top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and minor league infielders Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon. This deal highlights both teams’ retooling strategies for the upcoming season.
Cabrera, who will turn 28 in April, boasts a background as a former top prospect and exhibited potential through a remarkable season in 2025, despite facing some injury challenges. He achieved a career-high of 137 and two-thirds innings pitched, paired with a solid 3.53 ERA and a notable strikeout rate of 25.8%. While blisters and an elbow sprain led to two trips to the injured list, Cabrera excelled upon his return, showcasing impressive velocity and performance in his final outings.
The Cubs are looking forward to integrating Cabrera into their rotation, which includes Rookie of the Year finalist Cade Horton and established pitchers like Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga. This acquisition not only diversifies their pitching options but also offers Cabrera’s affordable salary; expected to earn around $3.7 million in 2026, the Cubs will maintain control of his contract through 2028.
Meanwhile, the Marlins part ways with Cabrera but gain a strong package featuring Caissie, a 23-year-old outfielder who made his MLB debut last season. Known for his power and solid performance in the minors, Caissie recorded a .286 average with 22 home runs and 28 doubles in Triple-A last year. His potential to be a top contributor aligns perfectly with Miami’s goal to inject fresh talent into their lineup, particularly as they look to fill existing gaps.
Hernandez, a 22-year-old shortstop, presents a dual threat with speed and defensive abilities, which could bolster Miami’s roster in the coming years. Edgardo De Leon, the youngest in this package at just 18 years old, is seen as a pure development project who has shown promise in the lower leagues.
The Marlins still boast a strong rotation with talents like Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez but will focus on building their lineup with prospects like Caissie and the potential of Hernandez and De Leon. This trade is a testament to Miami’s commitment to developing young talent while adjusting their roster for future competitive seasons.
Overall, while the Cubs gain a promising pitcher in Cabrera, the Marlins infuse their lineup with youthful energy and long-term potential, fostering hope for both franchises as they gear up for a new chapter in their respective journeys.