Chicago Cubs near Edward Cabrera trade as Miami Marlins pitcher emerges as key rotation target: Report

Edward Cabrera could soon be wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform. On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that the Chicago Cubs are close to completing a trade with the Miami Marlins for the right-handed pitcher. The deal is not official yet, and neither team has announced anything. But talks are said to be active.

The report says the Marlins are expected to receive a package of prospects in return. Edward Cabrera is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, which has made him a hot name this offseason.

Edward Cabrera trade talks pick up after strong 2025 season

Edward Cabrera, who turns 28 in April, pitched his best baseball in 2025 with the Miami Marlins. He threw a career-high 137 and two-thirds innings and made 26 starts.

He posted strong run prevention numbers and finished with an ERA+ of 125, showing he performed well above league average.

Advanced numbers backed that up. His FIP was 3.83, the best of his career. Over five MLB seasons, Edward Cabrera has built a solid track record, with an ERA+ of 108 and 7.1 WAR.

CBS Sports recently named Edward Cabrera one of the top trade candidates of the 2025–26 offseason.

A big reason is his arm talent. In 2025, his fastball averaged 96.9 miles per hour, putting him in the top group of pitchers in baseball. He also ranked high in strikeouts, swings and misses, chase rate, and ground balls.

Edward Cabrera throws five pitches and last season his curveball and slider both produced strong swing-and-miss numbers.

Another reason teams are interested is control. He is not eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season, making him a long-term option.

If the trade is completed, Edward Cabrera would step into a Chicago Cubs rotation that already has several strong arms.



Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga are set spots. Right-handers Jameson Taillon and Cade Horton are also part of the group, with Cade Horton coming off a very promising rookie season.

Colin Rea adds depth, and Justin Steele is expected to return later from Tommy John surgery. Health has been part of Edward Cabrera’s story.

He has dealt with elbow and shoulder issues in past seasons, including an elbow strain in September. Still, 2025 marked his most durable year, which helped raise his value.

The Cubs are clearly looking to strengthen a rotation that already looks competitive. Adding Edward Cabrera would give them another high-upside arm as they push toward the new season.

For now, the trade is not done. But with The Athletic reporting talks are close, Edward Cabrera’s move to Chicago could become official soon.

Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: Ketel Marte Trade Buzz Grows As New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, And Los Angeles Dodgers Watch Arizona Diamondbacks




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