### Cubs Make a Major Move: Acquiring Edward Cabrera to Bolster Their Rotation The Chicago Cubs have made a significant trade by acquiring right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. This move is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the Cubs' starting rotation, which has been a point of focus for the team during the offseason. In exchange for Cabrera, the Cubs have sent top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, along with minor league infielders Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon, to the Marlins. Cabrera, who is 27 years old, is coming off a career-best season, making this trade a potentially impactful one for the Cubs as they aim to improve their competitiveness in the upcoming season [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/cubs-finally-make-a-big-splash-marlins-add-impact-bat-with-edward-cabrera-owen-caissie-trade-013232567.html, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/07/chicago-cubs-edward-cabrera-owen-caissie-trade]. ### Breakdown of the Trade and Its Implications 1. **Trade Details**: - The Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from the Marlins. - The Cubs sent Owen Caissie (top prospect), Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon to Miami. - Cabrera is under team control for at least three more years, providing the Cubs with a long-term asset [https://www.dailyfly.com/2026/01/08/chicago-cubs-acquire-starting-pitcher-edward-cabrera-from-miami-marlins, https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/marlins-trade-edward-cabrera-cubs.html]. 2. **Cabrera's Performance**: - In the previous season, Cabrera had an 8-7 record with a 3.53 ERA over 26 starts, showcasing his potential as a reliable starter. - He finished in the 87th percentile for fastball velocity, indicating his ability to generate strikeouts [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_take_a_big_swing_trade_for_marlins_edward_cabrera/s1_17194_43302634, https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/chicago-cubs/news/cubs-reportedly-outbid-yankees-mets-37m-high-upside-arm-coming-career-best-season/b8c064b06a6efb32b4b6a7f0]. 3. **Strategic Importance**: - The Cubs have been looking to enhance their rotation, especially after missing out on other free-agent pitchers. - This trade positions the Cubs to be more competitive in the National League, especially as they look to contend for a playoff spot [https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-news/173332/yankees-mlb-news-offseason-trade-rumors-marlins-cabrera-cubs-starting-pitching-gardner, https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/cubs-agree-to-acquire-right-hander-edward-cabrera-in-a-trade-with-the-marlins-ap-source-says-101767826582105.html]. ### Conclusion: A Bold Step for the Cubs In summary, the Chicago Cubs' acquisition of Edward Cabrera represents a bold and strategic move aimed at enhancing their pitching staff. The trade not only brings in a talented pitcher with a promising track record but also reflects the Cubs' commitment to building a competitive team for the future. 1. **Cubs' Goals**: Strengthen rotation and improve competitiveness. 2. **Cabrera's Value**: Proven performance and long-term control. 3. **Future Outlook**: Potential to contend in the National League with improved pitching depth [https://www.apnews.com/article/cabrera-cubs-marlins-trade-e0720ebe8b00b7361da2406f4054fb04, https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/47539960/sources-cubs-close-landing-edward-cabrera-trade-marlins].