The Chicago Cubs deserve credit for holding onto their ace in Shota Imanaga, but even with him in place, the rotation still needs reinforcement. One potential solution could come through a relatively straightforward trade.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline suggests the Cubs could strike a deal with the Miami Marlins for right hander Edward Cabrera. His heavy sinker profile could be a strong fit at Wrigley Field, especially with Chicago’s elite defense supporting him.
“The Chicago Cubs need starting pitching, even with Justin Steele’s looming return. Edward Cabrera feels increasingly likely to move this offseason as the Miami Marlins target more offensive support. Under club control through 2028 at cheap arbitration rates, Cabrera might be the ideal Cubs target. Operating primarily in the sinkerball and off speed registers, Cabrera generates a ton of groundballs and should benefit from the Cubs’ airtight defense,” Kline wrote.
Last season, Cabrera finished with an 8 and 7 record, a 3.53 ERA, 150 strikeouts, and a 1.228 WHIP across 137 innings. With a stronger defensive unit behind him, there is optimism that his ERA could drop even further and his win total could climb.
A rotation built around Imanaga, Cabrera, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele would provide Chicago with much needed stability. That group could arguably become the strongest rotation in the NL Central, particularly if Milwaukee ends up moving Freddy Peralta.
If the Cubs are serious about contending, beginning trade talks soon and bringing Cabrera into the fold quickly would be an encouraging step forward.