REPORT: Cubs pursuing trade for rising star with striking red flags

The Chicago Cubs have yet to strike this offseason, even though we have heard them mentioned in rumors for a bunch of big-name players over the last several weeks.

But could that be changing?

Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald has reported that the Cubs are one of several teams talking to the Miami Marlins about pitcher Edward Cabrera, who is one of the top pitchers potentially available on the trade market this winter.

This isn’t the first time we have heard of Chicago’s interest in Cabrera, as the Cubs were also tabbed as a possible destination earlier in the offseason.

Chicago is loaded with prospects in its farm system, and with the Marlins needing bats, the Cubs may be able to put together an enticing offer for Miami. However, there are definitely some risks involved for the Cubbies.

Edward Cabrera would be a major risk for the Chicago Cubs

No one will deny that Cabrera has great stuff. He touches 100 mph with his fastball and utilizes nasty breaking pitches, which has allowed him to average 10 strikeouts per nine innings over the course of his five-year big-league career.

But Cabrera also comes with some obvious red flags that should scare the Cubs.

The former top prospect entered the big leagues with the Marlins in 2021, but never pitched 100 innings until 2025. He has dealt with a litany of injury issues throughout his career, and while nothing has been serious enough to warrant surgery, his durability is a bit of a concern, nonetheless.

Even last season, when Cabrera tossed a career-high 137.2 innings, he missed some time due to an elbow issue.

The 27-year-old logged a 3.53 ERA while allowing 121 hits and registering 150 strikeouts. He also managed a career-best 3.1 BB/9, well below his lifetime average of 4.5 walks per nine innings.

Cabrera is under club control through 2028, so Chicago would almost certainly have to pay a substantial price to pry him away from South Beach. The benefit, though, is that Cabrera is slated to make just $3.7 million next season, so that would also leave the Cubs some money to sign a bat, as well.

The right-hander owns a career 4.07 ERA and 1.309 WHIP. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are also said to be in on Cabrera.

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