Chicago Cubs pitcher named biggest newcomer impact player

The Chicago Cubs had been eyeing emerging right-handed powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera since the end of the 2024 season, believing that the native of the Dominican Republic was on the verge of breakthrough success.

More News: Chicago Cubs: PCA gets growing pains advice from Kyle Schwarber and Craig Counsell

Cabrera’s 2025 season with the Miami Marlins (8-7, 3.53 ERA in 26 starts and 137.2 innings) convinced the Cubs front office to finally pull the trigger on a trade to bring him to Chicago.

The Cubs paid a steep price for the 27-year-old, giving up their no. 1 prospect OF Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect INF Cristian Hernandez, and 19-year-old talent INF Edgardo De Leon. In return, however, they got a tremendous—and still developing—talent who will be under contract through 2028.

So far, that deal has paid off for the North Siders. Cabrera is 2-0 this season with a 2.73 ERA through 5 starts.

Making the biggest impression

More News: Chicago Cubs call up emergency arm who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023

In a recent piece for MLB.com, Jordan Bastian named him the Cubs newcomer making the biggest impression at this point in the early season.

Per Bastian:

“One of the reasons the Cubs swung a trade for Cabrera over the offseason was that they felt the promising starter had ace potential. In the season’s first month, the big right-hander has backed it up with a strong start to his campaign. Five starts into his Cubs career, Cabrera has a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. While there is room for improvement in both his strikeout and walk rates, Cabrera has gotten results while trusting Chicago’s elite defense.”

The importance of his firm and often dominating presence in the middle of the Cubs’ starting rotation can’t be overstated right now. With emerging ace Cade Horton lost for the season following elbow surgery and Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd losing three early starts due to a biceps strain, having Cabrera cooking has provided an anchor of stability.

Before the season even started, the Cubs were eager to see what the young talent could do. His swing-and-miss power game was expected to add an aspect that last season’s rotation lacked.

“I felt like we had a very contact oriented pitching staff,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said during a March interview on “The Show” podcast. “Our defense helps that, but, you know, we don’t have that kind of stuff in our rotation other than Cade Horton. So he fit that well. Our pitching guys have long be enamored with him and getting a chance to work with him. And it’s three years of control. I think that was a significant factor. His age and the control.”

Cabrera’s injury issue

One scary caveat, however, centers on the righty’s history of injury. He was on the IL twice last season with the Marlins and has had shoulder and elbow issues throughout his young career. Last season was the first time he pitched more than 100 innings in the majors. A spotty health history is somewhat terrifying right now as the Cubs’ pitching staff has already been decimated with injury.

But when he’s right, Cabrera is really good and getting better. He’s also not lacking in confidence, bringing a good-natured swagger to the clubhouse.

“With all due respect to everyone here, whenever I step on the mound, I think I’m the best,” Cabrera told the Marquee Sports Network through his interpreter. “Every time I cross that white line and I get out there and start pitching, I’m the best.”

The post Chicago Cubs pitcher named biggest newcomer impact player appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-edward-cabrera-biggest-impact-player-2026/