The Chicago Cubs are under pressure to be aggressive this offseason, both in free agency and on the trade market. With Kyle Tucker expected to depart in free agency, the team risks heading into next season in a tough position unless it quickly shifts to a strong alternative plan.
Improving the starting rotation is also a priority. While the Cubs successfully kept Shota Imanaga by extending a qualifying offer, they still need to add another high-end arm to anchor the rotation.
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, Chicago could address that need by pulling off a major trade for Miami Marlins standout Edward Cabrera during the offseason.
“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,” Kline wrote. “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.”
Cabrera is seemingly entering his prime. He’s coming off a huge year with the Marlins in which he emerged as the team’s ace while Sandy Alcántara struggled.
Given the fact that he’s under affordable team control for the next few seasons, his price tag in a potential trade would be quite expensive. The Cubs could give up a few of their top prospects to bring Cabrera to the Windy City.
It would be a risky move for the Cubs to make, but it would help them if they lose Tucker in free agency.
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