Cubs swing blockbuster trade with Marlins

Pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Cubs swing blockbuster deal with Marlins to acquire Edward Cabrera

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 8:37 AM ET

After a rather quiet offseason, the Chicago Cubs finally ramped things up on Wednesday with a blockbuster trade.

Edward Cabrera is headed to Chicago

As it was first reported on Wednesday afternoon by Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, the Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

Chicago was interested in Cabrera at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, but a deal ultimately never happened.

Cabrera will have at least three years of team control, meaning he should remain with the Cubs through the 2028 season unless he were to be traded or released.

Cubs reportedly acquire RHP Edward Cabrera from the Marlins for a package including OF Owen Caissie, per multiple reports including MLB's @CDeNicola13. pic.twitter.com/T6OP5xiOcl
— MLB (@MLB) January 7, 2026

The return headed to Miami

To acquire an ace such as Cabrera, a hefty haul was likely. Chicago sent its top prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, back to Miami in the trade. Along with Caissie, infielders Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon are also being sent to the Marlins.

Caissie made his MLB debut last season and appeared in 12 games total. His slash line of .192/.222/.346 was a bit disappointing and limited space in the lineup halted his chance at everyday playing time. He may be able to get more of an everyday role with a Marlins team that won just 79 games last season.

Do the Cubs now have a top-five rotation in baseball?

With the addition of Cabrera to the starting rotation, there could very well be an argument made that the Cubs have a top-five rotation in all of baseball. Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd were outstanding last season, and Shota Imanaga was dominant for the first 1 1/2 seasons of his MLB career.

Now, you add a pitcher in Cabrera with some of the nastiest stuff in all of baseball, and that's quite the rotation. Chicago's success next season and beyond won't rest entirely on the shoulders of its starting rotation, but that unit will certainly carry the Cubs as far as they want to go.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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