Edward Cabrera: A Bright Spot for the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have recently bolstered their starting rotation with the addition of pitcher Edward Cabrera. Known for his potential rather than his track record, Cabrera was a necessary acquisition for a rotation that has been lacking a high-upside ace. His talent is undeniable, but the challenge of converting that potential into performance will be key for the Cubs’ success this season.
Early Career Struggles
Cabrera began his career with the Miami Marlins, where he faced significant challenges, primarily due to health issues. Struggling to stay on the mound, Cabrera’s early years didn’t quite reflect the promise he showed in the minors, making the 2025 season, where he finally pitched over 100 innings, a notable milestone. By the end of that season, he had made 26 appearances, posting a respectable 3.53 ERA along with 150 strikeouts.
Despite these struggles, when Cabrera was healthy, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance. The Cubs evidently saw enough in him to trade away top prospect Owen Caissie and others, indicating their belief in Cabrera’s potential to shine, especially in a new environment.
Cabrera’s Good Impression Early On
During spring training, Cabrera made significant impressions on coaches and teammates. The Cubs even shared a video on their X page showing him training passionately, where coaches affectionately referred to him as “El Caballo,” meaning “the stallion.” These glimpses into his training suggest that Cabrera possesses not just talent, but also the physical prowess and determination that fans hope will translate into a productive season.
Bullpen coach Mark Strittmatter, after witnessing Cabrera throw, showered him with glowing praise, which added to the excitement surrounding his potential in Chicago. “I read something the other day where you said you feel like on the mound nobody’s better? What I saw today, nobody’s better,” Strittmatter remarked. Such affirmations from coaching staff can often lift a player’s confidence, making a significant impact on their performance.
Evaluating Strittmatter’s Praise
While the enthusiasm for Cabrera is palpable, it’s important to consider his history. Over five years, he has pitched in just 89 games, not the most encouraging statistic for any team relying heavily on his contributions. However, those who have seen him pitch know that when on the mound, Cabrera can deliver electric performances.
With the Cubs, Cabrera has a new opportunity. The coaching staff appears to appreciate what he brings, and if he can shrug off past injuries and work effectively within the system, he has the chance to become Chicago’s ace.
Cabrera’s approach to pitching is distinctive; unlike many of his contemporaries, he doesn’t rely heavily on his fastball, which averages around 97 mph but hasn’t proven to be particularly effective. He instead utilizes a variety of pitches to keep batters guessing, demonstrating a unique pitching style that could play well in the rotation.
Analyzing Pitching Metrics
According to Baseball Savant, Cabrera’s four-seamer and sinker, which constitute about 33% of his pitches, have a concerning expected slugging percentage over .600. In contrast, his changeup, curveball, and slider have proven effective in generating weak contact and swing-and-misses. Despite an average exit velocity of 90.3 mph (22nd percentile), this figure is somewhat distorted by the ineffectiveness of his fastball selections.
If Cabrera can focus on refining these less effective pitches while leveraging his stronger offerings, he has the potential to elevate his performance significantly. The Cubs coaching staff has an opportunity to help him develop a balanced repertoire that can neutralize opposing hitters effectively.
Final Thoughts on Cabrera’s Potential
For the Cubs to maximize Cabrera’s talents, focusing on his health and fastball improvement is paramount. If successful, Cabrera could emerge as the clear go-to ace, filling a crucial gap in the Cubs’ rotation. The coaching staff’s confidence in him and their willingness to work closely with him provide ample reason for optimism among Cubs fans.
With Cabrera’s early impressions during training and the coaching staff’s enthusiasm, it’s clear that there is hope for a fruitful season ahead. The Cubs have invested in a player who, when healthy, can be an asset, sparking excitement for what lies in store for both him and the team this season.