Cabrera bolsters the rotation, but an impactful bat is crucial. Can Chicago outbid rivals for Bregman or Bichette to contend?
The Chicago Cubs made a big move on Wednesday afternoon to acquire right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. In return, the Cubs sent a trio of prospects to Miami, including top prospect Owen Caissie.
Trading for Cabrera immediately solves one of the team’s bigger needs this offseason. The Cubs needed a top-of-the-line rotation arm, and they got that in the right-hander.
While there are concerns about Cabrera’s injury history, his potential is through the roof. He had a 2.95 ERA from May 1 onward last year, and if he can stay healthy, the Cubs are getting a dominant pitcher with strikeout upside.
After acquiring Cabrera from the Marlins, though, Chicago’s front office shouldn’t be done adding to this team. There is still more work to be done to make this team a legitimate World Series contender in 2026.
That starts with adding an impactful bat in free agency.
With Cabrera only expected to make around $3.75 million this upcoming season, the Cubs still have the flexibility to sign a player like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette in free agency. Chicago is still $35 million away from reaching the first luxury tax threshold (according to Spotrac).
So, the team has to sign one of the top remaining free agents. Failing to sign Bregman or Bichette could really put Chicago’s offense in a tough spot in 2026. The team already traded away Caissie and will lose Kyle Tucker in free agency.
The Cubs simply need another bat in their lineup for this upcoming season. That has to come in free agency by landing Bregman, Bichette, or even old friend Cody Bellinger.
The good news is that it appears the Cubs have recognized the need to acquire an impactful bat this offseason. They have been linked to Bregman, Bichette, and Bellinger recently, and are one of the few teams interested in both Bregman and Bichette.
Acquiring one of those infielders would make this a very successful offseason for the North Siders. They would have added a frontline starting pitcher (Cabrera) and found a bat to replace Tucker in their lineup (Bregman/Bichette)
It all comes down to whether the Cubs will actually outbid other teams for Bregman or Bichette. The front office has enough money flexibility until they hit the first luxury tax threshold at $244 million.
Ken Rosenthal believes it’s pivotal that the Cubs make a big move to improve the team.
“But after trading No. 1 prospect Owen Caissie to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in a three-player package for right-hander Edward Cabrera, the Cubs should splurge in free agency,” Rosenthal wrote.