Cubs' best newcomer this season is not Alex Bregman, but rather a 2.38 ERA starter

Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman hits a home run against the New York Yankees during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs made a few big offseason additions to turn into more of a World Series contender than they were a year ago.

While they might've lost Brad Keller, they wound up adding incredibly talented individuals, with Alex Bregman being the headliner.

However, according to Johnny Flores Jr. of The Athletic, Bregman hasn't been the best newcomer for the Cubs so far this season. Instead, it's been a 2.38 ERA right-handed starting pitcher, Edward Cabrera.

Cubs' Edward Cabrera is team's best newcomer

"Best newcomer: Edward Cabrera," Flores Jr. writes. "That Cabrera is healthy, has been effective, and is able to post has been a major benefit for the Cubs in the early spring."

While the Cubs might've made a big splash with the Bregman signing, and he's not been terrible, his .661 OPS hasn't been the best new addition the Cubs have made last offseason.

Cabrera, the right-handed star they acquired from the Miami Marlins, has been the best new face for the Cubs.

So far this season, he's posted a 2.38 ERA with a 2-0 record across four starts. In 22.2 innings pitched, Cabrera has allowed a 1.279 WHIP and has a FIP of 3.09 with 17 strikeouts.

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Some regression might be in store for Cabrera this season, but thanks to the Cubs' elite defense, his ERA might continue to outperform his FIP.

Cabrera has been great for the Cubs so far this season, and the only thing the Cubs could hope for is that he begins to go deeper into games than the sixth inning.

It's not an issue, but with the rotation injuries and the injury to closer Daniel Palencia, seeing Cabrera go deeper into games would make this trade even better for the Cubs.

So far, it's already a win. Cabrera has been the best addition for the Cubs this offseason, as he's dominated so far this season in his new threads in the NL Central.

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