Cubs offseason trade for 5.67 ERA starter has gone horribly wrong

The Chicago Cubs enter the postseason with several questions regarding their pitching staff. 

Injuries have decimated Chicago's rotation, including two separate IL stints for right-hander Edward Cabrera. 

Cabrera was acquired from the Miami Marlins in January in a trade that included No. 1 prospect Owen Caissie. 

He missed two months earlier this season due to a moderate Grade 2 left hamstring and adductor strain. A little over a week ago, the 28-year-old returned from a blister on his finger. 

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer wrote Tuesday that Cabrera has been the Cubs' "worst" player of 2026. 

"In reality, he's had an up-and-down career that hit a low point this year," Rymer wrote. "At least he's healthy, but a 5.67 ERA and 1.450 WHIP are not what the Cubs had in mind when they traded their No. 1 prospect for Cabrera in January." 

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The Cubs moved Cabrera to the bullpen when he was reinstated from the injured list on September 12. 

He threw a scoreless inning on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds, but allowed a two-run homer to Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin last Tuesday. 

Cabrera is likely to remain in Chicago's bullpen during the Wild Card Series. 

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