Cubs trade idea brings $63 million starting pitcher to Chicago

The Chicago Cubs have let the Milwaukee Brewers claw back into the National League Central race. The Cubs' starting rotation could use some upgrades if they want to ensure a division title.

Justin Steele will not return this season after undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. Shōta Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have pitched great, but the Cubs could use some reliable arms behind them. With the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs could find some talent to add to the mix.

While the Cubs could target a rental, they may opt to give up more to add a controllable piece to their rotation. FanSided's Aldo Soto suggested the Cubs could target Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins. He is under club control through 2028.

"Cabrera had a rough outing his last time out against the Baltimore Orioles as the righty allowed four earned runs in four innings of work," wrote Soto. "Yet, the 27-year-old was still able to flash his plus stuff, striking out six and walking none. Cabrera has a 3.61 ERA in 16 starts this year and had an 11-start stretch from May through early July, when he posted a 2.11 ERA with a 25.3 K% and 8.0 BB% in 59.2 innings."

Cabrera is projected to earn a five-year, $63 million deal when he hits free agency. The biggest hurdle in trying to trade for him will be the fact that the Marlins could hold out for a bigger offer next season. However, this is the healthiest he's been, and the Marlins could try to cash in now if they feel he will be unable to maintain this level of health.

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"The Marlins can always hold out for a bigger trade package, considering Cabrera still has three more years of arbitration left before he reaches free agency. That's certainly a plus for any team pursuing Cabrera, cheap, under control through 2028, and he's finally putting things together. However, his price could be hurt by the fact that Cabrera has not pitched more than 100 innings in any single season during his MLB career."

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