Cubs reportedly outbid Yankees, Mets for $3.7M high-upside arm coming off career-best season

Hunter Cookston

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Cubs reportedly outbid Yankees, Mets for $3.7M high-upside arm coming off career-best season image

The MLB offseason saw a major jolt with the latest report coming out of Chicago. The Chicago Cubs are acquiring flamethrower Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins in what is shaping up to be an exciting deal. The Cubs are coming off a postseason appearance, and this move will further bolster their rotation.

“Cubs closing in on Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera as they review medicals. Trade likely not to involve top tier pitching prospects going back, sources tell ESPN. Position player prospects likely to go. Michael Cerami was first on trade being close,” ESPN insider Jesse Rogers reported.

This development comes after the New York Yankees were reportedly in talks with the Marlins about Cabrera, though no deal was reached. The New York Mets were also engaged in discussions, but those talks ultimately went nowhere as well.

“Yankees are talking to Marlins about Edward Cabrera, a terrifically talented pitcher coming off excellent year (3.53 ERA). Cubs and Giants (and others) also believed interested. Marlins pitching depth allows them to consider. Ken Rosenthal 1st mentioned NYY link,” MLB insider Jon Heyman posted.

Cabrera is coming off the best season of his career, posting career highs in innings pitched. The Cubs are acquiring a pitcher with tremendous upside.

“Cabrera performed well for the Marlins in 2025, with a 3.53 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 26 starts over a career-high 137.2 innings. The 27-year-old has sky-high upside, but his seasons have often been derailed by injuries, including elbow and shoulder ailments. Before 2025, he failed to exceed 100 innings in each of his first four big league seasons,” SNY’s Danny Abriano wrote.

The Cubs were able to put together a package the Marlins felt was stronger than those offered by the Yankees and Mets. While Chicago has had a relatively quiet offseason, this move gives fans plenty to be excited about as Spring Training approaches.

After finishing second in the NL Central behind the Milwaukee Brewers last season, the Cubs are positioning themselves to contend for the division. With the addition of Cabrera, Chicago appears to be in a strong spot heading into 2026.

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