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The turn of the new year can be a quiet time in the MLB Hot Stove, but the Marlins and Cubs didn’t wait long to break out the first big trade of 2026.
After reported interest from both the Mets and the Yankees in 27-year-old starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, the Chicago Cubs ultimately swooped in to get a deal done for the coveted righty.
The trade, though, did come at a steep price for the Cubs as they had to part with the organization’s top-rated prospect in Owen Caissie and two more prospects.
But who won the deal? Let’s give out some early grades for the Cabrera trade.
Marlins-Cubs trade details
CUBS GET: RHP Edward Cabrera
MARLINS GET: OF Owen Caissie, IF Cristian Hernandez and IF Edgardo De Leon
Cubs trade grades
The Cubs clearly set out this offseason to bolster their rotation, and the acquisition of Cabrera will do just that. The 27-year-old is coming off a career-best season where he posted a 3.53 ERA and showed improved command throughout 2025 with the Marlins. He has an electric fastball, power changeup and a great strikeout pitch with his curveball. He also won’t hit free agency until 2029.
While it has to be a tough decision for any franchise to give up the No. 1 prospect, Cabrera fills a need just as he enters his prime years. It’s a win-now move — even if it means parting with Caissie’s star potential.
GRADE: B+
Marlins trade grades
The Marlins knew there was a market for Cabrera and had the benefit of shopping for a deal they liked. And though Cabrera had been solid for Miami, Caissie brings star potential to a franchise that desperately needs someone to get excited about.
Against Triple-A opponents, Caissie was dominant with 41 home runs, .281 average and .887 OPS over two seasons in Iowa. He’s a true power hitter and an elite arm in the outfield. While Caissie struggled in his limited MLB playing time, the Marlins reasonably are tossing that up to a small sample size.
GRADE: A