Edward Cabrera: MLB The Show | Baseball Savant | Fastball

In the worlds of virtual and real-life baseball, few names stir as much excitement as Edward Cabrera. Whether he’s striking out batters in MLB The Show or taking the mound in Major League Baseball, Cabrera’s unique blend of fastball heat, pitch mix, and development curve has made him a topic of conversation among gamers, scouts, and analytics nerds alike. In this comprehensive article, we explore how Cabrera bridges the gap between simulation and reality — why he’s a baseball savant and how his fastball (and entire repertoire) defines his presence on the mound.

1. Who Is Edward Cabrera? A Real-Life MLB Snapshot

Edward Brany Cabrera is a right-handed starting pitcher born on April 13, 1998, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He made his MLB debut on August 25, 2021, with the Miami Marlins and has been a key part of their rotation since. At 6’5″ and 217 pounds, Cabrera has the prototypical frame of a modern big-league starter — long levers and a powerful delivery that generates both velocity and movement. 

In his MLB career through the 2025 season:

• Cabrera has recorded 150 strikeouts over 137.2 innings in 2025, his best season yet. 

• He posted an ERA of 3.53 in 26 starts, showcasing improved command. 

• His career totals include ~ 478 strikeouts and a 4.07 ERA over 431+ innings.

These are the metrics that catch the eye of both traditionalists and analytics followers.

2. The Fastball: Heat, Movement, and Perception

Most pitchers are defined by their fastballs — but Cabrera’s is more complex than pure velocity numbers. His four-seam and sinker fastballs can sit in the mid-to-upper 90s (often averaging ~96.9 mph). That’s above the league average and instantly makes him a power-pitching threat.

However, analytics tell a deeper story:

• Despite his velocity, Cabrera actually uses his fastball relatively sparingly compared to other starters — throwing heaters much less often than average. 

• Baseball Savant data suggests that from 2021–2023 he threw fastballs only around 35% of the time, making him one of the more unconventional users of the pitch. 

• In 2025, he reduced four-seamer usage and leaned more on movement pitches and offspeed weapons to keep hitters off balance. 

This approach — harnessing velocity but mixing intelligently — is part of why analytics communities consider him a “baseball savant.” He isn’t just throwing hard; he’s applying the pitch mix smartly to generate whiffs and ground balls.

3. Pitch Arsenal: A Deeper Dive

While the fastball grabs headlines, Cabrera’s overall repertoire is what makes him intriguing.

Primary Pitches

• Four-Seam Fastball: 96–98+ mph; high ride and spin but results vary depending on location and sequencing. 

• Changeup: Surprisingly hard and deadly when thrown correctly; notable outings show hit-and-miss powers on this pitch. 

• Curveball & Slider: Breaking balls that create swing-and-miss opportunities, aiding his whiff rates. 

Pitching Style

Cabrera’s approach has evolved:

• Early in his career, he had notoriously high walk rates and inconsistent command — a common challenge for young fireballers. 

• In 2025, improved strike-zone management and smarter sequencing helped him cut walks and increase effectiveness. 

The result? A pitcher who generates both whiffs and weak contact, with a growing toolkit trusted by teams and analytics models.

4. MLB The Show: A Virtual Showcase

Cabrera’s presence in MLB The Show mirrors his real-life intrigue, but with its own gaming twist. In MLB The Show 25, he appears in multiple card versions, showcasing how developers reflect his true talent:

Spotlight Card (99 Overall)

• Exceptional velocity and pitch break ratings.

• Control: 97; Movement: 99; Fastball velocity very high. 

Egg Hunt Card (87 Overall)

• Excellent meta score (~84.54) with elite velocity and movement. 

• Shows the five-pitch mix carried into competitive play.

Live Versions

Lower overall ratings in some cards but still showcase:

• High velocity

• Breaking pitches with above-average movement. 

What stands out in MLB The Show: Cabrera’s cards are often described by players as “cheesy” or unhittable when used right, due to their velocity and movement combination. Reddit users and players often cite how his heavy pitches make him a challenge in Ranked Seasons or Diamond Dynasty play. 

5. Trading Buzz and Real-Life Impact

As of early 2026, Edward Cabrera has become one of the most talked-about trade candidates in MLB:

• The Chicago Cubs are reportedly near completing a trade with the Miami Marlins for Cabrera — a move signaling his perceived value as rotation depth.

• Previously, the New York Yankees had shown interest in acquiring him to bolster an injury-depleted rotation.

Part of the appeal is his team control through several seasons and relatively modest projected salary — a rare combination for a pitcher with upside. 

6. Baseball Analytics: Why He’s a ‘Savvy’ Pitcher

Baseball Savant and advanced metrics experts often praise pitchers not just for raw numbers but how their elements work together. With Cabrera:

Key Advanced Metrics

• Whiff rate: Elevated thanks to offspeed and breaking stuff. 

• Horizontal movement: His fastball exhibits excellent run and deception. 

• Command improvement: Improved zone rate and reduced walks in 2025. 

Cabrera’s numbers — when he’s on — reflect both power and precision. That dual skillset is why many analysts consider him more than just another thrower of heat.

7. Common Misconceptions: Fastball and Usage

There’s an interesting myth about Cabrera’s pitching tendencies: while he has a powerful fastball, he often uses it less than other elite starters in terms of percentage of total pitches. 

This strategic low usage skews how some fans perceive him. Instead of living on fastballs, he prefers to use offspeed and breaking balls to play to his strengths — a hallmark of pitchers who trust their complete arsenal.

8. Virtual vs. Real: How MLB The Show Models Cabrera

The MLB The Show franchise often amplifies certain skill traits to make players feel unique or fun to use in gameplay. For Cabrera:

• His high velocity ratings reflect real life. 

• But some cards (especially spotlight cards) exaggerate movement as part of game balance and thrill. 

• Veteran players recall how his cards used to break game balance — a testament to both his perceived dominance and developer design choices.

This crossover fame — both in simulation and reality — is rare and part of what fuels his “baseball savant” persona among gamers and MLB fans alike.

9. Looking Ahead: The Future of Edward Cabrera

As Cabrera enters his late 20s — typically peak years for pitchers — expectations are high:

• If he continues refining command and pitch sequencing, he could evolve into a frontline starter.

• Teams pursuing him see him as an asset with high upside and low risk.

• Continued usage of analytics-driven strategies (pitch mix, sequencing, defense alignment) could unlock his next level.

Whether in MLB The Show or real stadiums, fans should expect Edward Cabrera to remain a compelling story in years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What makes Edward Cabrera a baseball savant?
A: Cabrera blends high-velocity pitching with smart pitch selection and improving command, making him effective beyond just raw speed. Advanced metrics like whiff rates and movement analytics highlight his nuanced skillset.

Q2: Why is Cabrera’s fastball considered special?
A: His fastball sits in the mid-to-upper 90s with good movement and run, making it harder to square up even when not used as his primary pitch. 

Q3: How does Cabrera perform in MLB The Show?
A: Cabrera’s ratings vary by card, with some versions (like the spotlight 99) offering elite velocity and break attributes that can dominate in competitive modes. 

Q4: Is Edward Cabrera a good MLB trade target?
A: Yes — his combination of youth, control improvements, and team control makes him attractive for teams needing rotation help. 

Q5: How does his real-life pitching compare to virtual ratings?
A: While MLB The Show may emphasize certain strengths (like movement), many virtual traits — velocity, pitch mix, clutch ratings — reflect his real-life abilities at the mound.