Edward Cabrera: Injury History | Cubs | Cubs Trade | Contract (2026 Update)

Few pitchers in MLB today attract attention like Edward Cabrera, a hard-throwing right-hander whose combination of electric stuff and recurring injury setbacks has made him one of the most intriguing rotation pieces on the market. As the Chicago Cubs finalize a trade to bring him in from the Miami Marlins, fans and analysts are asking: Who is Edward Cabrera? What injuries has he battled? Why are the Cubs investing in him? And what’s next on his contract roadmap?

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know — from his injury timeline to trade details and contract status heading into the 2026 season.

1. Early Career and Rise Through the Ranks

Edward Cabrera’s professional journey began when he signed with the Miami Marlins organization out of the Dominican Republic in 2015 as a teenage prospect. Known for a mid-90s fastball complemented by a plus changeup, he quickly established himself as one of the team’s most promising arms.

However, Cabrera’s path to the majors was not straightforward. While his raw stuff graded among the best in the Marlins’ system, inconsistency with command and control slowed his minor-league progress and kept his innings totals limited compared to peers. Over time, he developed into a potential frontline starter — but injuries remained a recurring theme. 

2. MLB Debut and Early Seasons (2021–2023)

Cabrera made his MLB debut in 2021, showcasing flashes of dominance despite the adjustment to big-league competition. His statistical profile was intriguing: good strikeout rates paired with too many walks. Between 2021 and 2023, he made 60+ starts for the Marlins, but never topped 26 appearances or 100 innings in a season — largely due to ongoing health issues and time missed. 

Some notable early setbacks included:

• Blister problems that sidelined him during the 2023 season.

• Shoulder discomfort that limited his workload and forced multiple stints on the injured list. 

These injuries, coupled with control struggles (often walking well above league average), made Cabrera a high-risk, high-reward arm in his first few MLB seasons.

3. Breakout 2025 Season — Upside Meets Durability Questions

The 2025 campaign was a pivotal one for Cabrera. For the first time in his career, he exceeded 130+ innings, finishing with a 3.53 ERA over 137 2/3 innings — his best statistical season yet. His strikeout totals (150) and improved walk rate (career-low) signaled real progress, suggesting the pitcher was beginning to live up to his potential. 

Despite this breakthrough, injuries still factored in:

• Cabrera was placed on the injured list early in the season due to a right middle finger blister.

• Later in the year, he exited a start with issues in his right elbow, ultimately missing time and raising durability flags again. 

Even in healthy stretches, he had never previously tossed more than about 130 innings, which is a concern for teams projecting him as a reliable workhorse.

4. Injury History Breakdown

Understanding Edward Cabrera’s injury history is critical for evaluating his long-term value and projection.

Shoulder and Elbow Problems

Throughout his career, Cabrera has dealt with both shoulder and elbow discomfort, which have repeatedly limited his availability:

• Shoulder issues in 2023 and 2024 required time on the injured list and hampered consistency. 

• In 2025, he suffered posterior elbow discomfort and later a sprained elbow late in the season. It wasn’t severe enough for major surgery, but it raised flags among evaluators. 

Shoulder and elbow injuries are especially concerning for pitchers, as they often signify deeper mechanical or workload issues.

Blisters and Finger Injury

Cabrera has also battled blister problems, including a stint on the injured list from a blister on his throwing hand — a common but frustrating injury for repeat high-velocity pitchers. 

Limited Innings History

Perhaps most concerning to teams is not just the specific injuries, but the fact that Cabrera has rarely completed a full, high-volume season, making his durability a subject of debate. Even in 2025, his 137 2/3 innings were the first time he eclipsed that threshold, and he still missed time. 

5. Cubs Trade — What Happened?

In January 2026, major news broke in MLB circles: the Chicago Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. Multiple outlets confirmed that the trade was either finalized or near completion, with the Cubs sending top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and other prospects to Miami in exchange for the right-hander. 

This move represents a significant upgrade to the Cubs’ rotation — addressing a long-standing need for cost-controlled starting pitching.

Why the Cubs Made the Move

The Cubs have lacked a reliable high-strikeout, mid-rotation starter for years. Cabrera’s profile — high strikeout rate, improving control, and room for further development — made him a natural target. Even with injury risk, his upside outweighed the cost of future arbitration years.

From the Cubs’ perspective:

• He fills a rotation hole with a young, controllable arm.

• He is under team control through 2028 with arbitration eligibility, meaning the club retains him cheaply for multiple seasons.

Trade Package Details

While some reports differ slightly on exact details, the trade reportedly sent:

• Owen Caissie (Cubs’ top prospect)

• Other lower-level prospects
  to the Marlins in return for Cabrera. 

This represents a significant investment by Chicago — giving up youthful position-player talent for a pitcher with both premium tools and durability concerns.

6. Contract and Financial Outlook

Edward Cabrera is currently in his first year of arbitration eligibility, meaning he is not yet eligible for free agency and is under club control for multiple seasons.

2026 Salary Projection

For the 2026 season, Cabrera is projected to earn around $3.7 million–$3.75 million through arbitration — a bargain for a potential mid-rotation starter. 

Team Control and Free Agency Timeline

Cabrera remains under team control through at least the 2028 season, giving Chicago arbitrage value and flexibility before he hits free agency.

This control makes him attractive even with injury risk, as the Cubs can evaluate and potentially extend him before he becomes a free agent.

Long-Term Contract Potential

If Cabrera continues his upward trajectory and maintains health, a multi-year contract extension could be discussed before his arbitration years expire — but much depends on performance and durability from 2026–2028.

7. What the Trade Means for the Cubs Rotation

Adding Cabrera figures to shake up Chicago’s starting staff. He joins a rotation mix that includes established arms and rising talent, giving the Cubs an improved chance to compete for division contention.

His strikeout ability and improved command could slot him as a mid-rotation anchor — provided he stays healthy.

8. Pros and Cons of the Trade

Pros

• High strikeout upside and improving performance makes him a key rotation piece.

• Affordable contract with team control through 2028 adds financial and competitive value.

• Provides the Cubs with a young arm with room for further development.

Cons

• Injury history and limited innings raise questions about long-term durability.

• The Cubs sacrificed top prospects to acquire him, which could impact future roster depth. 

FAQs — Edward Cabrera

Q1: What injuries has Edward Cabrera had in his MLB career?

A1: Cabrera has dealt with shoulder issues, elbow discomfort, and blister problems across multiple seasons. These injuries have led to limited innings and multiple days on the injured list, though none required major surgery. 

Q2: Why are the Cubs acquiring Edward Cabrera?

A2: The Cubs traded for Cabrera to add cost-controlled pitching with upside and strikeout ability to their rotation. Despite injury history, his 2025 performance and remaining arbitration years made him an appealing target. 

Q3: How long is Cabrera under contract?

A3: Cabrera is under team control through the 2028 season with arbitration eligibility, meaning the Cubs retain him cheaply for multiple years before free agency. 

Q4: What did the Marlins receive in the trade?

A4: Miami received outfielder Owen Caissie and additional prospects in exchange for Cabrera, bolstering their farm system and offensive pipeline. 

Q5: Does Cabrera have free agency eligibility yet?

A5: Not yet. He’s controlled through 2028 and won’t become a free agent until after that season, barring contract extensions. 

Conclusion

Edward Cabrera’s journey from a tool-rich Marlins pitching prospect to a key rotation addition for the Chicago Cubs is one of the most talked-about stories heading into the 2026 MLB season. Despite a spotty injury history, his breakout 2025 campaign elevated his trade value and made him a sought-after commodity for teams in need of pitching.