Cubs' Long-Term Quest for Starting Pitching Leads to Edward Cabrera: A Breakout Potential
The Chicago Cubs have finally addressed their long-standing need for a top-notch starting pitcher, acquiring highly touted right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade last week. While Alex Bregman's five-year, $175 million deal has garnered significant attention, the real coup for the Cubs is their ability to snag a marquee starter with multiple years of club control.
Cabrera's impressive 2023 season, marked by a 3.53 ERA and 26 starts, left a lasting impression on Chicago pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. The young right-hander showed significant improvement in his walk rate, trimming it down to an 8.3% career-best, thanks in part to his newly developed sinker pitch.
According to Hottovy, Cabrera's trust in his pitches allowed him to stay in the game more effectively, and his sinker proved to be a reliable and accurate delivery point. The Cubs' infrastructure, including pitching coach Daniel Moskos, were heavily invested in Cabrera during his time with the Marlins, recognizing his vast potential.
While injuries have plagued Cabrera throughout his career, he demonstrated resilience by returning from a three-week stint on the injured list and making two starts in the season's final week. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the risk associated with increasing velocity but praised Cabrera's immense talent, stating that the analytics matched up perfectly.
The trade package, which included outfielder Owen Caissie and other assets, underscores the Cubs' willingness to invest in Cabrera, a player deemed "super-talented" by Hottovy. With this acquisition, the Cubs are poised to bolster their rotation, addressing a long-standing need that has hindered their competitiveness.
Cabrera's arrival is seen as a significant step forward for the Cubs, and fans can't wait to see him in action at Wrigley Field. With his impressive arsenal and growing confidence, Cabrera may just be scratching the surface of what he can do, making him an exciting addition to the team's pitching staff.
The Chicago Cubs have finally addressed their long-standing need for a top-notch starting pitcher, acquiring highly touted right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade last week. While Alex Bregman's five-year, $175 million deal has garnered significant attention, the real coup for the Cubs is their ability to snag a marquee starter with multiple years of club control.
Cabrera's impressive 2023 season, marked by a 3.53 ERA and 26 starts, left a lasting impression on Chicago pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. The young right-hander showed significant improvement in his walk rate, trimming it down to an 8.3% career-best, thanks in part to his newly developed sinker pitch.
According to Hottovy, Cabrera's trust in his pitches allowed him to stay in the game more effectively, and his sinker proved to be a reliable and accurate delivery point. The Cubs' infrastructure, including pitching coach Daniel Moskos, were heavily invested in Cabrera during his time with the Marlins, recognizing his vast potential.
While injuries have plagued Cabrera throughout his career, he demonstrated resilience by returning from a three-week stint on the injured list and making two starts in the season's final week. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the risk associated with increasing velocity but praised Cabrera's immense talent, stating that the analytics matched up perfectly.
The trade package, which included outfielder Owen Caissie and other assets, underscores the Cubs' willingness to invest in Cabrera, a player deemed "super-talented" by Hottovy. With this acquisition, the Cubs are poised to bolster their rotation, addressing a long-standing need that has hindered their competitiveness.
Cabrera's arrival is seen as a significant step forward for the Cubs, and fans can't wait to see him in action at Wrigley Field. With his impressive arsenal and growing confidence, Cabrera may just be scratching the surface of what he can do, making him an exciting addition to the team's pitching staff.