The Chicago Cubs sit at 40-26 with a four-game lead in the National League Central, but they’re hitting a rough patch at exactly the wrong time.
The offense has cooled off considerably, and the starting rotation is becoming a real problem. If Chicago wants to make noise in October, they need to address their pitching depth sooner rather than later.
Everyone’s been linking the Cubs to Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins’ former Cy Young winner. But Alcantara’s performance this season has been rough, to put it mildly.
There’s another option in Miami that’s been flying under the radar.
Cabrera’s Quiet Surge
Edward Cabrera has quietly raised his trade value over the past month and a half. The 27-year-old right-hander started the season inconsistently, but he’s found his groove since early May.
Cabrera’s overall numbers show 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 10 starts. But here’s what matters: over his last six starts since the beginning of May, he’s posted a 2-1 record with a 2.03 ERA, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
That’s the kind of stretch that gets front office phones ringing.
From a financial standpoint, Cabrera makes perfect sense. He’s earning just $1.95 million this season and remains arbitration-eligible for the next three years. That’s team-friendly money for a pitcher who’s showing frontline potential.
The Cubs’ Opportunity
Chicago has one of the better farm systems in baseball right now. They’ve got the prospect capital to get creative in trade negotiations, and Miami’s typically willing to deal when the price is right.
Sure, a deal for Cabrera would cost more at this point than taking a flyer on Alcantara. But the Cubs need someone who can step into their rotation immediately and provide quality innings down the stretch.
With their division lead shrinking and the rotation showing cracks, waiting around for Alcantara to figure things out seems like a risky strategy. Cabrera’s recent run suggests he might be the more reliable option anyway.
