The San Francisco Giants have added starters Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle this offseason, but they’re not done upgrading their rotation. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Giants are eyeing right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.
Cabrera had his best season yet in 2024.
The 26-year-old posted an 8-7 record with a 3.53 ERA across 26 starts, striking out 150 batters in 137 2/3 innings. What makes this different is Cabrera finally stayed healthy – he surpassed 100 innings for the first time in his career.
His stuff is what catches your attention. Cabrera throws a five-pitch mix with three breaking balls that keep hitters off balance. His fastball velocity sits in the 87th percentile according to Baseball Savant, but it’s his off-speed arsenal that really gets results. Last season, his off-speed pitching run value ranked in the 94th percentile.
Now, the Giants already have five starters locked in – Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Mahle, Houser, and Landen Roupp. That’s a solid group on paper.
But there’s reason to think they want more depth. Both Ray and Mahle will hit free agency again next offseason, so adding Cabrera would give them rotation stability through 2029.
The way I see it, this fits their approach. They’re not making the splashy free agent signings, but they’re looking for controlled talent that can grow with the team.
Whether the Giants pursue more free agents or focus on trades like this one remains to be seen. But adding a pitcher with Cabrera’s upside – especially with that team control – would give them flexibilty both now and down the road.
