Cubs finalize Edward Cabrera trade with Owen Caissie as the centerpiece

Cubs offer up their top prospect in trade with Marlins.

Jordan Campbell

Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs / Geoff Stellfox/GettyImages

If the Chicago Cubs were going to trade for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera this offseason, it stood to reason that Owen Caissie would be included in the trade. The Cubs nearly traded their top prospect to Miami last offseason. Once word broke earlier today that Cabrera was headed to Chicago, it was only a matter of time before Caissie's involvement was reported on.

The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins that sends top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and two other hitting prospects to Miami, sources tell ESPN. Deal is done and official. Players are being informed now.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 7, 2026

Cristian Hernandez is one of the other prospects headed to the Marlins. Hernandez was a popular international free-agent signing for the Cubs in 2021, but never quite lived up to his "Baby A-Rod" nickname. Edgardo De Leon was a part of the Cubs' 2024 international signing class and offers the Marlins a low-level lottery ticket.

The Cubs' decision to trade Caissie marks the second consecutive offseason that they have traded one of their top prospects. Of course, last winter, the Cubs sent 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith to the Houston Astros as part of their package for Kyle Tucker.

Jed Hoyer and Co. haven't been afraid to reveal that the team's decision to trade for Tucker, who was considered a rental player, was more of an exception for how the front office does business instead of the new expectation. With Cabrera, the Cubs have control over the 27-year-old starting pitcher for the next three seasons,.

Owen Caissies headlines the package the Cubs gave up for Edward Cabrera.

In parting with Caissie, the Cubs may be foreshadowing their next move before they close out the offseason. With Tucker a free agent, the plan was for Caissie to have an increased role with the 2026 team. Whether that meant in right field or as the team's designated hitter, Caissie was expected to be a part of the Cubs' plan to replace Tucker's impact.

Along those lines, it stands to reason that there will be an uptick in rumors connecting the Cubs to Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman. The Cubs needed another bat before the trade for Cabrera, and Caissie departure is only further confirmation.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.