Cubs News: International Free Agent Signings, Pete Crow-Armstrong honored, Edward Cabrera

There's an outside-looking-in feel to watching the MLB playoffs, considering the Chicago Cubs had such a deflating exit against the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round. That said, there's plenty of procedural moves the Cubs are checking off from their offseason to-do list, and that includes announcing their latest round of international free-agent signings.

Cubs announce latest round of international free-agent signings

Late last week, the Cubs announced the signings of Luis Zapata, Elvin Cepeda, Rodelvis Santiesteban, Manuel Cordero, Sebastian Zorrilla, and Maykoll Jaspe to minor-league deals.

In most cases, these are deals that had been rumored throughout the summer and then become offical later in the year.

One thing that should be noted when talking about the Cubs and their international free-agent signings is the lack of success they've had over the past decade. It hasn't been a strength of the organization, and as Jed Hoyer looks for different ways for the front office to operate, beefing up their international scouting does feel like a worthwhile investment.

Pete Crow-Armstrong named Baseball America's Player of the Year

Pete Crow-Armstrong was already named a finalist for the Hank Aaron award, and remains the presumptive National League MVP. In the meantime, Crow-Armstrong was named Baseball America's Player of the Year for the 2026 season.

There's not much else that can be said about Crow-Armstrong's season that hasn't already been shared. It was one of the best seasons in baseball history, let alone, arguably the best season ever had by a Cubs player.

Identifying Edward Cabrera's stuggles should be a Cubs' offseason priority

The Cubs are going to be in search of pitching this offseason, but there's also the question of Edward Cabrera. Cabrera is arbitration-eligible this offseason, and he will be tendered a contract. It's too early for the front office to consider the trade a failure.

By most measures, the 2026 season was the worst season that Cabrera had in the majors. While the fear is that it's something directly tied to the team's pitching infrastructure, the Cubs believe that Cabrera's repeated blister issues was the reason for his struggles. The idea being that the injuries altered Cabrera's grip while also contributing to repeated concerns with his arm angle while throwing. There's also some "bad habits" the Cubs noticed over the year.

Fixing Cabrera is paramount to the Cubs' success next season. Otherwise, considering the questions that surround Justin Steele and Ben Brown, and Cade Horton likely missing most of the season, the starting rotation could be a liability.

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