Edward Cabrera gives Cubs fans a glimpse into his mindset on the mound

Under Jed Hoyer, the Chicago Cubs have been remarkably risk-averse, avoiding pushing their chips in or handing out high-dollar contracts. That changed this winter, most notably in the Alex Bregman signing, but also in the trade that brought Edward Cabrera to the North Side.

Cabrera, 27, has yet to put it all together over a full big-league season, but the stuff has always been tantalizing. He's coming off the best year of his career, in which he made 26 starts and pitched a personal-high 137 2/3 innings of work while posting a 3.53 ERA and punching out just under 10 batters per nine.

With a high-velocity fastball and elite swing-and-miss, Cabrera could be an X-factor for the team in 2026. And given what the Cubs gave up to land the right-hander in top prospect Owen Caissie, expectations are high. If his first comments at Cubs spring training were any indication, he's ready to rise to the moment.

Edward Cabrera could be a true difference-maker for the Cubs rotation

If Cabrera can stay healthy and team up with 2025 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton to give Craig Counsell a pair of overpowering right-handers, this rotation immediately becomes a major strength. When you look at the other guys on the staff, there's a lot to like, but in terms of sheer stuff, these two could set the tone and rack up punchouts.

I love this type of mentality from a new pitcher. Give me more of that energy - it's reminiscent of Justin Steele firing up his teammates two years ago in Milwaukee. Steele, set to return sometime in the first half, will also play an important role for the Cubs, but won't be an innings-eater as he comes back from injury.

The Cubs have a ton of faith in their pitching infrastructure, and success stories like Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz and Caleb Thielbar are just the latest wins in that department. If pitching coach Tommy Hottovy can help Cabrera channel his stuff into results, this has the potential to be the most impactful trade made in all of baseball this offseason.