As the 2025-26 offseason progresses, the market for starting pitchers is shifting, with interest in Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera diminishing. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that both the Orioles and Astros have stepped back from trade discussions involving Cabrera, with the Marlins unwilling to accept a low offer for him.
At 27, Cabrera is enjoying a standout season with the Marlins. Last year, he started 26 games, pitching 137.2 innings while achieving a career-best 150 strikeouts against 48 walks, posting a 3.53 ERA and a 1.228 WHIP. Since making his debut in 2021, Cabrera has a career 4.07 ERA over 89 appearances (87 starts). Despite two injuries last season, his value is boosted by having multiple years of team control remaining under his contract, which still has three seasons left, potentially attracting interest from teams like the Mets.
Earlier reports from The Athletic noted that the Marlins were making headway in finding a trade partner for Cabrera, with the Orioles among the known suitors at that time and other teams also reaching out. Meanwhile, the Mets are actively seeking starting pitching through both free agency and trades. Alongside the Mets, the Giants and Orioles have been involved in talks with free agents, including former Astros lefty Framber Valdez, who remains one of the top available pitchers. Other free agent options include Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen, and Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
On the trade front, besides Cabrera, other Marlins pitchers like Freddy Peralta, Sandy Alcantara, and Ryan Weathers have been mentioned. Trade rumors involving Alcantara and Weathers intensified on December 5 when reports suggested the Marlins were open to trading a starting pitcher, though Miami is likely to keep Alcantara unless presented with an extraordinary offer. Alcantara, a former National League Cy Young Award winner, is viewed as a key part of the team’s future, according to the Miami Herald.
The Mets’ current starting rotation features Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Nolan McLean. They also have young pitchers such as Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong, who debuted in the latter half of the last season, while Christian Scott is expected to return from Tommy John surgery in 2024.
Fan Take: This shift in the starting pitcher market highlights the intense competition and strategic moves teams must make during the offseason. For baseball fans, watching how these pitching trades and signings unfold could significantly reshape team dynamics and impact the balance of power in the upcoming season.
