Trade rumors for Marlins' ace Edward Cabrera are heating up, with the Orioles in the mix: Sources
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Miami Marlins are actively exploring trade options for right-hander Edward Cabrera, and the Baltimore Orioles are among the teams in the running, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Cabrera, 27, is under team control for three more seasons and is projected to earn $3.7 million in arbitration in 2026. However, some teams believe the Marlins' asking price is too high, suggesting he might not be traded. The Orioles, however, are seeking to add a third high-end starter to complement left-hander Trevor Rogers and right-hander Kyle Bradish. They recently acquired Rogers from the Marlins at the 2024 trade deadline, and the deal proved mutually beneficial, with Rogers posting a 1.81 ERA in 109 2/3 innings last season and outfielder Kyle Stowers earning All-Star recognition.
The Orioles have already bolstered their bullpen by adding closer Ryan Helsley and set-up man Andrew Kittredge this offseason. After making a five-year, $150 million offer to designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, the same terms he received from the Philadelphia Phillies, the Orioles might prefer investing in hitters like Kyle Tucker or Pete Alonso over starting pitchers. The recent signing of right-hander Dylan Cease by the Toronto Blue Jays to a seven-year, $210 million contract, with deferrals, has left Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, lefties Framber Valdez, and Ranger Suárez as the top starting pitchers on the market. Many clubs, including the New York Mets, are hesitant to commit long-term to these pitchers.
Cabrera had a 3.53 ERA in 137 2/3 innings last season but suffered injuries, including a right middle finger blister at the start of the season and a sprained right elbow in September. He also dealt with a right shoulder impingement in the first half of 2024. Despite these setbacks, Cabrera displayed flashes of brilliance, with an average fastball velocity of 96.9 mph, ranking in the top 13 percent of the league, and a strikeout percentage in the top 26 percent. However, he also had a high hard-hit rate, and his expected ERA was nearly a half-run per nine innings higher than his actual figure.
The Marlins have been open to trading any of their starting pitchers except right-hander Eury Pérez. A trade for Cabrera would likely ensure the Marlins open the season with former NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara in their rotation. Alcántara, set to earn $17.3 million in 2026 with a $21 million club option for '27, is the team's highest-paid player.
— Britt Ghiroli contributed to this report.
