Chicago Cubs: Cabrera gets make-or-break gut check in new bullpen role

When the Chicago Cubs traded for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, the thought was that they’d be adding a powerhouse righty to their starting rotation, just as he was about to emerge as a real major league impact arm.

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That’s why they were willing to give up their no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect Cristian Hernandez, and young infield talent Edgardo De Leon.

But things certainly haven’t gone as planned.

The 28-year-old Cabrera has had two stints on the IL—hamstring and finger blister—which have limited him to just 15 starts on the year. And even when healthy, his numbers have been bad. Through those 15 games, he’s posted a 5.68 ERA over 76 innings.

Cabrera’s move to the bullpen

Aug 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

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In this latest return from the injured list, Cabrera is being moved to the bullpen. The move is equal parts due to the need for a power arm in a struggling bullpen and the concern that his blister issues are coming from longer outings. In the meantime, while the Cubs figure things out, they want to see what impact he can have in relief.

Lots of people—at least outside the organization—have soured on Cabrera, though. Some have questioned his mental toughness, especially when it comes to his most recent blister, which they feel was more of a crutch to justify poor performance rather than actual injury.

Whatever the case, Cabrera will remain part of the team. He’ll also definitely get a serious gut check in the bullpen.

Baptism by fire

Edward Cabrera, Chicago Cubs — May 9, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (30) comes off the field after pitching against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“It’s a hard thing, being a reliever, especially this time of the year,” said Clay Holmes, who was an All-Star closer for the New York Yankees before converting to a starter. “You do your job 40 times, and it’s just expected. And then when you’re not perfect a couple times, it’s easy to feel like the world’s spinning and hear a lot of voices, people telling you this and that.

“It’s really tough to keep believing what you’re doing in those moments. There’s going to be some rough patches. You got to believe that things will level out.”

Manager Craig Counsell is anticipating some pains growing into a reliever role, especially as the Cubs make their way to postseason play.

“When you get to this time of year, we have to accept some discomfort,” Counsell told The Athletic. “Clayton Kershaw closed out a playoff series. That’s how it works. You have to do things that you’re not used to doing if you want to do great things.”

For what it’s worth, Cabrera is saying all the right things ahead of his bullpen debut.

“This is all new to me, but I’ll be out there ready for any situation,” Cabrera said via interpreter. “Whenever they call my name, I’m going to be ready for anything…

“I see this as another opportunity. My mentality is 100 percent positive.”

How well Cabrera responds to this late-season gut check could determine what the rest of his Cubs run will look like. If he falls here and now, there may be no getting up in Chicago.

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