As the 2025-26 offseason continues, the market for starters continues to evolve and it looks like the number of suitors for Marlins RHP Edward Cabrera has shrunk.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Orioles and Astros are “no longer involved” in trade talks for Cabrera. Jackson reports the Marlins don’t want to sell short on Cabrera.
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The 27-year-old Cabrera had a career year for the Marlins in 2025. He pitched to a 3.53 ERA and 1.228 WHIP with a career-high 150 strikeouts and 48 walks in 137.2 innings over 26 starts last year. He has a career 4.07 ERA over 89 outings (87 starts) after breaking into the league during the 2021 season. He was injured twice this past season, but the big selling point is the team control.
Cabrera is under contract for three more seasons, something that could potentially pique the Mets’ interest.
Earlier this month, The Athletic reported that the Marlins were “progressing” in their efforts to find a trade partner to acquire Cabrera. The Orioles’ involvement was known then, but there were other clubs inquiring with the Marlins.
Of course, the Mets are in the market for starting pitching, whether in the free agency or trade markets. They, along with the Giants and Orioles, were among the teams that reportedly met with free agent Framber Valdez. The former Astros lefty is arguably the biggest starting pitching name remaining in the free agent market. Other free agents include Ranger Suarez, Zac Gallen and Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai.
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As for the trade market, the Brewers’ Freddy Peralta is a name that has been thrown out there in addition to the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara and Ryan Weathers. Marlins trade reports surrounding those two heated up on Dec. 5, when it was reported that the Marlins were in the market to trade one of their starting pitchers. However, it seems Miami is less likely to deal Alcantara.
The Miami Herald’s report included that Miami wants to keep Alcantara, and it would take an incredible offer for the team to consider dealing the former NL Cy Young winner.
Currently, the Mets have a starting rotation that includes Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean. They have depth pieces like youngsters Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong, who made their MLB debuts late this past season, and Christian Scott, returning from 2024 Tommy John surgery.