The Cubs are rumored to be pursuing a trade with Miami that could put them in the driver’s seat in the NL. This mock proposal outlines how Chicago could bolster its rotation and what the Marlins would get in return.
With division and wild-card hopes hanging in the balance, the Chicago Cubs have emerged as aggressive buyers at the July 31 deadline. Their powerful offense has carried them, but pitching injuries and inconsistency threaten their hopes for October.
Enter the Marlins’ duo of Sandy Alcántara, a former Cy Young winner making his return from Tommy John, and Edward Cabrera, a controllable mid-rotation arm with breakout potential. Adding both could catapult Chicago’s rotation into elite status. Here’s a detailed mock deal showing how the trade could shake out.
Player Profiles & Fit With the Cubs
Sandy Alcántara (RHP, Marlins)
The 29-year-old Cy Young winner missed 2024 recovering from Tommy John, and while his 2025 has been uneven, his mid-June stretch saw a dazzling 2.74 ERA over four starts, evidence that his former form isn’t lost. He’s under contract through 2026 (plus a club option in 2027), making him a relatively affordable gamble if Chicago can harness his high-velocity arsenal.
Marlins TV broadcast acknowledges the Sandy Alcantara trade rumors.
Kyle Sielaff: “If this is it…Seriously, thank you for everything because he has been an amazing steward of this franchise.”
Tommy Hutton: “Tremendous person. Great representative of the Miami Marlins.” pic.twitter.com/EsIF7rW5Cd
— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) July 23, 2025
Edward Cabrera (RHP, Marlins)
Cabrera has quietly emerged in Miami, posting a 3.33 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 78 innings. At just 27 and under control through 2028, he’s a long-term asset who can slot into the backend of Chicago’s playoff rotation and mature under big-league coaching.
Marlins RHP Edward Cabrera’s trade value is peaking right now, according to @jonmorosi.
“[In] the right environment, he becomes someone that could start Game 1 of a Postseason series… ” pic.twitter.com/1XRnNql3eG
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 23, 2025
Why This Helps The Cubs
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Rotation depth: Alcántara and Cabrera add veteran presence and innings, protecting against injuries and boosting postseason options.
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Cost-effective upgrades: Instead of overpaying at the deadline, Chicago trades from deficit areas, deploying mid-tier prospects rather than roster-crushing returns.
The Marlins, a few seasons shy of contention, have an excess of SP talent and could capitalize by trading a veteran and a controllable arm to reset their rebuild for future seasons.
Possible Mock Trade Outlook
| Cubs Receive | Marlins Receive | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Alcántara (RHP) | Cade Horton (Top‑50 SP prospect) | Elite upside arm at mid-season value for Cubs; Marlins get cornerstone starter. |
| Edward Cabrera (RHP) | Kevin Alcántara (OF prospect) | Cubs add rotation depth; Marlins gain toolsy outfield prospect with upside. |
I’ve been pretty impressed with growth of Cade Horton this year.
5.2 innings scoreless yesterday with 15 swings and misses and a FB that topped nearly 98 mph and averaged just under 96 mph.
Don’t know how you can’t be encouraged about this. https://t.co/N6McolgX7o pic.twitter.com/Io0GaokfVR
— Alex Cohen (@voiceofcohen2) July 21, 2025
This mock deal lands Chicago a potent 1–2 rotation punch, Alcántara brings high-end upside, and Cabrera offers long-term depth. In return, Miami rolls the dice on two controllable high-ceiling prospects who fit their timetable.
Considering Chicago’s current position and the Marlins’ rebuilding trajectory, this proposal strikes a balance between ambition and value. If the Cubs truly want to back up their offense this summer, these two arms would go a long way toward pushing them into serious contender territory.
