The Edward Cabrera era is about to begin in Miami.
On Monday afternoon, the Marlins made a blockbuster announcement: the man considered by many outlets (including ours) to be the top prospect in the organization is being called up from AAA to make his Major League debut this coming Wednesday at loanDepot park. The Marlins announced the move by posting Cabrera’s reaction to hearing the news from Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp head coach Al Pedrique. Edward’s reaction was one of pure elation.
For some, Cabrera’s promotion came as a bit of a surprise, a week before MLB rosters expand to 28. But with two empty spots in their rotation and Cabrera absolutely dealing in AAA, Kim Ng and the Marlins saw no reason not to give Cabrera the extra start on Wednesday night.
After missing spring training and starting the year on the IL, Cabrera, who has battled arm multiple arm injuries in his professional tenure, was assigned to A Jupiter on a rehab assignment before being sent to AA Pensacola. There, he threw to a 2.77 ERA via a 33/6 K/BB and 0.96 WHIP, he was promoted to AAA. In a similar amount of innings with the Shrimp, Cabrera had a 3.68 ERA by way of a 1.40 WHIP and 48/19 K/BB. From July 30th through August 19th, he struck out 41, including 11+ in three straight outings and walked just 13. Growing up next to Sixto Sanchez in the Marlins’ organization, there was much debate about whose ceiling is higher. Since Sixto’s latest injury, Cabrera has made moves to push himself ahead of Sanchez. If health permits and he translates well to big league action, Edward will solidify himself as the top pitching prosect in the Marlins’ organization.
Cabrera’s stuff is absolutely electric. He couples a heater up as high as the triple digits and two seam sinker in the low-mid 90s with a mid-high 80s power slider that can steal opposing hitters’ souls. His low 80s curve has 11-5 action and tunnels off the slider well. He also mixes in an improving changeup that can reach the low 90s. Because of the level of effort he throws with, Cabrera can get a bit wild at times leading to walks and pitches staying up for hard contact. That accounted for most of the damage he allowed in AAA this season. But when Cabrera is on, he’s nearly unhittable. Now under the tutelage of Mel Stottlemyre, Cabrera’s should be able to polish off his changeup and his repeatability. If so, he has ace potential. For a ceiling comparison, look to Phillies’ ace Zack Wheeler who has similar size, stuff and velo and all from a similar arm slot.
With the team limping to the end of the year, Marlins fans need something to get excited about. They will have it tonight when the top prospect in the organization according to many outlets (ours included) takes the hill for the first time. Had the Marlins waited until September 1st, that outing likely would have come on the road in New York where Miami is scheduled to play four games against the Mets. After housing a crowd of just over 5,000 on Tuesday, the thinnest of the year since loanDepot park returned to capacity, that number should be well improved tonight.
If you haven’t already, get your ticket to the Eddy show. It’s going to be a good one.
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