MLB Rumors: Marlins & Pirates Close To Deal Involving Top Young Starter

Several sources around baseball are reporting that the Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of making a big trade to acquire a prime young starting pitcher from the Miami Marlins. 

MLB Rumor: The Pittsburgh Pirates could be acquiring Edward Cabrera and another player for Braxton Ashcraft, Ji-Hwan Bae, Mitch Jebb/Jun-Seok Shim. Per sources. pic.twitter.com/Lpm84wJdLh

— Baseball is Everything (@PiratesAreBad) February 14, 2024

According to the rumors, the Pirates could be about to acquire Edward Cabrera from Miami along with another player in return for Braxton Ashcraft, Ji-Hwan Bae, and either Mitch Jebb or Jun-Seok Shim. 

Another report says that the Pirates would like to get something done on a starting pitcher by the first full squad practice on Monday—either acquiring Cabrera from the Fish or signing free agent Domingo Germán as a fallback, says Pirates beat writer Jason Mackey. He says he's still leaning toward the Cabrera deal coming through.

Edward Cabrera to the #Pirates is the exact type of move you make to re-energize a fanbase right before the start of the season.

This would potentially bring a "win now" shot in the arm to the clubhouse too. If these rumors are real, get it done. The team is ready to compete!

— Pirates Faithful (@PiratesFaithful) February 14, 2024

Cabrera has electric stuff, and with at least five years of team control, would be an ideal add for this young, exciting Pirates squad. The 23-year-old posted a 4.24 ERA in 20 starts last season in Miami, striking out 10.7 per nine innings, while walking six batters per nine. In 2022, he showed his immense promise with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports