"If every player on the Cubs hit their 90th percentile outcomes in 2026, Edward Cabrera strikes me as the guy who'd have the greatest impact. Another way of saying that, I think, is that he has the highest ceiling of anyone on the team right now. At least, any pitcher. Yes, he has a deep floor too, both in terms of injury risk and a penchant for wildness. But the highest ceiling."
"For about half-a-season last year, he actually achieved those heights (May 1 - August 8): 16 starts, 2.22 ERA, 26.6 K%, 6.8 BB%, and a 50% groundball rate. That's the sort of production you can dream about him reaching in 2026. Indeed, if Edward Cabrera stays healthy for 25-30 starts next year, he could transform this Cubs rotation overnight and for the next three seasons."
Even championship teams experience setbacks during a season, as evidenced by the Cubs' 2016 World Series run. However, the 2026 Cubs roster has potential for exceptional performance if circumstances align favorably. Edward Cabrera represents the highest ceiling player on the team, capable of transforming the rotation if he remains healthy for 25-30 starts, based on his first-half performance last season showing a 2.22 ERA with strong strikeout and groundball rates. Pete Crow-Armstrong's potential to repeat a 30-30 season represents another optimistic scenario. These best-case scenarios outline what the Cubs' most impactful seasons could achieve.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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