March 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cHe had everything working,\u201d manager Craig Counsell said. \u201cCarson felt really comfortable with any pitch in any count. With his stuff, if we get into that mode, it\u2019s going to be a tough night for hitters. He got better as the night went on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cabrera is an intimidating presence just looking at him on the mound. At 6 feet 5 and nearly 220 pounds, Cabrera has the prototypical frame teams look for in a pitcher. His fastball Monday averaged 96.4 mph and topped out at 98.1. For a rotation that averaged 93.4 mph on its four-seamers last season, 24th in baseball, Cabrera\u2019s velocity is welcome.<\/p>\n
Yet, what makes Cabrera unique is his fastball is arguably his worst pitch. After leaning more on his sinker over his four-seamer last season, Cabrera went to the four-seamer 23 times Monday, three fewer than his nasty changeup that sat at 93 mph. He went to the sinker just three times.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely feel more comfortable with the four-seam,\u201d Cabrera said through an interpreter. \u201cSo I went out there and used it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of his 15 whiffs on the night, five came on that changeup and another five on his slider. In general, it\u2019s those secondaries along with his curveball \u2014 which he threw 11 times but used it to get that great strikeout against Trout \u2014 that have allowed him to thrive when he\u2019s at his best. And what Caberera showed Monday was near his best.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got electric stuff,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cHaving all those pitches and keeping guys guessing, there\u2019s not one pitch you can sit on. That\u2019s what really makes him special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Get the caveats out of the way: This is one game against what is assumed to be a weaker opponent. But the Cubs need this type of performance out of Cabrera as often as they can get it to reach the heights they desire. They traded one of their top prospects, Owen Caissie, expecting they were acquiring a pitcher who was just about to take off.<\/p>\n
Along with adding more swing-and-miss to the rotation (Cubs starters were 23rd with a 20.5 percent strikeout rate last season), Cabrera also keeps the ball on the ground quite often. On Monday, he induced six groundballs, including one that erased one of the two base runners he allowed on the evening. In front of the Cubs\u2019 elite defense, Cabrera\u2019s mix of strikeouts and groundballs could help him elevate to a level the Cubs are seeking.<\/p>\n
Cabrera rarely pitched in front of large crowds in Miami. The average attendance at LoanDepot Park was just over 14,000 last season. On Monday, 36,702 people filled Wrigley Field. That will likely be a light night as the season pushes deeper into the summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe emotions are definitely different,\u201d Cabrera said. \u201cBecause, let\u2019s be real, it\u2019s a big difference in the number of fans we had in Miami. But I try not to focus too much on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
If it fazed him, it certainly was hard to notice. Cabrera received a large ovation from the crowd as he headed to the bullpen before the game started. He soaked it in, saying the moment made him \u201cproud,\u201d and made sure to thank the fans for the love after the win.<\/p>\n
This, the Cubs hope, is just the beginning for Cabrera. A calm presence in front of big crowds who can quickly quiet the opponents with overpowering stuff. If he can stay healthy and continue to build off his first outing, it won\u2019t be long before Cabrera becomes a fan favorite in Wrigleyville.<\/p>\n
\u201cSlow heartbeat,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cThat\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for in a guy like that. I just think he\u2019s going to continue to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n