Cubs Sign Left-Handed Reliever Cabrera After Mets Release

The Chicago Cubs have signed left-handed reliever Génesis Cabrera, recently waived by the New York Mets, to bolster their bullpen alongside veteran southpaws Drew Pomeranz and Caleb Thielbar. Cabrera, 28, brings a strong pitching arsenal including a 96 MPH sinker and four-seam fastball, though control has been an issue in past seasons. Meanwhile, the Cubs face rotation challenges due to injuries to key starters like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, prompting speculation about acquiring Toronto Blue Jays veteran pitcher Kevin Gausman, who has consistently maintained a sub-3.83 ERA and offers valuable experience. The Blue Jays, hovering near a .500 record, have struggled with inconsistency and injuries, including the absence of Max Scherzer, with Eric Lauer emerging as a potential rotation replacement. The Blue Jays' performance uncertainty has led to trade rumors involving key players such as Gausman and Bo Bichette, while the Cubs look to strengthen both their bullpen and rotation amid injury setbacks. Cabrera's signing and the possible trade for Gausman illustrate the Cubs' active efforts to address pitching needs as they contend in the NL Central.