Born10/25/1988 in Las Matas De Farfan, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'4" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut08/01/2012
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Cabrera completed an arduous seven-year journey to the majors on Aug. 1, when he needed just 10 pitches to work a 1-2-3 inning against the Pirates. Along the way, he battled shoulder and elbow tenderness, not to mention control issues and inconsistency. He seemed to have turned a corner when he performed well in high Class A and earned a spot on the 40-man roster in 2010, but he recorded a 6.16 ERA as an encore the following season. That downturn convinced the new Cubs regime to make Cabrera a full-time reliever in 2012, a role change that allowed him to conquer the upper levels of the minors and get to Chicago. It's easy to dream on him as a starter because he'll show three plus pitches at times. His fastball ranges from 93-98 mph, his changeup features some sink and fade, and his power slider added some bite when he worked with big league pitching coach Chris Bosio. However, Cabrera's pitches tend to play down because he lacks control and command. His fastball is fairly straight and gets hit when he doesn't keep it down in the strike zone. He's better in shorter stints when he can go all out and not worry as much about trying to mix his pitches. Cabrera will compete for a big league bullpen job in spring training and has a ceiling as a set-up man.
Cabrera spent his first two years in full-season leagues battling shoulder and elbow tenderness, but he finally stayed healthy in 2010 and showed enough to claim a spot on the 40-man roster. He has one of the best arms in the system, maintaining a 92-97 mph fastball as a starting pitcher. He carries that velocity deep into games, and his fastball has good tailing and running life. He has a pair of mid-80s secondary pitches that lack reliability but show promise. His slider can freeze hitters at times and his changeup features some fade. Cabrera took a more direct path to the plate and did a better job of repeating his delivery last year, but he still needs to replicate his mechanics more consistently. His long arm action gives hitters a good look at the ball and makes him more hittable, especially when he falls behind in the count. He made strides with his control in Daytona at the start of 2010, but battled the strike zone and got torched following a promotion to Tennessee in mid-May and returned to high Class A in July. Cabrera will take another crack at Double-A hitters this year. He ultimately may be best suited for relief, but the Cubs haven't given up on him as a starter.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Slider in the Chicago Cubs in 2013
Career Transactions
RHP Alberto Cabrera elected free agency.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Toros del Este.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Toledo Mud Hens from Erie SeaWolves.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Erie SeaWolves from Toledo Mud Hens.
Detroit Tigers invited non-roster RHP Alberto Cabrera to spring training.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Toledo Mud Hens.
Detroit Tigers signed free agent RHP Alberto Cabrera to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs sent RHP Alberto Cabrera outright to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs designated RHP Alberto Cabrera for assignment.
Alberto Cabrera changed number to 62.
Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Alberto Cabrera from Iowa Cubs.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to SOU North Division All-Stars.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs optioned Alberto Cabrera to Iowa Cubs.
Chicago Cubs recalled Alberto Cabrera from Iowa Cubs.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Iowa Cubs.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Chicago Cubs.
Chicago Cubs optioned Alberto Cabrera to Iowa Cubs.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Toros del Este.
Alberto Cabrera roster status changed by Chicago Cubs.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
Chicago Cubs optioned Alberto Cabrera to Tennessee Smokies.
Chicago Cubs selected the contract of Alberto Cabrera from Daytona Cubs.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Daytona Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Daytona Cubs.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Daytona Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Daytona Cubs.
Alberto Cabrera assigned to Daytona Cubs from Peoria Chiefs.
RHP Alberto Cabrera assigned to Toros del Este.
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