Looking at Cabrera’s career stats is misleading. He has not been the same pitcher since returning at the end of last June. Returning from what, I am not entirely sure. Injury? Cabrera was put on the restricted list September 2023. Was that it? Regardless, he has had some of the most productive outings in the mid-minors since then. Last night was just his second AA appearance and he pulled off something I like to call an FQO (Fantastic Quality Outing), which is pitch at least six innings, strikeout at least six, walk no more than two, do not allow a home run, do not allow more than three runs, and have a game WHIP under 1.20. The 2025 season is young, but it shows a shortage of FQOs compared to last season. 2024 saw Cabrera end on a heater in Hillsboro:

I’d be lying if I said I have a great read on Cabrera’s work. He seems very off anyone’s radar. At least anyone who would publicly share some 411. His broadcast archives aren’t the most telling. Cabrera’s six (?) pitch mix is more subtle to the eyes than most as well. I’m confident he throws a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, two breaking balls, and a changeup. But spotting them well is a different story. Regardless, as someone rostered in 0% of leagues and an upper-minors try at hand, I threw him out as my D’Backs arm this off-season (episode 44.) Here’s a little look from last season:
This is our second look in a row that we’ve found errors in the box scores’ pitch count. Cabrera threw 93 pitches, 57 for strikes (61%.) You can count along in the bottom right corner if you don’t believe me. This wasn’t the most impressive FQO I’ve seen, by any stretch. Cabrera got some nice help from his defense. Cameron Cauley provided half his whiffs on the day. He pitched to a lot of contact. Yet, on the other hand, the strike zone seemed to shrink on him at times, and he gave up what you’ll see to be as weak a double one could. Do we have a real budding 22-year-old SP prospect just getting his feet wet in AA or some system depth an org is trying to get as much use out of as they can? Cabrera’s not a fitness superstar, but he has shown the ability to go deep into outings, often finishing them strongly. Cabrera doesn’t give hitters many good pitches to hit. That may be his strongest attribute.
The one 95 mph fastball labeled was the only velocity the booth shared with us. I don’t have a ton of confidence in my thoughts on Cabrera, but the results have been there in spades lately. There are better broadcast looks of Cabrera to come. Let’s see if he keeps giving us reasons to watch.