Pirates Sign Pitcher Jean Cabrera a Week After Phillies Release
The short version
- The Pirates signed Jean Cabrera about one week after the Phillies released him on Aug. 28.
- Cabrera won the Paul Owens Award in 2021 after a 1.54-ERA debut season in the Dominican Summer League.
- He struggled in 2026 with a 9.32 ERA at Triple-A and a 6.86 ERA at Double-A Reading.
Philadelphia parted ways with the 24-year-old right-hander on August 28, and Pittsburgh added him days later following a rough 2026 season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher Jean Cabrera, according to the official transaction log, seven days after the Philadelphia Phillies released him on August 28. The move sends the 24-year-old to an in-state National League rival as he attempts to restart a career that stalled badly in 2026.
Cabrera originally signed with Philadelphia as an international free agent in 2019 and debuted professionally in 2021. As a 19-year-old in the Dominican Summer League, he posted a 1.54 ERA across 13 starts, gave up only one home run, and struck out 61 against 10 walks.
That performance helped earn him the Paul Owens Award, presented annually to the top pitcher and position player in the Phillies' farm system. He shared the honor with Bryson Stott during a Sept. 20, 2021, ceremony at Citizens Bank Park. Cabrera continued climbing through the minors and was added to the 40-man roster in November 2024.
His 2025 season at Double-A Reading was the strongest of his career. He set personal marks with 26 starts, 137 innings pitched and 127 strikeouts, appearing to put him on track toward the major leagues.
The 2026 campaign reversed that trajectory. Cabrera opened the year with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and recorded a 9.32 ERA over seven starts before being sent down to Reading in May. He was designated for assignment on June 6 to clear a 40-man spot for outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, cleared waivers, and was outrighted back to Double-A, where he managed a 6.86 ERA in 14 appearances.
The Phillies stayed with him through July before finally cutting ties in late August. Writing for Phillies Nation, Ty Daubert noted that the wheels came off this year after the promising start to Cabrera's tenure in the organization.
For Philadelphia, the decision fits a broader reworking of the pitching staff as the club chases a deep playoff run after multiple disappointing postseason exits. For Pittsburgh, the signing is a low-cost look at a former award winner whose earlier record suggests some upside remains.
Fans can next see the Phillies in action on Saturday, September 26, when they host the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park. First pitch is set for 7:15 PM EDT, with the game airing on FOX and streaming on MLB.TV.
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