Home MLB Cubs linked to $18 million two-time All-Star ace, could potentially replace Shota Imanaga

Cubs linked to $18 million two-time All-Star ace, could potentially replace Shota Imanaga

MLB · October 19, 2025 · Comments off

Cubs linked to $18 million two-time All-Star ace, could potentially replace Shota Imanaga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs have one big mission this offseason that isn’t figuring out what to do with Kyle Tucker: Finding a true ace for their starting rotation. With Shota Imanaga regressing and Cade Horton only being 24, they need to find a veteran who can lead the rotation.

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Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes that the Cubs should pursue Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez, either as a replacement for Imanaga, or just another addition to become the ace.

MORE: Red Sox linked to underrated six-time NPB All-Star as possible Alex Bregman replacement

“The more difficult call concerns Imanaga. The Cubs hold a three-year, $57 million club option, whereas he has a $15 million player option for 2026 if they decline the club option. Given he took a sizable step backward in 2025, the end result may well be him becoming a free agent. Even if Imanaga does stick around, this rotation will be crying out for an upgrade after a year when it was generally solid, but mostly ace-less. Valdez would give them a dependable No. 1 starter, and he would surely love having Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner backing him on the infield,” Rymer wrote.

Valdez suffered a horrendous end-of-season meltdown, leading to posting a 3.66 ERA, a record of 13-11, a WHIP of 1.245, and 187 Ks over 192 innings pitched this season. Before the trade deadline, he had a record of 11-4, a 2.62 ERA, and 141 Ks.

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MORE: Giants linked to $18 million two-time All-Star ace as potential replacement for Justin Verlander

If Valdez can shake off whatever caused that meltdown, he could easily be the ace of the Cubs’ staff. Even if he doesn’t, if he can just be a little better, he could easily be the No. 2 to mentor Horton into the ace of Chicago.

Hopefully, the Cubs pursue him as soon as the offseason starts, as many other teams will be vying for the hurler as well.

MORE  NEWS

Tigers linked to $7.75 million former Cy Young candidate; would finally give Tarik Skubal the 1-2 punch he deserves

Blue Jays predicted to be top landing spot for $18 million two-time All-Star ace, creating 1-2 punch with Kevin Gausman

Red Sox expected to meet with two-time NPB MVP to be potential replacement for Alex Bregman

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