The Chicago Cubs gave fans a reason to believe again this past season. For the first time in years, Wrigley Field had that October energy – the kind that makes the ivy feel a little greener and the air a little crisper.
After nearly a decade of hovering around mediocrity, the Cubs finally made a real postseason push. It was a reminder of what this franchise can look like when it’s clicking – a contender in one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks, with a fanbase ready to erupt.
But as electric as the first half of the season was, the second half exposed some clear cracks in the foundation. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of depth – particularly in the starting rotation – nearly derailed the whole thing.
If not for the emergence of rookie Cade Horton, who stepped up when the staff needed him most, the Cubs might’ve faded out of the race entirely. His breakout was a bright spot, no doubt, but also a flashing signal: this rotation needs reinforcements.
That brings us to the offseason, where President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has a clear mandate – invest in the rotation. If the Cubs are going to build on this past season and take the next step, it starts with adding a frontline starter. And there’s one name on the market who fits that bill perfectly: Framber Valdez.
Former MLB GM Jim Bowden recently listed Valdez as a top-tier free agent and pegged the Cubs as a “tremendous fit” for the left-hander. It’s not hard to see why.
Valdez has been one of the most consistent starters in the game over the last few seasons. Since 2022, he’s posted a 3.21 ERA and 1.159 WHIP, with a 57-35 record across 121 starts.
He’s logged 767.2 innings and punched out 750 batters in that span – numbers that speak to both his durability and dominance.
Valdez isn’t just a regular-season workhorse, either. He’s pitched in big games, performed under postseason pressure, and brings a style that would play well at Wrigley. He’s an elite ground-ball pitcher who works deep into games – exactly the kind of arm that can stabilize a rotation and take pressure off the bullpen.
Yes, he stumbled a bit down the stretch this past season, allowing four or more runs in four of his final five starts. And yes, there was that controversial moment where he appeared to intentionally cross up his catcher. But even with that late-season dip and the off-field noise, Valdez remains the top starting pitcher available in this year’s free agent class.
In fact, that controversy might actually work in Chicago’s favor. If it impacts his market value – and it just might – the Cubs could have an opportunity to land a legitimate ace on a shorter-term, high-AAV deal.
That’s the kind of calculated risk that could pay off big. Hoyer has shown he’s not afraid to be opportunistic, and this could be one of those moments.
Adding Valdez wouldn’t just be about filling a hole in the rotation – it would be about setting a tone. About signaling to the clubhouse and the fanbase that this team isn’t content with a taste of October.
They want more. They want to build something sustainable, something that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the National League.
And with the core starting to come together, a move like this could be the catalyst. Valdez has the track record, the stuff, and the experience to be a true No.
- If the Cubs want to keep that October buzz alive – and maybe even make it last a little longer next time – this is the kind of arm that can help get them there.
