The Chicago Cubs have had a relatively quiet offseason so far – and fans are starting to feel the frustration. But with several high-impact free agents still on the board, there’s time for the front office to change the narrative. And one name that continues to surface in the rumor mill is left-hander Framber Valdez.

Valdez, the former Houston Astros ace, has been linked to multiple teams this winter, but there’s growing buzz around a potential fit with the Cubs. Analyst Tim Kelly has been consistent in his prediction that Chicago could land the veteran southpaw, projecting a four-year deal worth $114 million.

Let’s break down why Valdez would make a lot of sense for the Cubs – and why this deal could be a turning point in their offseason.

First, the track record speaks for itself. Valdez has logged 176 or more innings in four straight seasons, a level of durability that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s game.

That kind of reliability is gold for a rotation that could use a stabilizing presence. And while his second half in 2025 didn’t quite match his early-season form, it’s worth noting that over his first 19 starts, he posted a 2.75 ERA – elite production by any standard.

Yes, there are concerns. Valdez is a bit older than some of the other top arms on the market, and he may not get the lengthy deal he’s hoping for.

But even if the term is shorter, the payday should still be significant – and deserved. His sinker-heavy arsenal is tailor-made for a place like Wrigley Field, where keeping the ball on the ground can be the difference between a quality start and a wind-aided disaster.

From a team-building perspective, Valdez gives the Cubs something they badly need: a proven top-of-the-rotation presence. Adding him would not only boost their pitching depth but also signal to the fanbase – and the rest of the league – that Chicago is serious about contending.

There’s competition, of course. The Orioles have been frequently mentioned as a suitor, and the Mets are always lurking when it comes to high-profile pitching.

But if you’re the Cubs, letting Valdez land in Queens would sting a lot more than watching him head to Baltimore. The Mets are a direct threat in the National League, and losing out to them on a pitcher of this caliber would only add to the offseason angst.

This is a pivotal moment for the Cubs. The roster has talent, the division is within reach, and the window to make a meaningful move is still open. Signing Framber Valdez wouldn’t just fill a need – it would change the tone of the offseason entirely.

If the Cubs want to shift gears and re-energize their fanbase, this is the kind of move that does it. A groundball artist with postseason experience and a workhorse mentality? That’s a fit Wrigley would embrace in a heartbeat.