The Chicago Cubs have run into a bit of unfortunate luck surrounding their starting pitching in the last two seasons. Left-hander Justin Steele has suffered injuries in back-to-back seasons, and this time, it is season ending. Steele is undergoing surgery on his left elbow that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. That leaves a major hole at the top of the Cubs rotation, and it may lead the front office to make a move for another ace-level pitcher.

Athlon Sports’ Sam Bernardi has suggested a trade that will send Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez to the Cubs in return for prospects Kevin Alcantara and Jack Neely. Valdez has been an ace in the Houston rotation for several seasons now, as highlighted by his top-nine finishes in Cy Young Award voting in each of the last three seasons as well as top-20 finishes in MVP voting in two of the last three seasons.

Valdez set his career high in WAR last season at 4.4 despite making three fewer starts (28) than he had in the previous two seasons (31). He also set his career mark for strikeouts per nine innings last season with 9.8, barely inching out his previous career high of 9.7 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. This season has not gotten off to a great start for Valdez, as he has a 4.50 ERA across 22 innings and four starts. He is averaging over a strikeout per inning with 22 strikeouts, showing he is still capable of getting a punch-out when needed.

With just one season remaining on his contract, Valdez could be an excellent Steele replacement for the remainder of the season and could potentially help Chicago secure its first division title and postseason appearance since 2020.