The Chicago Cubs have been patient with their spending so far, but once the holidays pass, they’re expected to become far more active in free agency.
With Kyle Tucker likely departing, his salary slot could be redirected to address another need on the roster. One clear area for improvement is the starting rotation.
A name gaining traction is Framber Valdez. MLB.com’s Andrew Simon recently labeled the former Houston Astros ace a “perfect fit” for Chicago.
Simon notes that if the Cubs choose not to re-sign or replace Tucker directly, bolstering the top of the rotation becomes the priority. Matthew Boyd was strong in 2025 but is nearing 35 and just completed his first fully healthy season since 2019. Cade Horton has only 22 big-league starts under his belt, while Shota Imanaga struggled down the stretch last season. For a club that has yet to unseat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, that group may not be enough.
Valdez, by contrast, brings one of the most reliable résumés among free-agent starters, averaging 30 starts per season with a 3.21 ERA since 2022. His heavy ground-ball style would also mesh well with Chicago’s strong middle infield defense, led by Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner.
That approach could also help Valdez age gracefully. Because he doesn’t rely solely on overpowering hitters, any slight decline in raw stuff can be offset by command and savvy.
After reaching the postseason in 2025 but falling short of a division title, the Cubs are aiming higher. Adding Valdez could be a significant step toward challenging the Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central.