The Chicago Cubs finished the 2025 MLB season 92-70, good for second place in the National League Central Division and a Wild Card spot in the postseason. After defeating the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round, they fell 3-2 to the 97-65 Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.
With the World Series ending this weekend, the Cubs, along with the rest of Major League Baseball, are looking ahead to 2026, starting with what players they will lose and add in free agency.
One aspect of the roster that certainly deserves some attention is their starting pitching, and there is a high-profile left-handed starter that could give a definite boost to manager Craig Counsell’s rotation.
The Chicago Cubs have been named a best fit for Framber Valdez
Sep 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts after a play during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently ranked the top MLB free agents and what they could expect to be signed for during the offseason. He also listed each free agent’s best fits among MLB teams.
The number four free agent on his list is Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez, of whom he writes:
“Valdez has pitched in plenty of big games and has a track record of performing in the postseason. He’s an elite ground-ball pitcher who pitches deep into games. He did struggle down the stretch this season, allowing four or more runs in four of his final five starts and was the subject of some controversy. Even with that end to his season, he’s still the best starting pitcher in this year’s class.”
The controversy Bowden refers to is that Valdez allegedly crossed up his catcher, hitting him with a pitch. The left-hander claims that he hit him by mistake.
In eight seasons with the Astros, Valdez was 81-52 with a 3.36 ERA. Last season, he was 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA and threw two complete games.
Bowden projects Valdez to get six-year $190 million contract, and lists the Cubs as one of the teams that would be a best fit for him. Other teams listed are the Astros, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Padres, and San Francisco Giants.
For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Cubs predicted to replace Kyle Tucker with projected $182 million Boston Red Sox superstar
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE