The Chicago Cubs rotation was strong to start the 2025 season.
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However, injuries took their toll on the pitching staff, both for the starting rotation and bullpen.
Losing Justin Steele early in the season hurt, especially after the Cubs didn’t make aggressive moves to land ace at the trade deadline. Shota Imanaga started the year well, but struggled in the back half of the season after dealing with a hamstring injury.
After losing right fielder Kyle Tucker to the Los Angels Dodgers in free agency, the Cubs boosted the roster by adding third baseman Alex Bregman. Chicago should try to elevate their pitching staff to compete with the Dodgers in the National League.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today named the Cubs as a “favorite” to land former Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez. The lefty earned All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023. He won the 2022 World Series with the Astros.
“You want the Cubs’ fans to lose their minds after their fine winter?” Nightingale wrote. “Go ahead and sign Valdez, giving them a team that could not only run win the NL Central, but peraps challenge the mighty Dodgers.
“The Cubs, who already dropped $175 million with the Alex Bregman signing, would have a sensational rotation of Justin Steele (when he returns the second half), Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon in the mix for starts.”
Could the Chicago Cubs add Framber Valdez?
Sep 14, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Nightengale thinks the Cubs could sign Valdez and add Zac Gallen.
“The Cubs, who have been engaged in talks with fellow free agent Zac Gallen, will need another front-line starter in a year, anyways, with Boyd, Taillon and Imanaga all free agents after the 2026 season,” Nightengale wrote.
Signing the ace won’t be cheap. He’s expected to command the second-most money in free agency, only behind Tucker, who signed a four-year deal worth $240 million with the Dodgers.
Valdez has a 81-52 record on the mound in his career. He had a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings pitched in 2025.
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