The Chicago Cubs have been largely inactive this offseason, and it’s no surprise that fans are starting to grow impatient. Still, it’s possible the team is staying quiet while waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield believes a big move is still coming, projecting that the Cubs will land pitcher Framber Valdez on a six-year deal worth $168 million.
“The Cubs need a top-of-the-rotation starter, a guy they feel more confident handing the ball to in a playoff game than they did with Matthew Boyd or Shota Imanaga,” Schoenfield wrote. “They also have the payroll flexibility to do it, sitting about $22 million below last season’s total.”
Valdez is the top remaining pitcher on the market following Dylan Cease’s decision to join the Toronto Blue Jays on a seven-year, $210 million deal, and some would argue that the left-hander was the best arm available even before Cease signed.
Look, I get it: the Cubs haven’t spent money in quite some time, so when a two-time All-Star pitcher is available, fans want them to jump at the opportunity. But would it really be wise for Chicago to hand Valdez $28 million annually
There is no doubt that Valdez is a good pitcher, but he also showed some signs of decline with the Houston Astros in 2025. He posted a 3.66 ERA, his worst mark since becoming a full-time starter back in 2021. His 1.245 WHIP was also his highest in four years.
And while Valdez has averaged 191.8 innings over the last four seasons, it’s worth noting that he missed some time due to an elbow issue in 2024.
It would be really risky to hand the 32-year-old Valdez a lucrative contract over six years. Yes, he has proven to be a frontline starter in Houston, but it’s also hard to ignore the potential concerns.
We’ll see if the Cubs decide to make a move for the veteran.
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