The Chicago Cubs aren't having the best offseason so far.
They still have a chance to make a splash, though. There are a lot of big-time free agents still out there.
The Cubs have been linked to multiple available bats, but Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly is eying an arm.
Early in the offseason, he predicted that the Cubs would sign Framber Valdez. And now, he's sticking by that prediction in a new article.
The former Houston Astros ace has been popularly rumored to the Orioles, but the Cubs would sure benefit from getting him.
Kelly's prediction is a four-year deal worth $114 million.
"This is someone who has logged 176 or more innings four years in a row, and prior to his second-half swoon, he had a 2.75 ERA over his first 19 starts," Kelly writes. "Valdez may not get the term that he wants, given some of the concerns and the fact that he's a bit older than some other available options, but the lefty should still do well. The Cubs—a team that has disgusted their fanbase with their lack of moves so far this offseason—remain a strong fit, as do the Mets and Orioles."
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The Cubs would certainly rather add Valdez than see him go to the Mets.
The Orioles don't hurt the Cubs' cause as much, other than the fact that Chicago wouldn't get a big rotation upgrade in that scenario.
Valdez's sinker-balling ways could suit him in windy Wrigley Field. The Cubs' fanbase would certainly love to see a deal like this get done.
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