The Chicago Cubs did what they had to do by bringing back Shota Imanaga on the qualifying offer, but honestly, that move alone doesn’t change much about how this team should feel.
If Chicago has any real goals for 2026, especially with Kyle Tucker likely leaving, it has to add more.
That’s exactly why Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports floated the idea of the Cubs landing Framber Valdez, the Houston Astros free agent.
“Bringing back Shota Imanaga on the qualifying offer helps stabilize the group,” Kavner wrote. “If the Cubs have dreams of doing anything of significance in 2026 — especially if they lose Kyle Tucker — they need more than that. Adding a frontline arm, whether by spending or via trade, is one route to take.”
Kavner hit it on the head regarding the situation.
Imanaga gives the Cubs great innings with above-average stuff, but he’s not the type of arm that makes them contenders in the NL. Valdez might not be either without other moves, but he gets them closer.
If Tucker ends up leaving, the Cubs have to go out and spend some money. Replacing Tucker would be impossible with who is on the market, but pitching never hurts. Valdez would immediately slot in as the ace of this staff and give Chicago a legitimate one-two in its rotation.
More Astros news:
- Tatsuya Imai signing not expected to change Astros interest in reunion with Framber Valdez
- Insider provides new details on Mets pursuit of Astros’ Tatsuya Imai
- Cubs get important update on Astros’ Framber Valdez after Houston signed Tatsuya Imai
- Astros slugger reportedly being viewed as a trade target for the Red Sox after earning his second All-Star nod last season
- Astros predicted to sign Rangers All-Star and World Series champion who was recently non-tendered
- Astros’ Ryan Pressly connected to reunion with team he made his debut with back in 2015