A New Name has Emerged on the Trade Market for the Cubs

Chicago Cubs fans are desperately waiting for their team to make a move on the free agency market. Were running out of ways to spin the wants and needs for outfielder Cody Bellinger, first baseman Rhys Hoskins, and a plethora of other suitable fits to sign with the North Siders. At this point, fans may just be content with knowing team president Jed Hoyer is at least on the phone with someone.

The silence is deafening at this point with the Cubs, but that could just be the way Hoyer works. He has never been one to say what he is doing in the process, but rather waits until a deal is made. Opening Day is now less than 100 days away. If 2024 is the true opening of a competitive window for the franchise, the Cubs need to start making their moves.

And while the main focus continues to be on the free agents, seemingly by the wayside has a top arm on the trade market emerged in the Cubs' crosshairs.

Cubs potential favorites to trade with Astros for Framber Valdez.

Bleacher Report's Walk Off Twitter page has the Cubs as the top destination for trade target Framber Valdez. Valdez, currently a starter for the Houston Astros, was instrumental in Houston's run to a World Series championship in 2022. He was 3-0 with 4 postseason starts and posted a 1.44 ERA. You also may remember his name from pitching a no-hitter this past year.

Valdez is 30 years old and a top arm in the league. He still has 4 years of team-control left before becoming a free agent in 2026, so you can imagine it would take quite a haul to move him. But the Cubs have both young depth and cash that could make this deal happen, which is probably why they are considered a favorite.

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