The Chicago Cubs have had to rely on starting pitching depth after losing Justin Steele for the season and Shota Imanaga until mid-to-late June.
Even though Imanaga is projected to return this month, the rotation is lacking another great pitcher without Steele.
The Cubs are actively searching the market for starting pitching help and could try to make another blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros.
Left-hander Framber Valdez may be on the move by the trade deadline if Houston falls out of contention, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
According to baseball analyst Bruce Levine, the Cubs won’t wait until the trade deadline to make a move.
These clubs made a shocking trade in the offseason, with Houston sending star outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago for Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski.
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The deal has worked out well for the Cubs, boasting a four-and-a-half game lead in the National League Central.
While the Astros are clinging on to a half-game lead in the American League West, they are surely feeling the effects of losing Tucker.
Lior Lampert of FanSided believes Astros fans should brace themselves because a deal between these clubs for Valdez is a possibility.
The Cubs have a coveted farm system with lots of talent that could convince Houston to part ways with the two-time All-Star lefty.
Chicago reportedly doesn’t want to wait until the deadline and Houston is reportedly looking for starting pitching help, making a Valdez trade to the Cubs seem unlikely, at least right now.
Valdez, 31, is 5-4 with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 12 starts this year. He is an unrestricted free agent after this season.
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