You know how it is—MLB rumors never really take a break. As soon as the season starts, contenders start hunting for that one player who could push them over the top. The Chicago Cubs are right in that mix. They’re aggressive, always looking for a way to gain an edge. On the other hand, the Houston Astros still have a championship-caliber roster but are staring down some big decisions with key players heading toward free agency. With both teams already familiar trade partners, could another blockbuster be brewing? Maybe one that gives the Cubs a truly scary rotation?

It wouldn’t be the first time those two clubs made headlines together recently. Just this past offseason, they pulled off a major trade: the Cubs acquired three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros, sending infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith to Houston. Shortly after, veteran reliever Ryan Pressly also made his way from Houston to Chicago. It’s clear these front offices have a good rapport, making future deals not just possible, but perhaps even likely.

Now, there’s buzz that the Cubs have their eyes on another Houston standout: left-handed ace Framber Valdez. If Houston falters early, contenders such as the Cubs could make a move for the two-time All-Star. Valdez, who is making $18 million this year, will be a free agent after the 2025 season, and talks of an extension have not moved forward. The idea? Put Valdez with Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, a legitimately terrifying one-two-three. However, acquiring Valdez might come at a high price, potentially costing the Cubs two of their top-15 prospects.

Given how well the last major move worked out for Chicago, it’s understandable they’d consider another. Kyle Tucker joined the Cubs and immediately made his presence felt, leading the National League in doubles and RBIs, and even hitting home runs in four consecutive games early in the season. Such immediate impact from a seasoned star makes parting with top prospects seem worthwhile. While Houston’s return focused on long-term gains, Tucker’s success might encourage the Cubs to pursue another proven game-changer like Valdez for their pitching staff.

Chicago Cubs’ lethal trio vision

Just imagine what Valdez will add to the Cubs’ pitching staff? This is a guy who has been a rock for Houston, a source of innings and ground balls like few others. In 2024, he got 15 wins, with a nice 3.14 ERA over 200 innings pitched. Putting that kind of trustworthy arm next to the electrifying Shota Imanaga, who had already dazzled by shutting down Padres, and the accomplished lefty Justin Steele? That is the makings of a lethal trio that can both shorten games and baffle opposing lineups deep into October.

But let’s not pack Valdez’s bags just yet. If the Astros were considering trading him based on underperformance, Valdez is not cooperating. He had a strong spring training, when he posted a 2.53 ERA. Even more encouraging, after a rough couple of innings in his first regular-season start against the Giants, he settled right down, striking out nine batters in five innings. Before that, he silenced the Mets for seven scoreless innings on Opening Day, setting a franchise record. That doesn’t sound like an ace who’s easily available.

And do the Astros really look like sellers right now? Their pitching staff, as a whole, is in the top 10 in ERA (3.60) despite a slow start record-wise (they are 3-4). Hunter Brown has been dominant when he takes the mound, and their bullpen arms remain formidable. Yes, the offense has sputtered early, ranking among the worst in runs scored. But projections still give the Astros a good shot (about 88 percent) of making the postseason. Selling off a key rotation piece like Valdez seems unlikely unless their seasons take a dramatic turn in the coming months.

So, the idea of Valdez joining the Cubs is an exciting one, but it remains in the rumor category for now. Those performance and team standings say Houston isn’t prepared yet to wave the white flag. Some rumors do turn out to be true, though, of course, and we also saw plenty of these persistent whispers this past offseason actually led to monster deals — Juan Soto to the Yankees after months of speculation. That shows big names can move. But in light of the present-day reality, this particular Cubs-Astros blockbuster is more “what if” scenario than “when.”