The Chicago Cubs are on the hunt for starting pitchers, and the free-agent market is buzzing with talent. But here's the catch: not all aces are created equal. With a mix of proven veterans and rising stars available, the Cubs face a critical decision that could shape their future. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the top five free-agent starters, ranked by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, and explore who might be the perfect fit—or the risky gamble—for the Cubs.
1. Dylan Cease (Age 28, Formerly White Sox)
Cease had a rough 2025, posting a 4.55 ERA over 32 starts, but don’t let that fool you. This former Cub (yes, they drafted him in 2014 before trading him) is a Cy Young contender when he’s on his game. And this is the part most people miss: His expected ERA (xERA) was a stellar 3.46, suggesting bad luck played a role in his struggles.
Pros: Cease’s fastball-slider combo is elite. He struck out 29.8% of batters last season and ranked in the 95th percentile for whiff rate (33.4%). His raw stuff is among the best in baseball.
Cons: He’s a fly ball pitcher, which could spell trouble at Wrigley Field when the wind is blowing out. Last season, 62.7% of batted balls against him were in the air.
2. Michael King (Age 29, Formerly Padres)
King transformed from a Yankees reliever into a dominant starter with the Padres, posting a 3.10 ERA from 2024-25. His five-pitch arsenal keeps batters guessing.
Pros: King induces soft contact like few others. His 30.3% hard-hit rate in 2024 ranked in the 97th percentile. His changeup is a weapon, holding opponents to a .181 average last season.
Cons: Injuries sidelined him for half of 2025, and his xERA (4.31) was nearly a run higher than his actual ERA (3.44). His barrel rate also spiked to 11.4%, double his 2024 mark. Like Cease, he’s a fly ball pitcher (39.1% ground ball rate).
3. Ranger Suárez (Age 29, Formerly Phillies)
Suárez has been a soft-contact maestro, posting a 3.33 ERA from 2024-25. He’s not a strikeout artist, but he keeps the ball on the ground—a huge plus with the Cubs’ stellar infield defense.
Pros: His 31.1% hard-hit rate in 2025 placed him in the top 2% of pitchers. Pair that with a 48% ground ball rate, and you’ve got a recipe for success at Wrigley.
Cons: Injury concerns loom. Suárez has never reached 30 starts in a season and has a history of back issues, which sidelined him in both 2024 and 2025.
4. Tatsuya Imai (Age 28, NPB)
Imai is the wildcard of the group. MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi compares him to Kodai Senga, with a fastball touching 99 mph and a diverse pitch mix.
Pros: In Japan, Imai posted a 53.8% ground ball rate last season. His stuff suggests he could be a frontline starter in the majors.
Cons: The transition from NPB to MLB is always a gamble. While recent imports like Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have thrived, Imai’s double-digit walk rates in prior seasons raise questions.
5. Framber Valdez (Age 30, Formerly Astros)
Valdez is a ground ball machine with a 61.5% career rate. The two-time All-Star has been a model of durability and effectiveness, averaging 192 innings and a 3.21 ERA over the past four seasons.
Pros: His ground ball prowess is perfect for Wrigley, especially on windy days. He’s a proven playoff performer with 16 postseason starts.
Cons: Valdez’s 2025 season ended on a sour note. After a 2.62 ERA in his first 21 starts, he cratered to a 6.05 ERA in his final 10 outings. A controversial incident where he hit his catcher after giving up a home run raised eyebrows.
The Big Question: Which pitcher would you take a chance on? Cease’s upside, King’s versatility, Suárez’s ground ball magic, Imai’s potential, or Valdez’s proven track record? Here’s where it gets controversial: Is it worth risking injury concerns or transition uncertainty for a shot at greatness? Let us know in the comments—who’s your pick for the Cubs’ rotation?
