Valdez has just one year before being a UFA, and the Cubs would be giving up a majors-ready contact hitting prospect in James Triantos, along with Brandon Birdsell, who won Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Nazier Mule is a young throw in who has decent potential. The Cubs are giving up a lot of really solid potential for just one year of a starting pitcher, but I think the Cubs end up taking it because Triantos is blocked and his defense is still not perfect. The Cubs would pay an estimate of $18 million in arbitration for Valdez. Additionally, Birdsell has had a great year in the minors, but is decently old for a pitching prospect, turning 25 in March 2025.