The Cubs are leading the National League Central and looking to make their first postseason appearance since 2020. Teams with playoff aspirations look to make additions to their roster before MLB’s trade deadline in late July.

A main priority for the Cubs, and most teams around baseball, is pitching. With Justin Steele out for the season and Shota Imanaga currently on the injured list, the starting rotation is a position the Cubs most likely will look to bolster.

On the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Lance Brozdowski posed a question to the “Pitching Ninja”, Rob Friedman, about potential starting pitching options.

“Would you rather have Sandy (Alcántara), Framber (Valdez) or Zac (Gallen) on this team?”

Zac Gallen

Gallen was one of the best pitchers in the National League from 2022-2024, posting a 3.20 ERA while making 93 starts. He finished third in NL Cy Young voting in 2023.

“I mean, Zac Gallen’s my dude,” Friedman replied. “He’s a (North) Carolina grad. I’m a (North) Carolina grad. I’ve known him for a long time, and I’m a big fan of Zac Gallen. I do think either (Zac) or Framber would be fantastic.”

Gallen also has postseason experience, helping Arizona reach the World Series in 2023. He made six starts during their postseason run.

However, 2025 hasn’t been so kind to the right-hander, recording a 5.13 ERA in 13 starts. Arizona is 30-31 entering play on Thursday, 6.5 games out of the NL West, but only 3.5 games out of the NL Wild Card.

If the Diamondbacks decide to sell, Gallen will be on the Cubs’ radar.

“Gallen has been up and down this year, but Gallen has a track record. We know what he can do,” Friedman said.

Gallen will be a free agent following the 2025 season.

Sandy Alcántara

The 2022 NL Cy Young Award Winner has dominated the big leagues when he’s right. Thus far in 2025, he doesn’t seem to be.

Alcántara has given up at least two earned runs in each of his starts this season while sporting a 7.89 ERA.

“Sandy’s got the stuff. My question is, when is it going to click where he gets back to where he was?” Friedman told Brozdowski. “I’m a little concerned. It’s hard to have a seven-plus ERA and be excited about it. But he’s still throwing hard. It’s just his command’s a little off.”

The Marlins’ starting pitcher is under contract through 2025 with a $21 million club option for 2026, which alters what teams may need to give up to acquire his services. However, his inconsistent performance might prompt teams to focus on other pitching options.

“But, if you want to be a competitor this year, I think I could rely on Framber or Zac, you know, versus Sandy. Right now, I’m just a little skeptical until he puts it together,” Friedman said.

Framber Valdez

Framber Valdez has been a mainstay in the Houston rotation for the last six seasons. Among qualified pitchers since 2020, Valdez’s 3.15 ERA is the fifth best in all of baseball.

Valdez is set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, and despite the Astros leading the AL West, he could be on the trading block.

“Framber’s curveball is unhittable, and he’s just been there,” Friedman said of the Astros lefty. “He knows what he’s doing. I think either one of those would be great.”

Valdez has a bevy of postseason experience. He’s made 16 playoff starts – including four during Houston’s championship run in 2022. During that run, he threw 25.0 IP while having a 1.44 ERA.

“Framber excites me,” Friedman said. “I think he’s capable of shutting down everybody.”