CHICAGO — With only weeks left until the 2026 season begins, the Chicago Cubs could send MLB into a frenzy. According to widespread predictions from experts and market analysts, the Cubs are **interested in signing a super ace free agent – ​​a legend who has earned over $280 million in his career and is considered a Hall of Fame contender – to solidify the pitching rotation around star Shōta Imanaga.** If this happens, it would be the biggest shock in the free agent market this year, with strategic implications that could change the course of the entire season at Wrigley Field.

While everything is still just speculation — and the Cubs haven’t confirmed any specific trades — analysts aren’t afraid to say that the “biggest bet” could come from the addition of some of the best players from the free agency market to Chicago, adding depth and quality to a rotation that is currently considered to be lacking a top-tier star alongside Shōta Imanaga.

After ending the 2025 season with a postseason defeat, Chicago clearly lacks a true ace, someone who can immediately take center stage in the rotation. The current roster includes a big name like Shōta Imanaga, who was an All-Star in his first year with the Cubs, but his performance last season was inconsistent after injuries affected his rhythm.

The Cubs still possess other pitchers like Cade Horton—who had an impressive rookie season—and Matthew Boyd, but analysts predict that if the Cubs want to “bet big,” they will target a top-tier free agent to form a rotational cornerstone alongside Imanaga.

Although the Cubs have been linked with other pitchers such as Zac Gallen, the possibility of signing the biggest super aces on the market—potentially earning over $280 million in total career contracts—is still widely discussed. Some analysts suggest the Cubs could enter the race to sign someone like Framber Valdez—one of the most reliable pitchers in recent years—with a massive contract that could break organization records if completed.

Any ace of this caliber arriving in Chicago would instantly elevate the rotation, making the Cubs one of the most formidable contenders in the NL Central — and potentially altering public and professional perceptions of the organization’s ambitions.

Shōta Imanaga — who dominated for periods of the season and made a strong first year with the Cubs — would clearly be a key factor. Reports indicate Imanaga accepted a qualifying offer to stay in Chicago for the 2026 season, demonstrating his commitment to the organization.

However, Imanaga has struggled with injury and his effectiveness has declined towards the end of the 2025 season, prompting the Cubs to consider a “true number one” to stabilize the rotation. Recruiting a top-tier ace, as predicted, would allow the team to revolve around Imanaga and create a formidable pitching axis for the entire season.

If the Cubs complete this trade, the rotation could include a formidable combination of:

A newly signed free agent ace – dubbed the Hall of Fame future ace

Shōta Imanaga – a veteran star

Cade Horton – a rapidly rising young star

Matthew Boyd – an All-Star shooter

Bullpen pros like Jameson Taillon or other insiders

This addition would not only unify the roster but also change the Cubs’ perception of championship potential, even though last year their rotation was considered “meh” by experts ahead of the 2026 projection.

Carter Hawkins and Jed Hoyer are clearly aiming to build a deeper pitching force, despite their recent postseason failure. This year’s free agency market has seen many top pitchers yet to sign, creating an opportunity for the Cubs to make a breakthrough. If the team uses its salary cap space, negotiating experience, and city prestige to attract a superstar ace, it would be a seismic move in MLB history.

The Cubs haven’t confirmed any deals with a future Hall of Fame ace yet, but predictions surrounding this trade suggest they’re heading into a more competitive season than ever. Adding a top-tier pitcher could transform Chicago from a mid-rotation team into one of the strongest contenders in the 2026 season—and put them in a better position to compete for a postseason spot.

If the rumors are true, the Cubs won’t just be a formidable team—they’ll be a real threat waiting to explode.