The Chicago Cubs have had a busy MLB offseason thus far, with Jed Hoyer and the front office adding both Edward Cabrera and Alex Bregman as their splash moves.
Cabrera was acquired in an aggressive trade with the Miami Marlins that saw the Cubs give up top outfield prospect Owen Caissie in return. Adding Cabrera was exactly what the doctor ordered for Chicago’s starting rotation and he has the potential to become a No. 1 if he can stay healthy and reach his ceiling.
Bregman, who was a free agency target for the Cubs last offseason, was signed to a five-year, $175 million contract. Chicago decided to use some deferred money in the deal, which is something the franchise has opted against doing in the past.
Since the signing of Bregman, the Cubs have been relatively quiet. They have made some depth additions with outfielders like Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson, but nothing else of note has been done.
That being said, the rumors connecting them to free agent starting pitcher Zac Gallen have continued. He appears to still be a possible option for Chicago.
Chicago Cubs Receive Bad News About Zac Gallen Interest
While Gallen would be yet another big addition for the Cubs, it doesn’t sound like they’re going to be able to get something done with him.
According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Gallen’s market has been very busy. Bowden expects him to re-sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year contract.
“I’ve been told that he has a robust market,” Bowden said.
Chicago does not “need” to sign Gallen. Currently, the Cubs are projected to have a very good rotation. However, the added depth would be nice insurance for the team.
Gallen has been a Cy Young candidate on multiple occasions. He is coming off of a down season in 2025 with the Diamondbacks, but is still a valuable player for a team to have.
Speaking of his 2025 season, the 30-year-old pitcher made 33 starts for Arizona. He compiled a 13-15 record to go along with a 4.83 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, a 2.7 K/BB ratio, and 192 innings pitched.
The Cubs Seem to Be in Great Shape Entering the 2026 Season
Fans would have loved to see Chicago make another sizable addition this offseason. Gallen would have been a great luxury option for manager Craig Counsell.
Even though those things are true, the Cubs should be feeling very good about their chances entering 2026. They have an elite rotation, a solid bullpen, and a great projected lineup.
Assuming the team can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for them. They should be a legitimate World Series contender in the National League and are viewed by most as the favorite to win the National League Central division race.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Gallen in free agency. Chicago should not be counted out of the race, but the veteran pitcher will likely receive better offers elsewhere.
Cubs Receive Bad News About Potential Zac Gallen Signing