The Chicago Cubs have been one of the more aggressive teams this offseason, and they're not showing signs of slowing down. After already making waves with the additions of Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera, Chicago is reportedly in the mix for one of the top remaining arms on the market: Zac Gallen.
According to reports, the Cubs are among four teams actively pursuing the 30-year-old right-hander, joining the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and Gallen’s former team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, in what’s becoming a competitive race as Spring Training draws near.
Why Gallen Makes Sense in Chicago - Even with a Full House
On paper, the Cubs’ rotation is already well-stocked. Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, Cade Horton, and Jameson Taillon make up a solid starting five.
That’s not even accounting for Colin Rea, who’s more than capable in a swingman role, or Ben Brown, who provides depth from the minors. And let’s not forget Justin Steele, the team’s ace, who’s currently working his way back from injury.
So why go after Gallen?
Because in today’s MLB, depth isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. The Dodgers showed last season that you can never have too many arms.
Injuries, slumps, and the long grind of a 162-game season demand more than just five reliable starters. And come October, turning a starter into a high-leverage reliever can be the difference between an early exit and a deep postseason run.
Gallen would bring more than just depth. He’d bring top-end talent.
Despite a rocky 2025 season that saw him post a 4.83 ERA, the underlying numbers - and his career track record - tell a different story. He owns a 3.58 career ERA and has been one of the more consistent starters in the league when healthy.
His struggles last year were largely front-loaded, and he finished the season looking more like the All-Star version of himself.
Slotting Gallen into the rotation would likely bump someone like Taillon to a swing role or long relief, but that’s a trade-off the Cubs would be more than happy to make. Adding a proven veteran with postseason experience to an already talented staff could elevate this rotation into one of the top five in baseball.
A Heating Market and a Tight Race
The Cubs aren’t alone in their pursuit. The Padres, Orioles, and Diamondbacks are all reportedly in on Gallen, and the market is heating up quickly. With Spring Training just around the corner, teams are looking to solidify their rotations, and Gallen is the best arm still available.
For the Cubs, landing Gallen would be another signal that they’re all-in on contending in 2026. The offense has been bolstered.
The bullpen has pieces. Now, they’re eyeing one more upgrade to a rotation that already looks playoff-ready.
If they can land Gallen, it wouldn’t just be a luxury - it could be the move that turns a strong team into a legitimate World Series contender.