The Chicago Cubs aren’t done tinkering with their rotation just yet-at least, that’s the sense around the league as their name keeps surfacing in connection with free agent right-hander Zac Gallen. Whether it’s genuine interest or a classic case of agent leverage (Scott Boras is involved, after all), the Cubs are very much in the conversation.
Gallen, 30, is coming off a rough 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the timing couldn’t be worse for him. Once a top-five finisher in NL Cy Young voting in both 2022 and 2023, Gallen’s recent decline has cooled his market considerably. Add in the fact that he’s tied to a qualifying offer, and you can see why he’s still unsigned as spring training inches closer.
But despite the down year-and a few seasons of regression-Gallen still offers something that’s always in short supply: upside. And for the Cubs, that might be enough to take a serious look.
On paper, Chicago already has a crowded rotation picture. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find plenty of reasons to consider reinforcements.
Health questions remain for several arms, and there’s a looming possibility that multiple veterans could depart after the 2026 season. The rotation might look full now, but that can change quickly-and often does over the course of a 162-game grind.
According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs are still involved in discussions with Gallen. The Orioles and Diamondbacks are also reportedly in the mix. Baltimore, in particular, could use another proven starter to round out a rotation that’s got postseason aspirations but lacks depth.
If the Cubs are serious about Gallen, they likely have a plan in place to address what went wrong last season. He’s not that far removed from being one of the most effective starters in the National League, and if Chicago believes they can help him rediscover that form, a deal could make a lot of sense-especially if it’s structured to protect both sides.
A one-year prove-it deal with an opt-out might be Gallen’s ideal scenario, but that wouldn’t do much for the Cubs unless there’s some built-in security. More likely, we’re looking at a two- to four-year deal with opt-outs after the second or third season.
That kind of structure gives Gallen a shot at reestablishing his market while giving the Cubs some continuity if he returns to form. You could also see the team include club options that allow them to retain him if he turns things around.
It’s easy to say the Cubs have enough pitching. But last year was a reminder that rotations can unravel quickly.
Injuries, slumps, and unexpected regressions are all part of the game, and waiting until the trade deadline to patch holes can get expensive-both in prospects and payroll. The Cubs learned that the hard way last summer when they needed an impact arm and came up empty.
Gallen might not be the same pitcher he was in 2022 or 2023, but he’s still just 30. There’s enough in his track record to suggest he can bounce back-and if the Cubs can land him at a reasonable cost, it’s the kind of move that could pay dividends in both the short and long term. With no major luxury tax constraints holding them back, there’s little reason not to explore a deal.
Bottom line: the Cubs don’t need to be desperate to make this move. But if they believe in the upside and have a plan to unlock it, Gallen could be a smart addition to a rotation that might need more help than it seems.