The MLB offseason may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean front offices are putting their phones away just yet. With spring training right around the corner, a few notable names are still finding homes - and some teams are making late pushes to round out their rosters. Let’s break down the latest moves across the league and what they mean heading into 2026.
Zac Gallen Returns to the Desert
After a long stint on the open market, Zac Gallen is heading back to Arizona. The right-hander declined his qualifying offer earlier in the offseason, setting the Diamondbacks up to receive draft compensation if he signed elsewhere. Instead, they’re bringing him back on a one-year, $22 million deal - a reunion that makes sense for both sides.
Gallen had been eyeing a multi-year contract, but his 2025 campaign didn’t exactly help his negotiating leverage. He posted a 4.83 ERA with a 13-15 record, a far cry from the ace-level form we’ve seen in past seasons.
Still, the talent is there - and so is the motivation. This one-year deal gives Gallen a chance to reset, prove he’s still a frontline starter, and potentially re-enter the market next winter in a stronger position.
For Arizona, this is a low-risk, high-upside play. They get a familiar face back in the rotation without a long-term commitment, and if Gallen can bounce back, it’s a huge win for a team looking to stay competitive in a tough division.
Brewers Add Versatility with Luis Rengifo
The Milwaukee Brewers made a move of their own, signing infielder Luis Rengifo to a one-year, $3.5 million deal. The contract includes an additional $1.5 million in performance incentives, plus a $10 million mutual option for 2027 - a structure that gives both sides flexibility.
Rengifo brings something the Brewers value: versatility. He’s logged time at second base, third, shortstop, and even in the outfield. That kind of defensive flexibility is gold for a team that just traded away Freddy Peralta and may be reshuffling its identity a bit.
While the trade of Peralta raised some eyebrows, adding a player like Rengifo gives Milwaukee options. He’s not a superstar, but he’s the kind of glue guy who can plug multiple holes and give the lineup some depth. And if he hits well enough to trigger those incentives, the Brewers will be more than happy to pay them.
Cubs Closing in on Shelby Miller
In Chicago, the Cubs are reportedly nearing a multi-year deal with free agent pitcher Shelby Miller. The twist? Miller is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, with a potential return not coming until 2027.
This kind of move is all about the long game. Miller’s recent injury history has been a hurdle, but when healthy, he’s shown flashes of being a high-leverage bullpen arm. The Cubs are clearly betting on the recovery and hoping to lock in a future contributor at a reasonable price now, rather than wait and compete for him later.
It’s a strategy that’s becoming more common - investing in upside while the rest of the league is focused on the present. If Miller can come back strong in 2027, this could end up being a savvy pickup for a team building toward sustained success.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t blockbuster deals, but they’re the kind of under-the-radar moves that can pay big dividends over the course of a season - or beyond. Gallen’s return gives the Diamondbacks a shot at a rotation anchor.
Rengifo’s versatility offers the Brewers lineup flexibility and defensive depth. And the Cubs’ patience with Miller could set them up for a bullpen boost down the line.
The offseason clock is ticking, but as these moves show, there’s still plenty of intrigue left before pitchers and catchers report.