The Cubs aren’t done yet.
Even after a busy offseason that’s already included a splashy trade for Edward Cabrera and a major free-agent signing in Alex Bregman, Chicago is still active in the pitching market. According to a report from Bruce Levine on 670 The Score, the Cubs remain in discussions with agent Scott Boras about right-hander Zac Gallen - a name that’s been linked to the North Side for months now.
The conversations are reportedly centered around a short-term deal, which makes sense given Gallen’s recent downturn. And while the fit isn’t universally celebrated among fans, the logic behind kicking the tires on a pitcher of Gallen’s pedigree is easy to understand - especially for a Cubs front office that’s clearly not content with standing pat.
Let’s break it down.
Gallen’s Recent Struggles
There’s no sugarcoating it: 2025 was rough for Zac Gallen. His ERA ballooned to 4.83, his strikeout rate dipped to 21.5%, and he gave up a career-high 31 home runs across 192 innings.
The advanced metrics didn’t offer much comfort either - a 4.50 FIP and 4.12 xFIP suggest the struggles were very real. And when you look at the trend over the past few seasons, it’s clear Gallen hasn’t quite been the same pitcher he was during his peak stretch from 2019 to 2023.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Gallen finished strong. Over his final 11 starts of the 2025 season, he posted a 3.32 ERA in 65 innings.
That’s not just a small sample blip - it’s a sign that the adjustments may already be underway. Whether that was mechanical, mental, or a mix of both, there’s something to build on.
The Case for a Rebound
Gallen is only 30 years old. He’s not a reclamation project - he’s a proven arm who, not long ago, was one of the more consistent starters in the National League.
From 2019 through 2023, Gallen carried a 3.21 ERA and struck out nearly 27% of the batters he faced. Even in 2024, he was solid, logging a 3.65 ERA over 28 starts.
If the Cubs believe they can tap back into that version of Gallen - or even a close approximation - then a short-term deal could turn into a savvy value play. Especially if there’s a mutual interest in a contract structure that allows Gallen to rebuild his value while giving the Cubs some cost control and upside.
There’s also the potential benefit of familiarity. Catcher Carson Kelly, who has worked with Gallen in the past, is already in the fold. That kind of rapport between pitcher and catcher can matter, especially when a guy is looking to bounce back.
Do the Cubs Need Another Starter?
That’s the million-dollar question. On paper, the Cubs already have a crowded rotation picture. With more than 10 starting pitchers in the mix for 2026, it’s fair to wonder whether adding another arm - especially one with recent inconsistency - is the best use of resources.
But this is where big-market teams separate themselves. Pitching depth isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Injuries happen, young arms hit innings limits, and postseason runs demand more than just five reliable starters. If the Cubs can land Gallen on a deal that doesn’t cost them a top draft pick or international bonus pool money - and the contract structure is team-friendly - then it’s the kind of move that can pay dividends in October.
What a Deal Could Look Like
Given the compensatory pick attached to Gallen’s free agency, the Cubs likely wouldn’t bite on a one-year deal. That kind of short-term rental doesn’t make sense when it comes with a draft penalty.
But a two-year contract with an opt-out after Year 1? That’s a different story.
It gives Gallen the chance to re-establish his value and hit the market again next winter if he rebounds, while giving the Cubs control for at least one more year if things go well.
And let’s be honest - this is the kind of calculated risk the Cubs should be taking. They’re finally acting like the big-market team they are, leveraging their financial muscle to add proven talent without mortgaging the future.
Bottom Line
Zac Gallen isn’t a slam-dunk signing. He’s not the ace he once was - at least not right now.
But he’s also not a pitcher you write off after one bad season. The tools are still there.
The track record is still strong. And the upside, especially on a short-term deal, is real.
If the Cubs can land Gallen without overcommitting, it’s another smart piece in what’s shaping up to be a bold and aggressive offseason. They’ve already added a frontline bat and a young, controllable arm. Gallen could be the next move in a strategy that’s clearly aimed at winning now - and winning big.