🚨 MLB RUMOR: Chicago Cubs Eye Zac Gallen as a Key Addition to Their Starting Rotation Amid Offseason Quietness 👇

As the 2026 MLB season rapidly approaches, the Chicago Cubs are faced with a pressing need to strengthen their starting pitching depth. With Justin Steele set to miss the beginning of the season due to ongoing recovery from left elbow surgery, the Cubs find themselves short-handed in the rotation. However, despite a quieter-than-expected offseason thus far, there are whispers that the Cubs could target Zac Gallen, a former All-Star, to bolster their pitching staff.

THE CUBS’ QUIET OFFSEASON

The Cubs have been relatively quiet this offseason, especially in comparison to the hype surrounding potential moves. While rumors about the departure of outfielder Kyle Tucker have circulated, the Cubs’ main focus has shifted to their pitching staff and their need for another frontline starter. The team has also been linked to star third baseman Alex Bregman, with talks suggesting that the Cubs may pursue a trade or free-agent deal to address their offensive needs. While they’ve shown interest in the likes of Tatsuya Imai, the Cubs’ lack of big moves has left fans wondering what’s next.

Despite the relatively calm start to their offseason, one glaring need remains—the rotation. With Steele sidelined, Chicago must act to ensure the pitching staff has enough depth to compete in a tough National League Central. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Cubs could be targeting Zac Gallen, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ ace, to fill the void. Gallen, despite a tough 2025 season, remains one of the most reliable arms on the market.

ZAC GALLEN’S UPS AND DOWNS IN 2025

Zac Gallen has spent the majority of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, impressing throughout his time in the desert. He made his debut in 2019 and quickly emerged as one of the most promising pitchers in the league. However, the 2025 season was a challenging one for Gallen. He posted a 4.83 ERA and allowed 22 home runs across 33 starts, showing signs of inconsistency. Despite the struggles, he still managed to strike out 175 batters, demonstrating that his stuff remains potent. A down year hasn’t overshadowed his previous performances, and the Cubs could benefit from the experience and talent Gallen brings to the table.

The Cubs’ interest in Gallen is rooted in his potential to rebound and return to form in 2026. Gallen’s struggles aside, he has the skill set to excel in the Cubs’ rotation. His ability to miss bats, along with his competitive nature, would provide stability and bolster the rotation, especially as Steele works his way back from injury.

INDUSTRY SKEPTICISM AND CUBS’ NEED FOR A STARTER

The Cubs are not the only team with a close eye on Gallen. The free-agent market is crowded, and many teams are hesitant about Gallen’s down year. Rosenthal and Sammon pointed out that industry skepticism has surrounded Gallen’s 2025 performance, especially with other pitchers like Tatsuya Imai garnering big contracts. The Cubs, however, could be in a unique position to take advantage of Gallen’s relatively lower stock after a rough season. While the Cubs have shown limited interest in free-agent pitcher Imai, their need for a solid arm remains urgent.

The Cubs may still need to look at a top-tier bat to replace Tucker if he indeed departs, with Alex Bregman being a likely target. But first, they must address the hole in their pitching rotation, and Gallen could be a perfect fit. His familiarity with being a team’s ace, coupled with his postseason experience with the Diamondbacks, would be an asset as Chicago looks to contend in the coming years.

WHAT DOES GALLEN BRING TO THE CUBS?

If the Cubs do decide to pursue Zac Gallen, they will be acquiring a pitcher with a proven track record. Prior to his struggles in 2025, Gallen was one of the most consistent pitchers in the league, often serving as the cornerstone of the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff. His fastball sits comfortably in the low-to-mid 90s, and he complements it with a devastating curveball and slider, both of which can generate swings and misses. His ability to handle innings, paired with a solid K/BB ratio, makes him an intriguing option for the Cubs, who are in need of a reliable arm.

Gallen’s postseason pedigree adds another layer of appeal for the Cubs. As they push for a competitive 2026 campaign, a pitcher like Gallen could play a pivotal role in getting the team to the postseason and beyond. Whether or not he can return to his All-Star form remains a key question, but the Cubs’ rotation would benefit from his addition as a dependable mid-rotation arm.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE CUBS’ OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Chicago Cubs have been quiet on the surface, but the 2026 season requires them to make strategic moves, especially in the starting pitching department. With Justin Steele’s delayed return, the Cubs are left with a gap in their rotation that needs to be filled sooner rather than later. Zac Gallen, despite his recent struggles, presents a viable option to reinforce the Cubs’ pitching staff and give them the depth they need to compete at a high level.

Though the Cubs have yet to make a splash in free agency, it’s clear that their next move could be a big one. Whether they go after Gallen or turn to other pitchers on the market, the Cubs will need to act quickly to ensure their rotation is ready for the season ahead. In a year that could make or break their postseason aspirations, the Cubs cannot afford to stand still. The search for a frontline starting pitcher is on, and Zac Gallen might just be the key piece to their puzzle.