Cubs Predicted to Complete Explosive Offseason by Signing $74 Million All-Star Zac Gallen to Finalize Rotation Overhaul with Edward Cabrera

The Chicago Cubs are having an offseason to remember, making waves with high-profile acquisitions that have strengthened their roster across the board. After landing Alex Bregman, a key hitter to bolster their lineup, and adding the dynamic pitcher Edward Cabrera to the rotation, the Cubs appear to be on the verge of a monumental step toward completing their pitching staff overhaul. According to Fansided’s Robert Murray, the final move in this explosive offseason could be the signing of All-Star ace Zac Gallen, who would fill out the rotation and potentially make it one of the best in recent Cubs history.

Cubs Seek to Complete Rotation with Zac Gallen

With Gallen’s addition, the Cubs would take a giant leap in enhancing their rotation depth. Having already prioritized pitching this offseason, adding Gallen would give manager Craig Counsell one of the most formidable groups of pitchers in Major League Baseball. The Cubs have made significant efforts to improve their pitching staff, adding Edward Cabrera to the rotation and bringing in four new arms for the bullpen. The signing of Gallen would complete the overhaul and give the Cubs one of the most well-rounded and competitive pitching staffs in the National League.

Murray points out that this addition would not just round out their rotation but also make the Cubs the favorites in the National League Central. The division, often considered one of the most competitive in baseball, has seen teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers consistently dominate. With Gallen on board, however, the Cubs could be poised to seize the top spot and reassert themselves as one of the league’s elite teams.

The Cubs’ willingness to act like a big-market team—signing top-tier talent and investing in long-term success—has been evident throughout the offseason. Their bold moves, including Gallen, show that they’re not just aiming to compete; they’re aiming to win. With a revitalized pitching staff and a lineup anchored by Alex Bregman, the Cubs would be setting themselves up for sustained success.

Gallen’s Recent Performance and Return to Dominance

Zac Gallen, while not coming off his best year, remains a top-tier pitching talent with the potential to dominate the league once again. In the 2025 season, Gallen posted a 13-15 record, a 4.83 ERA, and 175 strikeouts over 192 innings. While his performance was a step back from his previous seasons, it’s worth noting that just two years ago, Gallen was one of the best pitchers in baseball. In 2023, he finished with a 17-9 record, a 3.47 ERA, and 220 strikeouts over 210 innings pitched. He also posted a WHIP of 1.119, which was among the best in the league.

If the Cubs can help Gallen regain that form, they would have an ace who could be a cornerstone of their rotation for years to come. Adding Gallen would give the Cubs a pitcher capable of shutting down opposing offenses, and when paired with Cabrera and other arms in the rotation, they would form a lethal combination that could lead them deep into the playoffs.

Why the Cubs Should Move Quickly on Gallen

Gallen’s down season could work in the Cubs’ favor, as it may make him available at a lower cost than other top-tier pitchers. According to projections, Gallen is expected to sign a four-year, $74 million deal. Given the current state of the market, the Cubs may even be able to secure him for less if other teams don’t pursue him aggressively. With pitching depth being a priority this offseason, this could be a rare opportunity to sign a pitcher of Gallen’s caliber at a relatively affordable price.

For the Cubs, the potential reward of signing Gallen far outweighs the risk. At $74 million, they would be acquiring a proven ace at a price that reflects his recent struggles while still offering significant upside. If Gallen can return to his 2023 form, this move could pay off tremendously, putting the Cubs in prime position to contend for a division title and a deep playoff run in 2026.

The Cubs’ Rotation with Gallen: A Dangerous Group

With Gallen on board, the Cubs’ pitching staff would be loaded with talent and depth. Gallen would slot in alongside Cabrera, who has the potential to be a future star in the rotation. The Cubs have made it clear that their focus this offseason is on improving their pitching, and adding Gallen would give them the kind of pitching staff that can go toe-to-toe with any team in the league.

The addition of Gallen, combined with the other offseason moves, would create a rotation that is balanced and capable of dominating. With Gallen’s ability to miss bats and Cabrera’s high velocity, the Cubs would have a dynamic duo at the top of their rotation, along with a bullpen that has been fortified with new arms. This pitching depth would make the Cubs one of the most well-rounded teams in the NL, with the ability to shut down opponents from both the starting rotation and the bullpen.

Cubs’ World Series Aspirations in 2026

The Cubs have been active in their pursuit of championship-caliber talent, and with the potential addition of Zac Gallen, they would solidify themselves as one of the top contenders in the National League. This offseason, they’ve not only improved their pitching staff but also enhanced their overall roster, making them a well-rounded team capable of competing for a World Series title in 2026.

By adding a top-tier pitcher like Gallen, the Cubs would send a message to the rest of the league: they are all-in for the upcoming season. The Cubs’ rotation would be one of the best in baseball, and with a strong lineup behind them, they would be a team to watch closely in 2026. If Gallen can return to his former Cy Young-contending form, the Cubs could be on their way to their first World Series championship in over 100 years.

The signing of Zac Gallen would complete a transformative offseason for the Cubs, bringing their pitching staff to new heights. With Gallen on the mound, the Cubs would be poised for success in 2026, challenging for the National League Central title and making a legitimate run at the World Series. The Cubs are not just building for the present—they are setting themselves up for long-term success, and Gallen could be the final piece that pushes them over the top.