As spring training creeps closer, the Chicago Cubs’ roster looks mostly set-but don’t rule out another move just yet. Despite a relatively quiet offseason on the surface, the Cubs are still lurking in free agency, reportedly exploring a few intriguing options that could round out the roster or even make a splash. Whether it’s adding a veteran bat or swinging for a high-upside arm, the front office seems to be keeping its foot on the gas.

Let’s break down three names the Cubs are reportedly eyeing-and why each could make sense in Wrigleyville.

Zac Gallen: The Big Fish Still in Play

Let’s start with the headliner: Zac Gallen. The 30-year-old right-hander has been connected to the Cubs since the Winter Meetings, and despite a crowded pitching depth chart, Chicago continues to be mentioned as a serious suitor.

Now, Gallen’s coming off a down year with the Diamondbacks-statistically the worst of his career-but that might actually make him more appealing to a front office that has made a habit of betting on bounce-back candidates. Gallen has a qualifying offer attached to him, which could be suppressing his market a bit, but that hasn’t stopped insiders from linking him to the North Side. In fact, some voices around the league are sounding increasingly confident that Gallen could end up in a Cubs uniform.

If the Cubs do pull the trigger, it won’t be just for depth. This would be a calculated move to unlock the version of Gallen that flashed Cy Young potential in previous seasons.

We’re talking about a potential multi-year deal with an AAV north of $20 million-not something this front office does lightly. They’d be betting on upside, not just innings.

And let’s be honest: the Cubs aren’t short on arms. But if they believe Gallen can return to form, he could be a game-changer in a rotation that already has promise. This isn’t just about plugging a hole-it’s about raising the ceiling.

Andrew McCutchen: Veteran Bat, Clubhouse Glue

While the Cubs missed out on Austin Hays-who signed with the White Sox shortly after being linked to Chicago-they’re still reportedly exploring outfield options. One name that’s surfaced: Andrew McCutchen.

At 38, McCutchen isn’t the MVP-level force he once was, but he still brings value-especially in a platoon role. In 2025, he posted a .239/.333/.367 slash line with 13 home runs over 551 plate appearances. His 95 wRC+ suggests he was just a tick below league average overall, but against lefties, he still got it done: a 104 wRC+ and a .267/.353/.389 line.

That kind of production, paired with a 12.2% walk rate and a veteran’s eye at the plate, makes McCutchen a compelling fit for a team that could use a steady right-handed bat off the bench. He also brings leadership and postseason experience-something that could be especially valuable for a young player like Moises Ballesteros, who’s still adjusting to big-league left-handed pitching.

The biggest question? Playing time.

McCutchen may be looking for a more defined role than the Cubs can offer. But if he’s open to a part-time gig on a contender, he checks a lot of boxes.

Miguel Andujar: Quietly One of the Best Platoon Bats on the Market

Miguel Andujar might not be the flashiest name out there, but his 2025 performance demands a closer look. The 30-year-old slashed .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs in 341 plate appearances-a strong bounce-back campaign that flew a bit under the radar.

What really jumps off the page, though, is what he did against left-handed pitching. In 93 plate appearances against southpaws, Andujar posted a 171 wRC+ and slashed a scorching .389/.409/.578. And this isn’t a one-year fluke-going back to 2023, he’s hit .374/.406/.560 against lefties in nearly 200 plate appearances.

That’s elite-level production in a platoon role, and while his defense is far from Gold Glove territory, Andujar offers versatility. He can handle both corner infield and corner outfield spots, giving Craig Counsell some flexibility when constructing lineups.

For a team that’s looking to fine-tune its bench with matchup-specific bats, Andujar could be a sneaky-good addition. He’s not going to carry a lineup, but he can absolutely tilt a game in the right situation.

Final Thoughts

The Cubs may have already made their major moves this winter, but don’t be surprised if they’re not quite done. Whether it’s rolling the dice on Zac Gallen’s upside, adding a steady veteran like McCutchen, or finding value in a platoon bat like Andujar, there are still ways to improve this roster before Opening Day.

This front office has shown it’s willing to make smart, targeted moves late in the offseason-and with a competitive NL Central on the horizon, every edge matters.