🚨CUBS SHOWING STRONG INTEREST IN ZAC GALLEN: Could Chicago Add The Former All-Star To Their Rotation Before Spring Training Begins?👇

Chicago Cubs’ Busy Offseason
The Chicago Cubs have been making significant moves during the offseason, aiming to reshape their roster and build a more competitive team. The front office has been active in the free agent market, bringing in several new faces to bolster their bullpen. Early this winter, the Cubs added relief pitchers Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey to their ranks. These moves were intended to shore up their bullpen, but the Cubs’ big splash came when they signed former Houston Astros star Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract.

Despite these major signings, there might still be room for one more big move before the official start of the season. With Spring Training rapidly approaching, the Cubs are reportedly eyeing former Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen as their potential next acquisition. The 30-year-old right-hander is one of the top free agent pitchers still available, and the Cubs are said to be among the teams showing serious interest in his services.

Cubs’ Continued Pursuit of Zac Gallen
The Cubs have been linked to Gallen for several months now, with interest remaining high even after they acquired right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade in early January. The front office has been on the lookout for one more reliable starting pitcher, and Gallen, who has been one of the top performers in the league over the past few seasons, could be the perfect fit.

In fact, Gallen’s name has been consistently brought up as a potential target for Chicago, and with the Cubs’ pitching staff not yet finalized, it appears they could be serious contenders to sign the veteran right-hander. MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported on Tuesday that the Cubs are now one of the four teams actively pursuing Gallen. According to Nightengale, the teams in the running for Gallen’s signature are the Cubs, the San Diego Padres, the Baltimore Orioles, and his current team, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Why Gallen Hasn’t Signed Yet
With Spring Training just around the corner, time is running out for Gallen to make his decision. Cubs pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report by Wednesday, and Spring Training games are set to begin next week. Despite this, Gallen’s free agency remains unresolved, suggesting that he has yet to receive an offer that meets his expectations. It’s clear that the 30-year-old is waiting for one of the interested teams to step up with the type of contract he desires.

Gallen, who was an All-Star in 2021 and has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the National League, is likely looking for a long-term deal that reflects his value. However, the Cubs are not known to make huge long-term commitments to free agents, which could complicate matters. Nevertheless, the Cubs’ interest in Gallen has remained strong, and while it’s not guaranteed that they will sign him to a multi-year deal, there is a legitimate chance they could land him before Spring Training.

The Cubs’ Strategy: Too Many Pitchers?
The Cubs front office has made it clear that they value pitching depth. As Cubs insider Bruce Levine pointed out last week, Gallen could quickly become the team’s best pitcher by the middle of the season, even though he’s not yet part of the roster. Levine’s comments reflect the team’s confidence in Gallen’s ability to make an immediate impact if they are able to secure him.

Chicago’s rotation currently consists of several capable arms, but adding a pitcher like Gallen could solidify their staff even further. While the Cubs are unlikely to commit to a long-term contract, they may be willing to bring Gallen on board for a shorter deal or a contract with opt-out clauses that would allow them to assess his performance in the first year. The team’s recent moves, including their efforts to reinforce the bullpen, suggest they are serious about making a postseason push this year. Gallen’s addition would help provide more stability and depth to the rotation, making it more formidable against the league’s best teams.

The Draft Pick Price for Gallen
There is, however, a potential cost for the Cubs if they decide to sign Gallen. The right-hander declined a qualifying offer worth $22.05 million from the Diamondbacks earlier this offseason, which means that any team signing him would have to forfeit one of their draft picks. The Cubs, who have a relatively strong farm system, may be willing to sacrifice a draft pick in exchange for Gallen’s services, especially considering his high ceiling and ability to contribute immediately to their rotation.

The draft pick penalty could be a sticking point for some teams, but the Cubs have a history of making aggressive moves to acquire talent that will help them win now. With the Cubs showing interest in Gallen since before the Winter Meetings, it’s clear that they see him as a key piece to their rotation moving forward.

The Cubs’ Pitching Staff Heading into Spring Training
As it stands, the Cubs have several promising pitchers in their rotation. Marcus Stroman and Justin Steele are expected to lead the staff, with the likes of Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski, and Cabrera also likely to see significant innings. Adding Gallen to the mix would give the Cubs a proven ace capable of handling the pressure of pitching in the NL Central. If the Cubs are serious about contending for the postseason this year, Gallen could be the final piece of the puzzle in terms of pitching depth.

With Spring Training games beginning next week, the Cubs have a narrow window of time to secure Gallen’s signature. If they can land him, they would undoubtedly strengthen their chances of making a run at the playoffs. Gallen would likely slot in as a middle-of-the-rotation starter at first, but his ceiling is much higher than that. He has the potential to be the ace of the staff if he can regain the form that made him an All-Star just a couple of years ago.

What’s Next for Zac Gallen?
As of now, Gallen remains one of the most coveted free agents available. The Cubs, along with the Padres, Orioles, and Diamondbacks, are in the hunt, but Gallen has yet to make a decision on his future. With the clock ticking down to the start of Spring Training, Gallen will have to weigh his options carefully.

If the Cubs are able to sign Gallen, they would be adding a top-tier talent to their pitching staff at a critical time. However, with multiple teams vying for his signature, Gallen’s decision could come down to factors such as the length of the contract, financial terms, and his role within the team. As the offseason comes to a close, the Cubs’ pursuit of Gallen will be one of the most interesting storylines to follow heading into the 2026 season.

Could the Cubs Make It Happen?
While the Cubs are unlikely to commit to a long-term deal with Gallen, the possibility remains that they could land him before the start of the season. With their interest in him remaining strong and the clock ticking down to the start of Spring Training, the Cubs’ pursuit of Gallen could prove to be one of the most significant moves of their offseason. If they do sign him, the Cubs would bolster their pitching staff with a top-tier talent capable of helping them compete for a postseason spot in 2026.

Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Updates
As Spring Training approaches and the Cubs continue their pursuit of Zac Gallen, fans of the team will be watching closely to see if they can land the All-Star pitcher. With the team’s rotation still in flux, Gallen’s addition could be the move that elevates the Cubs to true contenders in the National League. As the offseason winds down, the race to sign Gallen will undoubtedly heat up, and the Cubs will need to make their move soon if they want to secure him for the 2026 season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. The Cubs’ efforts to sign Gallen could be the story of the offseason, and it’s one that fans of the team will be keeping a close eye on.