The Chicago Cubs have never been shy about exploring opportunities when the market shifts in their favor-and right now, there’s a subtle but important shift unfolding around Zac Gallen.

Gallen, a former National League Cy Young finalist, entered the offseason with expectations of landing a major multi-year deal. That hasn’t materialized. And as spring training inches closer, there’s growing buzz that his price tag might be dipping into a range that could tempt teams like the Cubs.

Now, let’s be clear: the Cubs aren’t necessarily looking to make a splashy, top-of-the-rotation signing just for the sake of it. Their offseason strategy has been more about building depth and balance, rather than chasing headlines.

That’s why a blockbuster deal for Gallen-especially if it pushes them further into luxury tax territory-doesn’t feel like a lock. Logical?

Absolutely. Necessary?

Not quite.

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs’ front office already made their big move in the rotation, trading for Edward Cabrera. That was their swing-a calculated gamble on a young arm with upside. Adding Gallen would be more of a luxury than a need at this point, especially if the bidding war heats up.

And it sounds like that’s exactly what’s happening.

Recent reports suggest the Cubs are, at best, on the periphery of Gallen’s market. There’s no sense they’re leading the charge here.

In fact, insiders close to the situation have noted that the Cubs aren’t particularly optimistic about their chances. That lines up with the idea that Gallen has stronger suitors elsewhere-teams more willing (or able) to go the distance financially.

There’s still a chance the Cubs re-enter the picture, especially if Gallen remains unsigned as spring training gets underway. But a reunion with the Arizona Diamondbacks-his most recent club-feels more plausible at this point. Arizona has the inside track: they can bring him back without sacrificing draft picks or international bonus pool money, which gives them a clear edge in negotiations.

Meanwhile, the broader free-agent pitching market is starting to dry up. In just the past week, several notable arms-Nick Martinez, Aaron Civale, Erick Fedde, and Justin Verlander-have all signed deals.

Each one, in their own way, could’ve been a fit for the Cubs, offering various combinations of experience, upside, and affordability. But they’re off the board now, and the options are narrowing.

That leaves the Cubs in a familiar spot: still looking, still evaluating, still weighing cost versus value.

One name that could still make sense? Lucas Giolito.

He might not have Gallen’s ceiling, but he brings stability and innings-two things every rotation needs over the course of a 162-game grind. If the Cubs believe they can help him rediscover his best form, Giolito could be a savvy addition that fits their current approach.

Bottom line: Gallen would be a high-end get, no question. But the Cubs aren’t in a position where they have to make that move. They’re playing the long game, and unless the market shifts dramatically, it looks like they’ll keep their focus on value and depth-not bidding wars.