The Chicago Cubs made an intriguing addition to the bullpen early during the MLB offseason, signing veteran reliever Phil Maton to a multi-year contract. While that move was a solid flier to take, the Cubs have been pretty quiet ever since.
Fans were hoping to see Jed Hoyer and the front office take a much more aggressive approach to the offseason this year. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.
Once again, Chicago was involved in the bidding war for a high-profile starting pitcher. Dylan Cease was a player that the Cubs clearly wanted, but they weren’t willing to pay what the Toronto Blue Jays were willing to offer. That led to the team missing out on yet another top-tier free agent.
Despite not being able to sign Cease, Chicago remains interested in dipping into the starting pitching market. There are plenty of players who could fit what the Cubs need.
Keeping that in mind, MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand has suggested an intriguing option for Chicago. He thinks that Arizona Diamondbacks’ free agent starter Zac Gallen might be a name to watch for the Cubs this offseason.
“The Angels, Giants and Tigers are among the teams in on Gallen, sources said, with the Orioles, Cubs and Braves also looking at the 30-year-old,” Feinsand wrote. “If the price tag on starters such as Suárez, Imai and Valdez feel too high for some clubs, Gallen could be a strong alternative.”
Gallen is not in the top-tier of free agent starting pitching arms. However, he’s a serviceable starter who would add an intriguing skill-set to the Chicago rotation.
During the 2025 MLB season with the Diamondbacks, Gallen made 33 starts. He compiled a 13-15 record to go along with a 4.83 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, a 2.7 K/BB ratio, and 192 innings of work completed. Gallen may not be an ace, but he would be an intriguing addition depending on the price tag that he commands.
Whether or not the Cubs will actually pursue Gallen or not remains to be seen. He has been connected to the team on multiple occasions, but Feinsand’s report shows that there are quite a few teams interested in signing him.
With the amount of rumors that keep popping up connected to Chicago, fans should buckle up for a wild offseason. There will be quite a few disappointments, but it does seem clear that Hoyer and the front office are looking to make some moves.
Chicago Cubs will bring big money, bold mindset to winter pursuits, per insider
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