As pitchers are scheduled to report for Spring Training between February 10 and 13, several prominent free agents are still without contracts. Among those, Danny Coulombe stands out as a veteran left-hander generating increased interest, particularly from the Toronto Blue Jays. This potential signing could address specific bullpen needs for the team ahead of the new season.
Chicago Cubs Show Continued Interest in Zac Gallen
Zac Gallen ranks among the most skilled pitchers currently on the free-agent market, with time running short before Spring Training begins. The right-handed starter faces the possibility of agreeing to a shorter-term contract, contrasting with previous expectations for a longer deal. Chicago Cubs analyst Bruce Levine suggests Gallen may fill a crucial vacancy in their rotation while ace Justin Steele recovers from injury.
The Cubs have strengthened their starting staff recently, securing Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins in exchange for outfield prospect Owen Caissie. Other pitchers such as Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and Jordan Wicks remain options for manager Craig Counsell. Despite the $175 million commitment to Alex Bregman, Chicago may find a flexible, short-term contract appealing for Gallen, whose career ERA stands at 3.58 after a challenging 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Yeah, well, I mean, look—we’re talking to the people that usually want this stuff out there, not necessarily always happening. For the last seven or eight weeks, Zac Gallen and the Cubs have always been connected since early December,” Levine said.
“The idea that he is still out there without a contract—a quality starting pitcher who will probably have to take a three-year deal of some sort with some type of ability to get out of it after the first or second year—this might fall right into the Cubs’ lap,” he added.
Toronto Blue Jays Target Danny Coulombe to Strengthen Left-Handed Relief
The Toronto Blue Jays demonstrated resilience during the demanding 2025 season, reaching deep into the playoffs and contending with powerhouse teams such as the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers. This offseason, Toronto bolstered their pitching by adding Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers. However, the left-handed relief corps remains an area where further reinforcement is likely.
According to baseball analyst Ethan Hyatt from Just Baseball, the Blue Jays are eyeing veteran left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe as a prime candidate to fill that gap.
Danny Coulombe is still a free agent as the offseason rolls into February, and he may be one of the most underrated arms still left on the market,
Hyatt wrote.
He’s been among the best at getting hitters out over the last few seasons, and he’s certainly one of the most important players left in free agency that can make a big impact in 2026 and beyond.
Coulombe faced difficulties in the latter half of last season following a mid-year trade from the Minnesota Twins to the Texas Rangers. While he recorded an outstanding 1.16 ERA with the Twins, his ERA climbed to 5.25 with the Rangers. Despite that downturn, his overall numbers over the past four seasons are strong, with a 2.38 ERA across 136.1 innings in 159 appearances.
The Blue Jays’ current left-handed bullpen pitchers—including Brendon Little, Eric Lauer, and Mason Fluharty—performed adequately but lack the unique delivery Coulombe offers. His 57-degree arm slot is the highest among the team’s left-handers, providing a different angle that could disrupt opposing hitters more effectively.
Relief Role Enhancement Could Boost Toronto’s 2026 Prospects
Additions like Coulombe would bring diversity and depth to Toronto’s bullpen, an essential factor in surviving the rigors of the upcoming season. With vital contributors such as Dylan Cease and Tyler Rogers already in place, the Blue Jays’ potential Danny Coulombe signing aligns with their goal to refine pitching depth and adaptability.
As Coulombe remains unsigned while other free agents find new homes, Toronto’s pursuit signals an urgent strategy to address any remaining vulnerabilities before Spring Training begins. This move could have significant implications for the team’s bullpen dynamics and overall pitching efficiency in 2026.
.@MLBBruceLevine believes the Cubs are in a solid position in the Zac Gallen sweepstakes. pic.twitter.com/0P1qJDhDwk
— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) February 3, 2026
