The Chicago Cubs have made significant strides during the current MLB offseason, aiming to strengthen their lineup and rotation. Despite this momentum, speculation surrounds free agent Zac Gallen‘s decision on whether to join the Cubs, a move that would further bolster the team ahead of the upcoming season.
After acquiring Edward Cabrera to enhance their starting pitching and signing notable third baseman Alex Bregman, the Cubs are positioning themselves as strong contenders for the World Series. Yet questions remain about whether the Cubs will secure Gallen, who remains one of the top available free agents this offseason.
Prospects for Zac Gallen Joining Chicago
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently projected that Gallen is more likely to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks rather than sign with Chicago. This outlook is influenced partly by the Cubs’ recent addition of Cabrera, which reshaped the team’s starting rotation and potentially limits Gallen’s role on the roster.
The Diamondbacks would likely be ecstatic if someone signs Gallen, because they would get draft-pick compensation in return. But they would also be losing someone who, even in a down year, logged 192 innings last season,
Kelly wrote.
Arizona could sign Gallen for 2026, and if they aren’t in contention in the summer, flip him for a return.
The idea of returning to Arizona appeals to both Gallen and the Diamondbacks, providing a chance for him to remain a central figure in a rotation rather than compete for a spot amid Chicago’s new additions. Currently, Chicago’s starting rotation projects to include Cabrera, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd, with Justin Steele expected to rejoin after recovering from injury.
While it remains possible that Gallen might opt for the Cubs, this scenario appears less likely than earlier in the offseason, when the Cubs had not yet solidified their pitching staff with recent trades and signings.
Overview of Zac Gallen’s Performance and Career
At 30 years old, Zac Gallen has been viewed as a strong starting pitcher, even earning consideration for the Cy Young Award at multiple points in his career. He has made 176 starts in MLB, accumulating a 66-52 win-loss record with a 3.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 3.3 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 1,007.1 innings pitched.
Last season was somewhat challenging for Gallen; across 33 starts, he recorded a 13-15 record with a 3.83 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and a 2.7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 192 innings. These statistics fell short of his usual performance levels and personal expectations.
Returning to Arizona could offer Gallen the opportunity to build on his previous efforts, either by helping the Diamondbacks toward postseason contention or by enhancing his trade value before the midseason deadline. For Cubs fans, preparing for the likelihood that Gallen will decline to bring his talents to Chicago is becoming increasingly necessary.
