© David Banks-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – After reports of Zac Gallen apparently heading to the Chicago Cubs, the deal wasn’t necessarily confirmed, as the rumor was debunked by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
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Jul 20, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) delivers against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Winter Meetings credential? not a problem. pic.twitter.com/4YYxNkLgkP
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) December 6, 2025
Earlier today, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale dropped a bombshell that former D-backs SP Zac Gallen had reportedly signed with the Chicago Cubs, and a multi-year deal worth $22 million per year was imminent. About 5-10 minutes later, ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who is widely regarded as one of baseball’s most reliable insiders, published that the deal wasn’t nearly done by any means. By day’s end, Nightengale updated his post on X and quietly revised his stance, turning certainty into uncertainty.
Zac Gallen does not have a deal and is not close to finalizing one.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2025
UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs are HOPEFUL of finalizing an agreement with free-agent starter Zac Gallen on a multi-year deal, but the deal is NOT DONE with others still in contention. Gallen, with three top-10 Cy Young finishes, has averaged 32 starts a year for the past 4 seasons.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 6, 2025
Sep 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona starting pitcher Gallen (23) looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Gallen’s recent work illustrates why the buzz erupted in the first place. After struggling in the first half of the 2025 season, Gallen rebounded in the season’s back half, which was a sign that his signature strong outings were still in the realm of possibility. Teams eyeing to sign Gallen are hoping he rebounds into having the season he did in 2023, when he was in Cy Young contention and was the face of the D-backs going into their World Series run.
Mar 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Diamondbacks pitcher Gallen (23) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Cubs outfielder Ian Happ (8) during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Zac Gallen still could come back to Arizona:
So, where does this leave Gallen and Arizona? There is still a chance, even after those reports, that he could find his way back to the desert. If $22 million per year was the number that was being thrown out there, would the D-backs consider paying that to Gallen for a multi-year deal after paying their new ace, Corbin Burnes? It leaves the door open, though, for the Diamondbacks and gives them more insight into what Gallen may want, which Arizona could use to their advantage.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
