Quick Read
The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing Diamondbacks free agent pitcher Zac Gallen, per The Athletic.No deal has been finalized; negotiations remain ongoing and other teams are reportedly in the mix.Gallen declined Arizona’s one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer and posted a 12-10 record with a 4.83 ERA in 2025.The Diamondbacks are looking to address rotation gaps after Gallen’s departure and Corbin Burnes’ injury.MLB winter meetings are currently underway, with Gallen’s future still undecided.Cubs Zero In on Zac Gallen as Free Agency Heats Up
As Major League Baseball’s winter meetings kick off in Orlando, the spotlight has shifted to Zac Gallen, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher who recently became a free agent. The Chicago Cubs have emerged as serious contenders for Gallen’s signature, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney. Their aim? To bolster a rotation that is staring down potential upheaval after the 2026 season, with key pitchers like Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd set to hit free agency.
Gallen’s name has been circulating in front-office conversations for weeks, but this weekend’s flurry of reports brought both clarity and confusion. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale initially reported that Gallen and the Cubs were closing in on a multi-year deal, only to update hours later that negotiations were ongoing, with the Cubs “hopeful” but not yet assured of landing the pitcher. ESPN’s Jeff Passan threw further cold water on speculation, stating that no deal was imminent and that other teams remained firmly in contention.
Gallen’s 2025: Resilience After Struggles
For much of the 2025 season, Gallen’s performance reflected the volatility of the Diamondbacks’ campaign. Prior to the trade deadline, he faced extended struggles on the mound, but in a testament to his professionalism and skill, Gallen rebounded over the final two months. He closed the year with a respectable 12-10 record, a 4.83 ERA across 192 innings, and a 1.26 WHIP. While those numbers fall short of his best years, they hint at his ability to adapt and deliver in crucial situations—an attribute the Cubs are keen to invest in as they eye postseason ambitions.
Notably, Gallen declined a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks on November 18, signaling his intent to test the waters of free agency. This decision has rippled through both the Arizona front office and the wider MLB market, amplifying speculation about his next destination and what his move might mean for the teams involved.
Diamondbacks Face Rotation Uncertainty
Gallen’s departure has left the Diamondbacks with urgent questions about their starting rotation. Their situation is complicated by Corbin Burnes’ recovery from Tommy John surgery, which means Arizona is actively searching for reliable arms. The team has reportedly shown interest in several free agent pitchers, including Lucas Giolito and former Diamondback Merrill Kelly. Kelly, a staple in Arizona’s rotation from 2019 to 2025, was traded to the Texas Rangers before last season’s deadline, but recent reports from Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro suggest that both parties are open to a reunion.
In a broader sense, the Diamondbacks’ approach this offseason is emblematic of the challenges mid-market teams face: balancing the need for experienced starters against budget constraints and the unpredictability of free agency. Gallen’s exit, while not entirely unexpected, has intensified these pressures and forced the team to recalibrate its priorities.
What’s Next for Gallen—and the Cubs?
For Zac Gallen, free agency presents both opportunity and risk. The Cubs’ interest is clear—they want a pitcher who can anchor their rotation in October and help them navigate the increasingly competitive National League. But as the winter meetings unfold, it’s equally clear that Gallen’s future is far from decided. While the Cubs are hopeful, the lack of a finalized agreement means fans and analysts alike are left waiting for the next development. Other teams, whose names remain unconfirmed in public reporting, could yet enter the fray, driving up both the drama and the value of any potential contract.
From Gallen’s perspective, the ability to choose his next destination—and potentially secure a multi-year deal—underscores his growth as a player. For the Cubs, landing Gallen would signal a commitment to contention and a willingness to invest in proven talent. For the Diamondbacks, his departure is a challenge, but also an opportunity to reimagine their rotation and pursue new arms who fit their evolving strategy.
Uncertainty Defines the Market
In the end, the story of Zac Gallen’s free agency is as much about uncertainty as it is about negotiation. Reports conflict, deals stall and restart, and the landscape shifts with each new piece of information. For now, all eyes remain on the Cubs and Gallen—but with other teams lurking, the final chapter is yet to be written.
The facts highlight the unpredictable nature of free agency in modern baseball. While the Cubs have made their interest in Zac Gallen clear, the absence of a finalized deal and the presence of other suitors illustrate how quickly market dynamics can shift. For Gallen, the next few days could define the arc of his career, while for the Diamondbacks and Cubs, his decision will shape the future of their rotations.