{"id":547286,"date":"2026-01-31T07:09:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T07:09:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/547286\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T07:09:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T07:09:23","slug":"chicago-cubs-linked-to-1x-all-star-pitcher-to-further-bolster-starting-rotation-cubs-chicitysports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/547286\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs linked to 1x All-Star pitcher to further bolster starting rotation Cubs ChiCitySports"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs<\/a> pulled off on of the most notable trades of the MLB off-season, sending Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo de Leon to the Miami Marlins for hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera<\/a>. With Cabrera, who had an 8-7 record and 3.53 ERA in 2025, in tow, the Cubs now have a rotation that also includes Justin Steele<\/a> and Shota Imanaga<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And while that is an impressive top-three, there are still those who believe that Chicago could do more to increase the quality of their starting depth.<\/p>\n

And one name that continues to come up in free agent rumors is that of one-time All-Star Zac Gallen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Chicago Cubs have interest in All-Star pitcher Zac Gallen
\n\"ChicagoSep 3, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Last season, Gallen was just 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, as down as the 2025 season was for him, he has 10+ wins in four straight seasons and was 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 2024.<\/p>\n

The year before that, he was 17-9 with a 3.46, was a National League All-Star, and finished finished third in NL Cy Young voting.<\/p>\n

And MLB insider Jon Heyman reports<\/a> that the Cubs have had interest in him for a long time:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a terrific pitcher, very good in the clutch. The Cubs have been linked to him for months. \u201c<\/p>\n

One thing that could complicate things, though, is that the Diamondbacks have extended a qualifying offer to Gallen. This means that, should be sign elsewhere, it would cost Chicago either a draft pick or money reserved for their international signings.<\/p>\n

Another obstacle may be Gallen\u2019s market value. Currently, Spotrac predicts he will sign a four-year contract worth $74.8 million, or $18.2 million a year.<\/p>\n

That is certainly a hefty salary, one that the cost-conscious Cubs may not be willing to pay.<\/p>\n

For More Chicago Sports<\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter at\u00a0@theotherRobin19<\/a>,\u00a0and follow us\u00a0@ChiCitySports23<\/a>. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at\u00a0[email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports,\u00a0click here!<\/a>\u00a0Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

\"MLB:<\/p>\n

MLB: Absurd Chicago Cubs-Los Angeles Dodgers trade proposal sends Nico Hoerner to Los Angeles Dodgers for low-ball return
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