The Chicago Cubs are targeting free agent starting pitcher Zac Gallen as they seek to bolster their rotation this offseason. Gallen, who had a down year with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025, has drawn interest from multiple teams including the Cubs, Giants, Angels and Tigers. Recent rumors of a Cubs deal were quickly disputed by insiders.
The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing free agent right-hander Zac Gallen to address their pitching needs, according to sources from The Athletic and MLB Trade Rumors. Gallen, 30, posted a career-worst 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA in 2025 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he rebounded strongly in his final 11 starts with a 3.32 ERA. He tied for second in the majors with 33 starts and ranked in the top 10 with 192 innings pitched, showcasing his durability despite three short injury stints in his career.
Gallen declined a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks, entering free agency ahead of the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. The Cubs, who have signaled willingness to forfeit draft picks for qualifying offer players, see Gallen as a fit due to his track record, including Cy Young Award votes in 2020, 2022 and 2023. A key connection is Cubs catcher Carson Kelly, with whom Gallen has thrown 327 innings—more than any other backstop—posting a 2.81 ERA together during their time in Arizona.
Interest in Gallen extends beyond Chicago. The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves have also engaged or inquired, per reports. The Giants view him as rotation depth behind Logan Webb, while the Angels seek stability alongside Yusei Kikuchi. For the Cubs, adding Gallen would provide playoff-caliber reliability, especially with Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd eligible for free agency after 2026 and Justin Steele recovering from elbow surgery.
On December 6, premature reports suggested a multi-year Cubs deal at $22 million annually, but USA Today's Bob Nightengale clarified the team is hopeful yet no agreement exists, with others in contention. ESPN's Jeff Passan confirmed Gallen has no deal and is not close to one. Comparable contracts include Sean Manaea's three-year, $75 million pact with the Mets and Yusei Kikuchi's three-year, $63 million deal with the Angels.
