Report: Cubs targeting Diamondbacks free agent Zac Gallen

The Chicago Cubs are targeting Diamondbacks free agent starting pitcher Zac Gallen as an option, according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney.

Mooney said the Cubs want to add a starting pitcher who can start a playoff game and invest in the rotation with Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd all eligible to be free agents following the 2026 season.

The report comes as USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on Saturday that Gallen and the Cubs were nearing an agreement on a multi-year deal. However, Nightengale later reported that the Cubs were “hopeful” on finalizing an agreement but the deal was not done and other teams were still in contention.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan later reported that Gallen does not have a deal and was not close to finalizing one. The news comes ahead of the MLB winter meetings in Orlando that begin on Sunday and run through Thursday.

Gallen is coming off a 2025 where he largely struggled prior to the MLB trade deadline but bounced back in the final two months of the season to finish with a 12-10 record, 4.83 ERA in 192 innings pitched and a 1.26 WHIP.

Gallen declined the Diamondbacks’ one-year qualifying offer worth $22.05 million on Nov. 18 and became a free agent.

With Gallen as a free agent and Corbin Burnes recovering from Tommy John surgery, starting pitching is one of the top positions the Diamondbacks need to address this offseason. 

The Diamondbacks have been linked to multiple free agent starting pitchers, including Lucas Giolito and former D-back Merrill Kelly. Kelly pitched for the D-backs from 2019-2025 before being traded to the Texas Rangers ahead of the trade deadline last season.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported on Friday that Kelly and the D-backs had shown mutual interest in a reunion.

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