Most, if not all, of the players I’ve put in this series to date are guys the Cubs likely will not sign — too much money, too many years, or both.
Here’s a pitcher who seems more up Jed Hoyer’s alley at
the present time.
Zac Gallen was originally drafted by the Cardinals (third round, 2016). A year later he was traded to the Marlins (along with Sandy Alcántara and others) for Marcell Ozuna, then was sent to Arizona for Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Gallen has had consistent good years for the Diamondbacks, with the exception of 2021 (multiple injuries including one suffered while batting in Spring Training) and 2025, when, well… there doesn’t appear to be any specific reason for his bad 2025 season. He made 33 starts, didn’t miss any. He was somewhat better after Aug. 1. In his last 11 starts he posted a 3.32 ERA and 1.077 WHIP and allowed just eight home runs in 65 innings. Those numbers suggest he could get back to his previous level.
The complication here for the Cubs signing Gallen is that the D-backs made him the qualifying offer. The Cubs likely don’t want to give up a draft pick for Gallen. MLBTR says four years, $80 million for Gallen. The Athletic says two years, $42 million.
Gallen just turned 30 in August. It’s not impossible that he’d take the QO and try to rebuild his value and go to free agency again next year.
If the Cubs could get him on a two-year deal like the one proposed above, I think Jed Hoyer should be inclined to do it.
What say you?
