The Cubs' pursuit of Zac Gallen: A strategic move or a risky gamble? The Cubs' 2026 season is fast approaching, and with it, the question on every fan's mind: should the Cubs sign Zac Gallen? While some may argue that the Cubs have already made significant commitments this offseason, there are compelling reasons to believe that signing Gallen could be a strategic move. Firstly, the Cubs' luxury tax estimate for 2027 is projected to be significantly lower than in 2026, leaving ample room to spend. With three starting pitchers set to leave as free agents, the Cubs could use Gallen's services this season and beyond. However, there's a catch. Gallen is holding out for a deal without an opt-out after year 1, which could make negotiations challenging. Despite his disappointing 2025 season, Gallen has a strong track record, earning Cy Young votes three times and potentially commanding a $200M contract if he were a free agent last winter. Furthermore, the Cubs' own Carson Kelly has caught more Zac Gallen starts than any other catcher in baseball, highlighting the potential for a strong partnership. While the Cubs have other priorities, such as the Bulls' struggles and the release of Terrance Gore, the pursuit of Gallen could be a strategic move to bolster the rotation and position the team for success in the coming years. But will the Cubs make the move? Only time will tell. And this is the part most people miss... the potential for a strong partnership between Gallen and Kelly, which could be a game-changer for the Cubs.
