The first major pitching bombshell of the 2026 MLB offseason has officially detonated — and it belongs to the Chicago Cubs. After a chaotic morning filled with mixed signals, walk-backs, and dueling insiders, the Cubs have confirmed the signing of All-Star starter Zac Gallen, securing one of the most coveted arms on the market and marking a defining moment in their push toward National League contention.
What began as another episode in the annual Bob Nightengale free-agency rollercoaster ended with clarity, stability, and a major rotation upgrade for Chicago.
A Wild Start to the Day: Confusion Sparks Across Baseball
The saga began when USA Today’s Bob Nightengale posted that the Cubs were “close to finalizing” a deal with Gallen. Given his history of premature calls, MLB fans braced themselves — and within minutes, ESPN insider Jeff Passan countered with a sharp correction, claiming Gallen had no deal and was not close to completing anything.
For a brief window, the baseball world was divided. Was Chicago truly making its big offseason splash? Was the news premature? Were rival teams still in the mix?
Nightengale later edited his post, softening his language and indicating that the Cubs were merely hopeful of completing a deal, with other contenders still vying for the right-hander.
But behind the scenes, the truth was rapidly evolving.
The Dust Settles: Chicago and Gallen Seal the Agreement
By early afternoon, league sources confirmed what Cubs fans had been waiting to hear for years: Zac Gallen had agreed to terms with Chicago on a multi-year contract, solidifying the team’s long-term pitching core and reshaping their outlook for 2026 and beyond.
While exact figures remain under wraps, early indicators suggest a deal averaging around $22 million annually, a significant but calculated investment in a pitcher who has built a reputation on durability, consistency, and elite-level competitiveness.
Why Gallen? Why Now?
For Chicago, the move is not just a signing — it is a statement.
Gallen enters 2026 with:
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Three top-10 Cy Young finishes
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An average of 32 starts per year over the last four seasons
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A reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable workhorses
In a pitching market thin on true frontline options, Gallen represented both floor and ceiling: a veteran who can deliver 180–200 innings and still flash ace-caliber dominance when locked in.
Chicago’s front office has long been criticized for hovering around big names without sealing the deal. This time, they moved aggressively, refused to let the confusion derail their pursuit, and ultimately closed on the arm they believe can anchor a postseason rotation.
A Look Back at 2025 — and What Chicago is Betting On
Gallen’s 2025 campaign with the Diamondbacks wasn’t his strongest, going:
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13–15
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4.83 ERA
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175 strikeouts
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192 innings
But the Cubs see the broader picture: a proven competitor with ace credentials, a clean health record, and a skill set that still matches up with the best when supported by the right system.
Chicago’s pitching infrastructure has been revamped in recent seasons, and Gallen immediately becomes the centerpiece of that evolution. Pairing him with the Cubs’ rising young arms gives the team something they’ve lacked for years — stability at the top.
A Division-Changing Move?
The NL Central has been wide open in recent years, with no team truly separating from the pack. This signing signals that Chicago is ready to change that narrative.
The message is clear: The Cubs are not waiting for their window — they are opening it themselves.
What Comes Next for Chicago
With Gallen now officially in the fold, Chicago is expected to:
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Continue exploring bullpen reinforcements
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Remain active in the position-player market
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Potentially pursue another mid-tier starter to fortify depth
This deal does more than strengthen the rotation — it changes the Cubs’ identity for 2026.
They have an ace.
They have momentum.
And they have the attention of every team across Major League Baseball.
