The Chicago Cubs have officially reunited Zac Gallen with catcher Carson Kelly, a pairing the team hopes will anchor their rotation for 2026.
After a difficult 2025 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks — where Gallen posted a 4.83 ERA over 33 starts and allowed 31 home runs in 192 innings — the right-hander has signed with the Cubs, confident that rejoining Kelly, who has caught more innings from him than any other MLB catcher, will help him return to form.
During their time together in Arizona, Gallen posted an impressive 2.81 ERA across 327 innings with Kelly behind the plate. The Cubs have now signed Kelly to a two-year deal with a mutual 2027 option, setting the stage for the duo to replicate that success in Chicago.
Gallen reportedly agreed to a short-term deal with the Cubs, giving him a chance to reset his market after a down year while providing Chicago with a potential ace for the rotation.
In 2025, Kelly’s catcher ERA was 3.61, outperforming teammates Reese McGuire (4.00) and Miguel Amaya (4.27), further proving his ability to guide pitchers effectively.
With the reunion now official, Kelly is being credited as the X-factor in Gallen’s bounce-back plan, giving the Cubs renewed optimism that their rotation can compete at a high level next season.
