RUMOR MILL MELTDOWN: Cubs “Close” to Zac Gallen Deal—A Shocking Contract Tussle Shakes MLB.vc
CUBS RUSH TO LAND CY YOUNG FINALIST
Amidst the winter transfer frenzy, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly “hopeful” of finalizing a multi-year contract with free-agent starting pitcher Zac Gallen—a blockbuster deal that would instantly make the team’s rotation formidable and solidify hopes for a dominant 2026 season.
The rumor, initially reported as a finalized agreement, sent shockwaves through the MLB world, leading to a scramble among insiders to confirm the details. While the deal is “NOT DONE,” the intense and public nature of the negotiations highlights the Cubs’ desire to finally land a top-tier starting arm.
Gallen, a three-time Cy Young finalist who declined the Diamondbacks’ Qualifying Offer, is projected to sign a deal near $22 million Average Annual Value (AAV).1
THE SHOCKING SCANDAL: WEDDING RINGS, NOT CONTRACTS
The “shocking scandal” shaking MLB is the embarrassing revelation that the initial report claiming the deal was “close to finalizing” was severely premature.
- Gallen’s True Focus: On the day the rumors broke, Zac Gallen was not in Chicago negotiating a contract—he was in Cabo, getting married.2
- The Troll: Gallen himself trolled the news reports by posting a photo of his and his new wife’s wedding rings with the caption: “The only contract signed this weekend.”3
Despite the initial frenzy and subsequent embarrassment for the reporting, the underlying interest is real. Gallen’s reported interest in the Cubs is driven by the very factor he confirmed:
“I’ve always wanted to play where there’s a real chance of competition. The Cubs are an organization with clear ambitions, and I believe I can help the team go further.”
WRIGLEY FIELD DREAMS: A PITCHING POWERHOUSE
The dream stirring among Wrigley Field fans is the immediate formation of a dominant rotation that can compete with the pitching powerhouses in the NL:
The addition of Gallen—who brings elite durability (32+ starts per season over the last four years)—would create a top-heavy rotation featuring:
| Rank | Pitcher | Status/Notes |
| Ace | Justin Steele | Expected to return early from injury. |
| No. 2 | Zac Gallen | Cy Young pedigree, innings-eater (if signed). |
| No. 3 | Shota Imanaga | Returning after accepting Qualifying Offer. |
| Upside | Cade Horton | Top young prospect set for full season. |
Landing Gallen would immediately signal that the Cubs are fully committed to winning the NL Central in 2026, ending years of high-profile free-agent avoidance.
