The Chicago Cubs have their sights set on one of the top free-agent pitchers as they look to improve their rotation before next season.
Chicago is targeting right-hander Zac Gallen, sources told The Athletic's Patrick Mooney.
The 30-year-old is coming off an inconsistent campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in the first half before authoring a 3.97 ERA after the All-Star break.
Between 2019-2024, Gallen ranked top 20 among qualified starters in ERA, wins, fWAR, and HR/9.
The Cubs' rotation finished 17th in fWAR, 19th in FIP, 23rd in HR/9 and 27th in K/9 last season.
Chicago is projected to start next season with Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea in the rotation.
Justin Steele is also expected to return in the first half of the 2026 campaign after undergoing elbow surgery last April.
