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Reports of Cubs Deal for Zac Gallen Refuted as Free-Agent Market Takes Shape

A swift refutation of a reported Cubs agreement underscores how unsettled the right-hander’s market remains.

Overview

  • ESPN’s Jeff Passan said Zac Gallen does not have a deal after USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported the Cubs were close on a multi-year pact at roughly $22 million per year.
  • Gallen is on the open market after declining the Diamondbacks’ qualifying offer last month.
  • Multiple clubs have checked in on him, including the Giants, Angels, Tigers, Orioles, Cubs and Braves, according to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and MLB.com.
  • Analysts expect a multi-year contract, with MLB Trade Rumors projecting four years and industry chatter pointing to potential opt-out mechanisms common in Boras-negotiated deals.
  • Teams are weighing his down 2025 results (4.83 ERA, with a 3.32 ERA over his final 11 starts) against elite durability, including 33 starts in 2025 and 734 innings since 2022.