The Chicago Cubs may have started the offseason quietly, but all signs point to the team gearing up for a potentially blockbuster few months. Fans are eager to see their team return to playoff contention, and whispers of trades, big signings, and strategic roster moves are already sending waves of excitement through Wrigleyville. Could this be the year the Cubs finally make bold moves to strengthen both their pitching and offense? With spring training just around the corner, every rumor, every negotiation, and every front-office decision could reshape the roster and define the 2026 campaign before the first pitch is even thrown. From star infielders potentially on the move to top pitching targets still available, Chicago seems ready to shake things up—and the baseball world is watching closely.
The Chicago Cubs have had a fairly quiet offseason so far, but that may be about to change. The team is looking to boost both its offense and pitching. At the same time, the Cubs have been linked to potential trades involving Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports that Chicago is showing interest in signing pitcher Zac Gallen and adding another outfielder.
“They, too, have been linked to Gallen, and another outfielder could make sense,” Heyman wrote. “They’ve been listening in on star second baseman Nico Hoerner, who’s entering his walk year, and second-year infielder Matt Shaw, with Boston a possible fit since they are trying to improve their infield and have an extra outfielder.”
The Cubs have been tracking Gallen all offseason, so signing him wouldn’t come as a major surprise. He could slot in as a No. 3 or No. 4 starter and bring veteran experience to the rotation. Last season, the 30-year-old went 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It’s unclear which outfielder Chicago might pursue, but top free-agent options still available include Starling Marte, Michael Conforto, Randal Grichuk, Jesse Winker, Max Kepler, and Tommy Pham. The Cubs could also fill the position by trading Hoerner or Shaw, making them a team to watch leading up to spring training.
Cubs Exploring Trade Options with Red Sox
Chicago remains open to moving Hoerner or Shaw and could make a bold trade. The team has been linked to potential talks with the Boston Red Sox, possibly targeting an outfielder like Jarren Duran.
“Donovan is off the board. Paredes isn’t a great fit, nor was Suarez,” Healey wrote on X. “Is Red Sox’ best infield option paying up for Hoerner or Shaw? Cubs are listening. Cost would be high. Would take guts. Hoerner especially would be proof of Breslow’s ‘focus on ’26, not the future’ approach.”
Whether a trade happens is uncertain, but if it does, it could come soon. The Cubs previously spoke with Gallen earlier in the offseason, but no deal materialized. Talks appear to have picked up again, according to MLB insider Bruce Levine on 670 The Score.
“Those talks are ongoing. My reporting is the possibility is that it’ll be a shorter-term type of deal,” Levine said regarding Chicago’s interest in Gallen.
Gallen would fit well with the Cubs’ rotation, and team president Jed Hoyer emphasized pitching as a top priority at the GM meetings.
“That’s going to be our focus,” Hoyer said. “I expect to explore trades. I expect to explore free agency, both at the top of the market, but also looking at Minor League free agency.”