Cubs dragging their feet while former NL Cy Young finalist weighs options

Never turning down a chance to be opportunistic, the Chicago Cubs have been connected to former National League Cy Young Award finalist Zac Gallen in recent weeks. The lucrative multi-year contract that the Cubs were falsely rumored to be giving Gallen in December has evaded the veteran starting pitcher this offseason, leading to speculation that the price may fall within the Cubs' reach.

While the Cubs are expected to go into the luxury tax, capping their interest in Gallen does make sense. More than adding a starting pitcher who could trend toward the top of the rotation by the end of the season, the Cubs are looking for depth.

Trading for Edward Cabrera was the big swing for Jed Hoyer and Co. in terms of upgrading the starting rotation this offseason, and they shouldn't feel compelled to be the top bidder for Gallen.

Zac Gallen's market may be moving past the Chicago Cubs

Separate reports this week seem to confirm the Cubs aren't at the forefront of Gallen's bidding. North Side Baseball's Matthew Trueblood indicated the Cubs aren't optimistic about their chances, and The Athletic's (subscription required) Sahadev Sharma indicated Gallen's has stronger suitors elsewhere.

Each report left the door open for the Cubs to circle back to Gallen if he lingers on the free-agent market after the start of spring training, but a return to the Arizona Diamondbacks feels far more likely. Especially since the Diamondbacks can sign Gallen without the risk of giving up draft-pick compensation or international bonus pool money.

The market for free-agent starting pitchers is starting to thin. Nick Martinez, Aaron Civale, Erick Fedde, and Justin Verlander have all found new homes this week. To varying degrees, all would have made some sense for the Cubs. Also, they all seem likely to be more affordable than signing Gallen.

Perhaps Lucas Giolito makes sense for the Cubs. While his ceiling may not be as high as Gallen's (assuming the Cubs think they can fix him), he would check the box of being an established starting pitcher who could provide the rotation with even more depth.