Cubs' series with Diamondbacks forces them to confront an offseason decision they may suddenly regret

Given the ways injuries have decimated the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff and the recent setback of Justin Steele, Zac Gallen starting against the Cubs for the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field this weekend likely signals a case of what could have been for Jed Hoyer and Co.

Before the Cubs traded for Edward Cabrera and signed Alex Bregman, there was an expectation that Gallen would be the big-ticket move of the offseason. A report in December suggested the Cubs were finalizing a multi-year deal for Gallen, only for further confirmation to reveal that no such contract had approached the finish line.

Still, even after the moves for Cabrera and Bregman, the Cubs were circling in Gallen's market. His market stalled, and the hope from the Cubs was that they might be able to land him on a short-term deal with a high AAV. Gallen, considering his struggles last year, was looking for an early out in any contract he signed, leading him to a return to the Diamondbacks.

As spring training approached, the Cubs' interest in Gallen was questioned by the fanbase. At the time, the rotation was healthy, and Steele's return was mapped out for the start of June. Suddenly, the Cubs enter May with Cade Horton out for the rest of this season and a significant chunk of the 2027 season, and Steele's return has been pushed back until after the All-Star break in July.

Perhaps the Cubs should have been more aggressive

It's hindsight, but Gallen certainly would look appealing in the Cubs' rotation right now. Through his first six starts with the Diamondbacks this season, Gallen has been getting results. He's pitched to a 3.14 ERA in 28 and 2/3 innings pitched.

It's a little bit of fool's gold, considering the 30-year-old is striking out under 15% of the hitters he's faced this season. He's not missing bats, and opposing hitters are batting .283 against him. Sooner or later, it feels like there's going to be a regression with his ERA.

That was fear with Gallen's profile during the offseason. He was considered a broken pitcher, and even with his "success" to start the season, there's reason to believe he's still in need of some fixing. Likely one of the reasons why the Cubs weren't willing to include an opt-out in their offer after the 2026 season.

Such a deal would have taken the Cubs out of their comfort zone, but perhaps that is what they should have done, considering their pitching depth now looks to be the liability for their roster moving forward.

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