Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reported this that Gallen and the Arizona Diamondbacks were nearing a new contract. According to Ken Rosenthal of The AthleticGallen will receive a one-year contract worth $22.025 million, the same amount as the qualifying offer he rejected earlier in the offseason. Rosenthal further noted that approximately $14 million of the contract is deferred.
Gallen seemed destined to become one of the best pitchers available in free agency ahead of the 2025 season. He had an impressive three-year run between 2022 and 2024, posting a 3.20 ERA and a 1.089 WHiP over his 542 innings, striking out 568 batters with 148 walks.
Arizona Diamondbacks give Zac Gallen a second chance on a strong platform year before free agency
His performance dipped in 2025. He posted a 4.83 ERA and a 1.260 WHiP over 192 innings, striking out 175 batters with 66 walks. Although he made more than 30 starts and threw more than 180 innings for the third time in four years, Gallen’s market never materialized.
By returning to Arizona, Gallen may be setting himself up for success. He is in a familiar environment with a coaching staff that may be able to help him maximize his performance. If he can build on his last 11 starts, in which he posted a 3.32 ERA and a 1.077 WHiP over his 65 innings, Gallen could get the multi-year deal he was set to receive at the start of the season.
His return also helps the Diamondbacks in their return to the postseason. The Diamondbacks’ rotation outside of Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson is filled with question marks, while their depth options have minimal Major League experience. Gallen, if he can return to form, could give the Diamondbacks a strong trio atop the rotation.
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