One of the best remaining pitchers available in free agency wouldn’t mind a reunion with his old club.
Right-hander Zac Gallen, a 2023 All-Star who remains unsigned with pitchers and catchers set to officially report to spring training next week, said it would be “great” to re-sign with the Diamondbacks.
“It was humiliating,” Gallen told reporters Tuesday at the WM Phoenix Open. “That’s been the constant over the last few weeks. People have said, ‘Hey, we’d love for you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me.
“My wife is from here, I call this home base now, so it would be great for us to be here.”
The 30-year-old Gallen developed into Arizona’s top prospect after being acquired from the Marlins on a trade deal for Jazz Chisholm Jr. in July 2019, but he has had a disappointing season.
The Somerdale, N.J., native went 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts over a career-high 192 innings pitched in 2025.
Although he posted career-worst numbers in several categories, Gallen finished strong, pitching to a 3.32 ERA in the second half, right in line with his career mark of 3.58.
Even with that recovery, 2025 was a far cry from his elite form; he went 12-4 with a 2.54 ERA in 2022 and followed it up with a National League All-Star selection the following season.
Gallen’s market was murky this offseason, likely made worse by his decision to reject Arizona’s $22.025 million qualifying offer, which would entitle the Diamondbacks to draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere and punish the team he signs with.
The Diamondbacks discussed a reunion with Gallen, while the Cubs, Padres, Angels and others had also expressed interest, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.
Retaining Gallen would be a solid way for Arizona to wrap up an offseason in which the team did not trade superstar infielder Ketel Marte and added veteran hitters Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado.
The Diamondbacks also added former Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga and reunited with fellow righty Merrill Kelly.
Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, who signed a franchise-record six-year, $210 million deal last offseason, is expected to return sometime in 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Despite an odd year and Arizona’s failure to reach the postseason, Gallen said the support from the fan base has left a lasting impression.
“It gives you a chilly feeling that people still want you to come back and be part of the organization and franchise,” Gallen said.
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