Zac Gallen Stays with the Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen, considered one of the top pitchers available, has decided to return to the Diamondbacks on a one-year deal valued at around $22 million. This was reported by Jon Heyman of the Post.
The 30-year-old right-hander reportedly had offers for multiple years but preferred to stay in Arizona. It’s a bit surprising, considering he previously turned down a qualifying offer of about $22.025 million in November, but now he will make a similar amount in 2026.
The Athletic indicated that Gallen’s new contract includes a back payout close to $14 million, marking the end of what seemed like a lengthy free agency for him. If he had signed with another team, the Diamondbacks would have received a draft pick in compensation due to his initial qualifying offer.
Before signing Chris Bassitt, the Orioles showed interest in Gallen. Other teams like the Cubs, Padres, and Angels also considered him. Still, he’ll be back in Arizona, where he has pitched for seven seasons now.
On February 3, Gallen indicated that he was interested in rejoining the Diamondbacks.
Reflecting on his experience, Gallen remarked, “It was scary… People were saying, ‘Hey, we’d love to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me. My wife is from here, and I call it home now, so it’s great that we’re here.”
He was acquired by the Diamondbacks during the 2019 trade deadline from the Marlins in exchange for Jazz Chisholm Jr. Since then, he has established himself as a crucial part of the rotation, receiving Cy Young votes in three seasons. His ERA was 3.20 and struck out 568 batters in 542 innings from 2022 to 2024.
However, his performance dipped in 2025, and he recorded a career-worst ERA of 4.83. Moreover, his strikeout rate decreased from 25.1 percent in 2024 to 21.5 percent in 2025.
Nevertheless, Gallen has consistently pitched over 180 innings in three of the last four years and should play a vital role in strengthening Arizona’s rotation as they aim to compete in the National League West.
