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PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are bringing back right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen, agreeing to a one-year contract to avoid further uncertainty in their rotation. The deal, pending a physical, comes after a down year for the 30-year-old but secures a key piece of their pitching staff as spring training approaches. The re-signing of Gallen addresses a significant need for the Diamondbacks after an offseason that saw them trade away several veteran players.
Gallen’s return to Arizona isn’t at the lucrative price point many predicted before the 2025 season. Once considered a potential $100 million free agent, his performance dipped significantly, leading to a longer-than-expected stay on the open market. He finished the year with a career-worst 4.83 ERA and a 21.5% strikeout rate, a stark contrast to his 2022 breakout season where he finished fifth in the National League Cy Young voting.
The agreement is worth $22.025 million, matching the qualifying offer Gallen previously declined, MLB.com reports. However, roughly $14 million of the salary will be deferred, according to The Athletic. The Diamondbacks were reportedly concerned about overworking younger pitchers, which contributed to their decision to retain Gallen even after a disappointing season.
Arizona underwent a significant shift in strategy during the 2025 season, becoming sellers at the trade deadline. They moved Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suárez, Merrill Kelly, and Shelby Miller, but were unable to find a suitable trade partner for Gallen, ultimately valuing the draft pick they would receive if he signed elsewhere more than any offers presented. Despite the sell-off, the Diamondbacks remained competitive in the Wild Card race until the final weekend, partially due to Gallen’s improved performance in the latter half of the season.
While Gallen’s overall numbers in 2025 were down, he showed signs of improvement after the All-Star break, posting a 3.32 ERA over his final 65 innings. He recorded quality starts in eight of his last 11 outings, helping the Diamondbacks go 7-4 in those games. However, his strikeout rate remained lower than previous seasons, and he benefited from a .232 average on balls in play, a figure higher than his career norms.
The Diamondbacks’ decision to re-sign Gallen provides stability to a rotation that underwent changes this offseason. The team will be looking for the 30-year-old to regain the form he displayed in 2022 and 2023, when he established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League. His ability to eat innings and provide quality starts will be crucial as the Diamondbacks navigate the 2026 season.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will focus on building around their core players and developing their young talent. Gallen’s presence provides a veteran anchor in the rotation, and his performance will be a key factor in the team’s success. The next step will be seeing how he performs in spring training and whether he can return to his previous level of dominance.
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