Zac Gallen’s Final Stand: D‑backs, Draft Picks, and the Uncertain Future of a Breakout Pitcher

Zac Gallen’s Free Agency Saga: Will He Return to Arizona?

PHOENIX – As pitchers and catchers prepare to report, the free agency of Zac gallen remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the MLB offseason. Once considered a prime candidate for a lucrative multi-year deal after a stellar 2023 season—culminating in an All-Star appearance and a key role in the Diamondbacks’ National League pennant run—Gallen finds himself still seeking a new home.

The initial expectation following Gallen’s rejection of the Diamondbacks’ qualifying offer in November was a departure. Predicted to land a four-year, $80 million contract, the 30-year-old pitcher has seen the market remain surprisingly quiet. Rumors surfaced in December linking him to the Chicago Cubs, but those quickly dissipated.

Now, a surprising twist. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Diamondbacks are now considered the “front-runners” to re-sign Gallen. This revelation, while unexpected, comes with a key caveat: Arizona avoids forfeiting a draft pick by re-signing their former ace, a benefit lost if he signs elsewhere.

Though, financial constraints present a significant hurdle. The team’s payroll currently sits at $172 million, down from $188 million last season, with a stated intention to reduce spending. The Diamondbacks have already bolstered their rotation with the returns of Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka. Adding Gallen, even on a short-term deal, would create a logjam and strain the budget, especially with needs at first base, left field, and in the bullpen.

A potential scenario involves gallen accepting a one-year “prove-it” deal. This would allow him to rebuild his value after a 2025 campaign that saw his ERA fall to 4.83, ranking 45th among qualifying pitchers. But even this scenario complicates an already crowded rotation featuring Kelly, Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Soroka.

ultimately, while the door may be open for a Gallen return, the Diamondbacks’ financial situation and existing pitching depth create a complex puzzle.Ken Kendrick, the team’s owner, has a history of surprising moves, but whether he’ll dig deep to bring Gallen back remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether gallen’s time in Arizona is truly over, or if a surprising reunion is in the cards.

What would the Arizona Diamondbacks gain by trading Zac Gallen for draft picks, and how would that move affect their competitive window?

Zac Gallen’s Final Stand: D‑backs, Draft Picks, and the Uncertain Future of a Breakout Pitcher

Zac Gallen’s trajectory has been one of the most compelling narratives in recent MLB history. From a mid-round draft pick to a legitimate ace, his story embodies perseverance and late-blooming potential. Now, as the Arizona Diamondbacks navigate a critical offseason, Gallen’s future – and whether it remains in the desert – hangs in the balance. This isn’t just about a pitcher; it’s about a franchise’s commitment to contention and the strategic value of draft capital.

The Rise of a Diamondback Ace

Gallen wasn’t a highly touted prospect. Drafted in the third round by the st.Louis cardinals in 2018, he was traded to the Marlins before landing with the D-backs in 2019. Initially, he showed flashes, but consistency eluded him.The breakthrough came in 2022.

* 2022 Season: A 12-13 record doesn’t tell the full story.Gallen posted a stellar 3.42 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across 184.1 innings, establishing himself as a reliable starter.

* 2023 postseason Run: Gallen was instrumental in the D-backs’ surprising run to the World Series. His performance under pressure solidified his status as a big-game pitcher.

* 2024 Continued Success: Building on previous seasons, Gallen continued to refine his arsenal, becoming a true workhorse for Arizona.

This progression has naturally led to increased scrutiny and a notable rise in his market value. He’s no longer a project; he’s a proven commodity.

The Contract Situation & Arbitration

Gallen is currently arbitration-eligible. His 2025 salary was set at $8.5 million, a figure reflecting his increasing value. Though, the looming question is whether the D-backs will commit to a long-term extension, or if they’ll explore trade options.

Arbitration provides a short-term solution, but it doesn’t offer the stability that both the player and the team might desire. A multi-year deal would provide Gallen with financial security and allow the D-backs to lock in their ace for the foreseeable future. The potential for a significant raise in arbitration, coupled with his rising free agent value, complicates negotiations.

The Trade Market: Potential Suitors and Return Value

Several teams are likely to be interested in Gallen should the D-backs decide to trade him. Teams consistently seeking pitching upgrades, such as the Los Angeles dodgers, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles, could be aggressive contenders.

What could the D-backs realistically expect in return? Given Gallen’s age (29 in August 2026), performance, and remaining years of control, a significant package is warranted.

* Top Prospects: A trade would likely center around a package including at least one, and potentially two, highly-ranked prospects.

* Major League-Ready Talent: the D-backs might also seek a controllable major league player to fill an immediate need.

* Draft Picks: Considering the D-backs’ recent draft success, acquiring additional draft picks could be a key component of any deal.

The return needs to align with the D-backs’ long-term vision. Simply acquiring prospects for the sake of it isn’t enough; they need players who fit the team’s timeline and culture.

The D-backs’ Internal Considerations: Rebuild vs. Contend

The D-backs are at a crossroads.Their recent World Series appearance demonstrated their potential, but they also face challenges in a competitive NL West.

* Financial Constraints: The D-backs aren’t a big-market team. Balancing payroll and investing in the future is a constant challenge.

* Development of Young Players: The success of players like Corbin Carroll is crucial. The D-backs need to continue developing their young core.

* Long-Term Sustainability: A rebuild focused on accumulating assets could provide long-term stability, but it also risks prolonging the team’s competitive window.

Trading gallen would signal a potential shift towards a more deliberate rebuild, allowing the team to replenish its farm system. Keeping him, however, demonstrates a commitment to competing now and building a sustainable contender.

The Impact of Draft picks in Modern Baseball

The value of draft picks has increased exponentially in recent years. Prosperous drafting and player development are now essential components of sustained success in MLB. The D-backs have demonstrated a knack for identifying and developing talent through the draft, exemplified by players like Carroll.

* Competitive Balance Tax Implications: Trading Gallen could allow the D-backs to reset their Competitive Balance Tax threshold, providing greater financial flexibility.

* Future flexibility: Draft picks offer the potential to acquire multiple players, increasing the team’s depth and options.

* Strategic Asset Management: Effectively managing draft capital is crucial for long-term success.

The D-backs’ front office understands the importance of this. Any decision regarding Gallen will undoubtedly factor in the potential value of the draft picks they could acquire.

Gallen’s Outlook: loyalty and Ambition

While the business side of baseball often overshadows the human element, Gallen’s personal preferences matter. He’s expressed a fondness for Arizona and the fanbase. however,he’s also a competitive player who wants to