Could the D-backs Still Re-Sign Zac Gallen This Offseason?

This blog post digs into the curious case of Zac Gallen, an ace pitcher still navigating the late stages of free agency. We’ll look at his possible return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, break down his recent performance, and talk about the financial and competitive factors in play as he searches for his next baseball home.

Gallen’s D-backs Homecoming: More Than Just Business?

Zac Gallen’s potential reunion with the Arizona Diamondbacks isn’t just about roster spots or pitching stats. It’s a story full of personal ties and a genuine sense of belonging.

The star right-hander has said he wants to return to the Valley, calling it his “home base.” He’s made it clear that his family has deep roots in Phoenix.

The Pull of Home and Family

For someone like Gallen, choosing where to play goes way beyond contract numbers. Returning to a team where he’s spent so much of his career—and giving his family stability—makes a strong case for heading back to the D-backs.

This personal connection might weigh heavily on his mind as free agency winds down. Sometimes, it’s not just business—it’s about where you feel you belong.

Deconstructing Gallen’s Recent Performance: A Tale of Two Seasons

Any team eyeing Zac Gallen has to take a close look at his recent numbers. His 2025 season really split into two very different stretches.

The Rollercoaster of 2025: From Struggles to Resurgence

Gallen slogged through a rough first two-thirds of the 2025 campaign, putting up a 5.60 ERA through 127 innings. He struggled with control, giving up more walks and home runs than usual.

Things changed in his final 11 starts. He bounced back with a 3.32 ERA over 65 innings, which definitely looked more like his old self.

Still, some of the advanced stats—like SIERA and strikeout rate—didn’t shift much. Maybe luck played a part, or maybe it was just a hot streak, but either way, it was good to see him finish strong.

Even if he doesn’t quite get back to his best years from 2019–24 (3.29 ERA, 26.6% K rate, 7.8% BB rate), Gallen would still give Arizona’s rotation a serious boost.

The Diamondbacks’ Pitching Puzzle and Payroll Realities

Arizona’s rotation right now clearly needs a sturdy veteran like Gallen. But team owner Ken Kendrick keeps a tight grip on the budget, so the front office has to get creative.

Filling the Void: How Gallen Fits the Rotation

Right now, the Diamondbacks’ projected top five are Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodríguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Michael Soroka. It’s a solid core, but there’s not a lot of experience behind them.

Gallen would immediately raise the floor and ceiling of the staff, giving the team a much-needed anchor. That’s the kind of stability you can’t just find anywhere.

Navigating Kendrick’s Payroll Limits

Ken Kendrick has a reputation for strict payroll limits, which makes any big free-agent move tricky. Still, the D-backs are looking at creative ways to fit Gallen in.

Maybe a two-year deal with a player option and some deferred money could make it work. Kendrick’s even gone on record saying a deal is “realistic,” especially since signing Gallen now wouldn’t cost them any draft picks—something the team values a lot.

The Free Agency Landscape: Has the Market Shifted?

The Diamondbacks seem to have the inside track, but other teams were interested in Gallen at first. The market keeps shifting, though, and most of those teams have already filled their rotation needs.

Where Do Other Teams Stand?

Initially, teams like the Orioles, Cubs, Angels, Giants, and Tigers were reportedly in the mix for Gallen’s services.

But a lot of those clubs have already made moves to shore up their pitching staffs, which probably narrows Gallen’s options and bumps up the appeal of the Diamondbacks’ offer.

This shifting market might give Arizona the upper hand, and honestly, a reunion with the respected right-hander feels more and more likely.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Could the D-backs Still Re-Sign Zac Gallen?