Zac Gallen Announces Personal News Amid MLB Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 8:29 PM ET

Zac Gallen remains one of the most intriguing arms available in MLB free agency. Over seven seasons, the 30-year-old right-hander has developed into one of the league’s most reliable starting pitchers, spending the majority of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks after debuting with the Miami Marlins in 2019.

Since then, Gallen established himself at the top of the Diamondbacks’ rotation. He has earned an All-Star selection, played a pivotal role in sending Arizona to the World Series in 2023 and has three top-10 finishes in NL Cy Young voting. At his peak, he has been regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Unfortunately for Gallen, his 2025 campaign was the worst of his career, and it came just as he entered unrestricted free agency. Although he made 33 starts, he posted a 4.83 ERA with a 13–15 record, and his strikeout numbers dipped to 175 across 192 innings, raising questions about his value.

MLB free agent Zac Gallen (23)Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

Gallen is still expected to draw wide interest around the league given his peak abilities and the potential upside of signing him at a lower price tag following his dip in performance. Yet he remains unsigned while the winter meetings are underway.

A rumor briefly circulated that the Chicago Cubs had agreed to a multi-year deal with Gallen worth close to $22 million annually, but ESPN’s Jeff Passan quickly shot it down. The post nevertheless gained traction, prompting Gallen to respond. He not only dismissed the false report but also took the opportunity to announce some personal news.

In a playful collaboration post with his partner, Gallen announced that the two had officially gotten married over the weekend. “The only contract signed this weekend,” the caption read on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

While the marriage announcement gave fans a lighthearted moment, Gallen’s focus will eventually shift back to baseball as he navigates free agency.

Despite the struggles of 2025, his track record of durability and past dominance ensures that multiple contenders will remain interested. Teams in need of rotation stability know he can handle a heavy workload, and his postseason experience with Arizona in 2023 adds further appeal.

For Gallen, the challenge now is proving that last season was an outlier rather than a trend. As the winter meetings continue, his name will remain one of the most closely watched among available pitchers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: