Sep 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Zac Gallen Reportedly Returning to Diamondbacks

Originally posted on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI
By Alex D'Agostino | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 9:24 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks are closing in on a deal with former ace Zac Gallen, according to recent reports by MLB.com's Steve Gilbert and AZCentral's Nick Piecoro. The deal is pending a physical.

It's a one-year deal for Gallen, who had expected to see a robust market in free agency this offseason after turning down the $22 million Qualifying Offer from Arizona.

The deal is for nearly the same amount: $22.025 million, according to insider Jon Heyman. Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, $14 million of this amount is deferred. Diamondbacks On SI will continue to update this article as more details are rolled out.

Arizona Diamondbacks Bringing Back Zac Gallen

Gallen endured the worst season of his MLB career in 2025, pitching to. 4.83 ERA over 192 innings. Despite that, he had begun to reemerge in the latter end of the year, throwing to a 3.32 ERA following the trade deadline.

The Diamondbacks will hope that Gallen can return to the ace-like form that saw him deliver a 2.54 ERA in 2022, or start the All-Star Game in 2023 on the way to a World Series appearance.

Gallen owns a career 3.58 ERA and 3.65 FIP to back it up over the course of seven major league seasons.

This move comes just a day following GM Mike Hazen's comments that Arizona was still in the market for both starting pitching and position players.

Related Content: Diamondbacks Still Looking to Make Moves

Though the D-backs' rotation is currently full in theory, excess depth is never a negative, especially as the team awaits the return of ace Corbin Burnes from Tommy John Surgery.