Zac Gallen staying home with Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen had been one of the better pitchers remaining in free agency. He found a home for the 2026 season on Friday night.

Steve Gilbert from MLB.com reported that Gallen and the Arizona Diamondbacks were closing in on a new contract. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Gallen will receive a one-year deal worth $22.025 million, the same amount as the qualifying offer that he had rejected earlier in the offseason. Rosenthal further noted that approximately $14 million of the contract is deferred.

Gallen had appeared to be destined to be one of the top pitchers available in free agency ahead of the 2025 season. He had an impressive three-year run between 2022 and 2024, posting a 3.20 ERA and a 1.089 WHiP over his 542 innings, striking out 568 batters with 148 walks.

Arizona Diamondbacks give Zac Gallen second chance at strong platform year before free agency

His performance cratered in 2025. He posted a 4.83 ERA and a 1.260 WHiP over 192 innings, striking out 175 batters with 66 walks. Although he made more than 30 starts and pitched over 180 innings for the third time in four years, Gallen's market never materialized.

By returning to Arizona, Gallen may be setting himself up for success. He is in a familiar environment with a coaching staff that may be able to help maximize his performance. If he can build on his final 11 starts, where he posted a 3.32 ERA and a 1.077 WHiP over his 65 innings, Gallen could command that multi-year deal he was expected to receive at the start of the season.

His return also helps the Diamondbacks as they look to return to the postseason. The Diamondbacks rotation, outside of Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson, is filled with question marks, while their depth options have minimal major league experience. Gallen, if he can return to form, could give the Diamondbacks a strong trio atop the rotation.