As Zac Gallen navigates free agency, speculation has increased about a possible reunion with the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the team aims to reduce payroll following heavy spending in 2025, Gallen has expressed genuine interest in coming back to Phoenix, referring to it as his “home base.” The right-hander’s connection to the city and its fans adds weight to this potential reunion amid uncertain contract talks.
Gallen Reflects on His Connection to Phoenix and Fans’ Support
During an interview, Gallen highlighted what Phoenix means to him and his family.
“I think people understand what Phoenix means to me,”
he said. He continued,
“My wife is from here. I’m calling this home base now, so for us to be here would be awesome. It’s been really humbling that [fans] have come up me and would like me to come back — especially because I know how the first half of last year went, we didn’t make the playoffs, things like that. It gives you chills that people still want you to come back and be a part of the organization.”
— Zac Gallen, Pitcher
Gallen’s Struggles and Partial Recovery in the 2025 Season
Gallen’s 2025 season started poorly, as he managed only two quality starts in 22 appearances and compiled a 5.60 ERA over 127 innings. His strikeout and walk rates worsened, and he allowed 23 home runs, surpassing any previous full-season total. Despite this difficult stretch, Gallen showed signs of improvement during the last two months. His ERA dropped to 3.32 across 11 starts and 65 innings, but his strikeout rate declined slightly. His ability to limit hard contact improved, yet his SIERA rating remained close to the earlier portion of the season, indicating only modest progress on a rate basis.
One key factor in Gallen’s late-season performance was an increase in strands runners percentage to 76.5%, up from 64.0% in the earlier two-thirds of the year, helped by a decrease in home runs allowed. However, home run metrics tend to vary significantly over smaller sample sizes, suggesting this improvement might not reflect a lasting change. Overall, the turnaround appeared greater than the underlying metrics indicated.
Impact Gallen Could Have on Diamondbacks’ Rotation
Even if Gallen falls short of his 2019-2024 form, which included a 3.29 ERA and nearly 27% strikeout rate, adding him could still enhance the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff. Currently, the rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and new signee Michael Soroka. Beyond those starters, potential replacements are largely inexperienced players like Yilber Diaz, Kohl Drake, Mitch Bratt, and Cristian Mena. Any significant injury could leave Arizona dependent on rookies to fill gaps among a group already featuring several pitchers aiming to rebound.
Negotiations and Payroll Constraints Limit Quick Resolution
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reports that Gallen wants to settle with a team before spring training camps open, but the timeline is tight for any deal. The Diamondbacks are close to or at their payroll limits set by owner Ken Kendrick, complicating the financial aspects of re-signing Gallen. Gambadoro suggests a possible two-year contract with a player option for the second year, similar to a previous arrangement attempted with Jordan Montgomery, though this would require inventive financial structuring and/or deferred payments to fit budget constraints.
Lessons from the Jordan Montgomery Contract Affect Future Decisions
The 2023-24 offseason deal with left-hander Jordan Montgomery did not pan out, as Montgomery required Tommy John surgery midway through the 2024 season while posting an ERA above 6.00. Kendrick publicly expressed regret over the signing late last year, influencing the team’s caution regarding comparable agreements.
Kendrick’s Perspective on Gallen and a Possible Return
Despite past missteps, Kendrick views Gallen’s situation differently because of his long tenure and status within the organization. Reflecting on Gallen’s 2025 season, Kendrick noted:
“He’s a special young man who spent nearly seven years as a D-back. He definitely had an up-and-down season — performed better in the later part of the year, certainly, than earlier in the year. I think his actions the other evening… he didn’t want to take his uniform off. He’s loved being a Diamondback. I don’t want to say it’s out of the touch of reality that we’d work out an arrangement to bring him back. He’s been a great D-back. Last I recall, he was the guy who pitched seven or eight innings of no-hit ball in a World Series game for the Arizona Diamondbacks. … He’s the guy you want to root for.”
— Ken Kendrick, Arizona Diamondbacks Owner
Potential Benefits for Both Gallen and the Diamondbacks
While the Diamondbacks are unlikely to overhaul their payroll plans drastically, Gallen’s continued free agency status and the approach of spring training enhance the likelihood of a homecoming. Gallen declined a qualifying offer from Arizona, so the team avoids losing draft picks by signing him, unlike other clubs that would forfeit compensatory selections.
In addition to Arizona, the Baltimore Orioles recently expressed interest, and the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Detroit Tigers have made inquiries during the offseason. Many have since bolstered their rotations, yet Gallen remains a viable option for teams seeking innings. For clubs confident in his ability to return to form, the current market could provide excellent value.
Looking Ahead: What the D-backs and Gallen Must Decide
The clock is ticking for both parties as spring training nears, with urgency to finalize Gallen’s next destination. Arizona faces balancing payroll pressures with the need for rotation depth, while Gallen weighs his desire to return to familiar surroundings against exploring opportunities elsewhere. His bond with Phoenix, backed by Kendrick’s appreciation and fan support, may ultimately tip the scales toward a reunion that could stabilize the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff in the coming seasons.
Zac Gallen on possibly re-signing with the D-backs with the start of spring training a week away:
"People have been like, 'Hey, we'd really love for you to come back.' I think people understand what Phoenix means to me…For us to be here would be awesome."@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/DHyKg8G36m
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) February 3, 2026
The Zac Gallen situation is one of the most interesting I have seen in quite some time. He entered free agency with his representation believing he could get a 5-year deal for big money. He remains unsigned. All indications are he wants to be with a team by spring training. If he…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 4, 2026
