Starting pitcher Zac Gallen has emerged as one of the most sought-after free agents in Major League Baseball this offseason, fueling speculation about a potential return to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Speaking recently with a Phoenix news outlet, Gallen’s remarks suggested that a reunion with the Diamondbacks could be on the horizon, providing hope for fans eager to see him back in Arizona.
Gallen Opens Up About His Connection to Arizona and the Free Agency Process
In a discussion with Blake Niemann of Fox 10 Phoenix, Zac Gallen shared insights on his ongoing search for a new team and expressed strong ties to Arizona.
“I think people understand what Phoenix means to me,”
Gallen said when asked about possibly rejoining the Diamondbacks.
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.
Though his performance during the 2025 season included a 4.83 ERA over 192 innings, Gallen remains a dependable starter with an All-Star appearance to his name. While his fielding independent pitching (FIP) of 4.50 indicates that his performance was fairly reflective of the results, he showed improvement in the latter half of the season after facing some challenges with strikeout and walk rates earlier on.
Understanding Zac Gallen’s Free Agency Market Prospects
With the Diamondbacks back in consideration, Gallen’s market includes several major MLB teams known for aggressive spending, such as the Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. Seen as potentially the second-best available starting pitcher following Framber Valdez, Gallen is expected to seek an average annual value (AAV) between $20 million and $25 million.
Comparable pitchers like Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, and Zack Littell have recently secured lucrative deals, supporting the expectation that Gallen’s contract will be similarly substantial. Spotrac estimates that Gallen’s potential contract could be a four-year agreement worth up to $75 million, reflecting his status as a valuable starter on the open market.
Potential Impact and Next Steps for Gallen and the Diamondbacks
Gallen’s ties to Arizona and his free agency status place him at the center of ongoing offseason negotiations, with his decisions likely to influence the Diamondbacks’ pitching lineup and competitive prospects moving forward. A reunion would not only please local fans but also provide stability to a starting rotation in need of dependable arms. As the offseason progresses, monitoring Gallen’s discussions with interested franchises will be crucial in understanding how this pivotal free agency period unfolds.
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
