As spring training draws near, several quality starting pitchers remain available in free agency, notably former Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen. Despite his back-to-back top-five finishes in the National League Cy Young voting in 2022 and 2023, Gallen’s 2025 season showed signs of regression, complicating expectations around his free agency prospects heading into 2026.
Gallen struggled through much of 2025, posting a 5.60 ERA in his first 22 starts, a notable dip from prior dominant performances. Despite this, he finished with a 4.83 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and 175 strikeouts over 192 innings, showing a late-season resurgence with ten quality starts in the last three months. This demonstrated enough promise for contending teams seeking rotation upgrades to consider him a viable option.
However, the draft pick compensation attached to signing Gallen after he declined a qualifying offer has constrained his market. Teams must carefully weigh the cost of draft pick losses against the potential rotation boost Gallen could provide. Below is an analysis of his most plausible destinations, accounting for rumors, team needs, and strategic fits.
Potential Teams on the Periphery of Consideration
Several clubs have been linked to Gallen but fall just outside the front-runners for his services. As his market remains slow, these dark-horse candidates could emerge as surprising suitors.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics remain in desperate need of starting pitching behind established arms Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs. Oakland’s offseason investment in Severino, including a three-year, $67 million deal, signals a willingness to spend in free agency. A comparable deal might now attract Gallen as a rotation solution for this rebuilding team.
While the Braves are seeking to add starting pitching depth, draft pick requirements pose a major hurdle. Due to luxury tax rules and revenue sharing, they would forfeit their No. 26 overall pick alongside another high pick to sign Gallen, making this a prohibitively expensive option.
The Cubs had shown previous interest in Gallen, particularly around last year’s trade deadline and early offseason, but the acquisition of Edward Cabrera may have addressed their rotation needs. Additionally, a healthy Justin Steele is expected to significantly bolster their staff ahead of the All-Star break, diminishing the necessity for Gallen’s addition.
Questions remain about Philadelphia’s payroll flexibility, though their starting rotation currently features Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Andrew Painter in the mid-rotation slots. With Zack Wheeler sidelined, the Phillies may urgently need reinforcements, making Gallen a logical addition despite financial headwinds.
The Rangers enhanced their rotation depth by trading for MacKenzie Gore to complement marquee arms like Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter. The final rotation spot, however, remains unsettled among prospects and minor league invitees, leaving room for a possible Gallen signing.
Toronto is clearly in win-now mode and has already added Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to a crowded rotation. With six starters vying for five spots, including Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos, the fit for Gallen is complicated but cannot be ruled out entirely.
6. Detroit Tigers: A Backup Option for Starting Depth
Projected Rotation: LHP Tarik Skubal, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP Casey Mize, RHP Reese Olson, RHP Drew Anderson
The Tigers’ starting rotation includes promising arms, but uncertainty remains, particularly regarding Drew Anderson. Anderson dominated in the Korea Baseball Organization last season, with a 2.25 ERA and 245 strikeouts in 171.2 innings, yet his prior Major League Baseball performance was lackluster, posting a 6.50 ERA in relief appearances. Securing a reliable rotation spot remains a concern.
The Tigers have reportedly pursued top starters Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt, but Gallen has not been explicitly linked as a primary target. A remaining $13 million arbitration gap for Tarik Skubal may delay further moves, suggesting Gallen might only be a fallback plan for Detroit.
5. Baltimore Orioles: Addressing a Need for a Frontline Starter
Projected Rotation: LHP Trevor Rogers, RHP Kyle Bradish, RHP Shane Baz, RHP Zach Eflin, RHP Dean Kremer
Even after acquiring Shane Baz via trade and re-signing Zach Eflin, Baltimore continues to search for an impactful starting pitcher to elevate its rotation. With offensive reinforcements like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, alongside improved bullpen pieces like Ryan Helsley, a significant rotation addition could push the Orioles into contention.
Currently, the Orioles are the leading candidate for Framber Valdez and possibly Lucas Giolito after a productive 2025. Gallen, in this scenario, would serve as a Plan C option, likely slotting into the No. 3 spot rather than providing true ace-level performance.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks: Opportunity for a Familiar Face
Projected Rotation: RHP Merrill Kelly, RHP Ryne Nelson, LHP Eduardo Rodríguez, RHP Brandon Pfaadt, RHP Michael Soroka
The Diamondbacks have already bolstered their rotation by re-signing Merrill Kelly and adding free agent Michael Soroka, who could contribute in a bullpen role rather than solely as a starter. This could free a rotation spot for Gallen, who is the sole free agent linked with no draft pick compensation for the team, given it was the D-backs who extended his qualifying offer.
Despite this strategic advantage, Arizona’s roster currently prioritizes strengthening their closer position and left field over starting pitching, potentially lowering Gallen’s chances of returning.
3. Los Angeles Angels: A High-Priced Pitching Solution
Projected Rotation: LHP Yusei Kikuchi, RHP José Soriano, RHP Grayson Rodriguez, LHP Reid Detmers, RHP Alek Manoah
The Angels ranked near the bottom in MLB starting staff ERA in 2025, ranking 28th with a 4.91 team ERA. Prior investments include a three-year, $63 million contract for left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Gallen could fit in at a similar price point and address the rotation’s inconsistencies, particularly with Reid Detmers transitioning from bullpen to starter and Alek Manoah’s uncertain form after injuries.
The Angels present a notable financial flexibility that could accommodate either a one-year, $20 million or a longer three-year, $54 million deal, making them a genuine contender for Gallen’s signature.
2. San Francisco Giants: Strengthening a Competitive Staff
Projected Rotation: RHP Logan Webb, LHP Robbie Ray, RHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Adrian Houser, RHP Landen Roupp
The Giants have filled rotation slots with affordable signings like Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, but depth remains a concern. Late candidates for the final spot, Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong, offer potential but may better serve as bullpen depth in a competitive NL West race.
The Giants have maintained a persistent link to Gallen, with recent reports naming them among his top suitors. Gallen would likely serve as an upgrade-quality No. 3 starter, benefiting from a pitcher-friendly ballpark that could help restore his value and provide playoff pitching quality.
1. San Diego Padres: The Most Urgent Need for Starting Help
Projected Rotation: RHP Michael King, RHP Nick Pivetta, RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Randy Vásquez, LHP JP Sears
The Padres stand out among the contenders as the team in greatest need of durable starting pitching. Despite a payroll exceeding $250 million and ambitions to challenge the Dodgers, their rotation beyond Joe Musgrove remains unsettled. Musgrove has been sidelined since late 2024, Randy Vásquez has a 4.81 FIP, and JP Sears recorded a 5.47 ERA in limited starts last year.
San Diego’s pursuit of Gallen makes strategic sense as they look to replace the production lost from Dylan Cease. While signing Gallen requires surrendering their second-highest 2026 draft pick, this selection occurs no earlier than No. 60 overall, a comparatively manageable price for a potential top-tier rotation boost.
With other offseason avenues closing, the Padres appear fully focused on improving their starting staff, placing Gallen at the center of their offseason plans.
