Zac Gallen remains one of the most notable starting pitchers available on the free agent market this offseason. Given the timing and circumstances as Spring Training nears, it appears increasingly likely that Gallen will rejoin the Arizona Diamondbacks. His 2025 season saw mixed results, finishing with a 13-15 record, a 4.83 ERA, and 175 strikeouts over 192 innings. Entering free agency with a qualifying offer attached posed a hurdle, requiring any interested team to surrender a draft pick.
Insider Ken Rosenthal suggests that the best option for Gallen would be to return to the Diamondbacks on a short-term contract that includes a one-year opt-out. This strategy would allow Gallen to enter free agency again next year without the burden of a qualifying offer, potentially improving his value.
“It seems to me the most obvious place for him to go is back to Arizona on a short-term deal with a one-year opt-out, so he can get back into free agency next year off a better year and without a draft pick attached,”
Rosenthal said.
“That would give him a better chance to do what he wants to do in the market. We’ve seen Scott Boras and his clients do this repeatedly. Gallen is represented by Boras.”
“And if the Diamondbacks sign Gallen, of course, they do not lose a draft pick. So from that perspective, it just seems to me to line up.”
One potential challenge in this scenario is financial, but if Arizona manages to secure Merrill Kelly, Corbin Burnes, and Gallen in the same rotation, their outlook for the 2026 season looks promising.
Dodgers Closer Tanner Scott Expresses Desire for Evan Phillips to Stay
Meanwhile, on the Dodgers front, closer Tanner Scott is actively encouraging the franchise to bring back Evan Phillips. Phillips was non-tendered earlier this offseason, making him a free agent. Scott, who is under contract with the Dodgers through four years at $72 million, revealed at the recent DodgerFest that he maintains regular communication with Phillips and hopes to see the pitcher return to Los Angeles.
“I do talk to Evan quite often. I mean, we’ll see where it goes. I like the guy, I hope he comes back.”
Tanner Scott expressed this sentiment candidly.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is reportedly aligned with Scott’s preference, also showing interest in re-signing Phillips, who is reportedly seeking a one-year contract. Phillips could hit free agency again next winter, making this offseason crucial for his immediate future with the Dodgers.
Broader MLB Context: Player Movements and Investigations
Outside of these developments, the offseason buzz includes other notable MLB news. Former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was recently found guilty in an illegal sports betting investigation, a significant matter affecting the baseball community. Additionally, Mark Vientos has been highlighted as a “perfect fit” for the New York Yankees, while the San Diego Padres look to strengthen their offense after Paul Goldschmidt’s move to New York.
These shifting player dynamics underline the competitive nature of team-building and contract decisions heading into the new season.
The Significance of Phillips’ Potential Return to the Dodgers
Phillips’ possible comeback to the Dodgers carries meaningful implications for the franchise’s bullpen stability. Having a closer like Tanner Scott advocating for Phillips indicates strong locker room support and chemistry. Phillips’ pursuit of a short-term deal suggests he is focused on proving his value for an extended stay or a larger contract down the line.
If the Dodgers successfully re-sign Phillips, it would maintain continuity in their pitching staff and potentially strengthen their postseason prospects. Meanwhile, Evan Phillips will likely take the coming months to negotiate his path forward, keeping the Dodgers’ fan base attentive to offseason developments.
It seems the most obvious place for Zac Gallen to go is back to Arizona on a short-term deal with a one-year opt-out, says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/BqX6zarxeQ
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 6, 2026
