Zac Gallen, one of the remaining Major League Baseball free agents, is attracting strong interest as the 2026 season approaches. Having pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2025, Gallen’s free agency has become a focal point for several teams, including the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles, eager to bolster their pitching rotations.
Teams Showing Interest in Zac Gallen
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, multiple teams are actively pursuing Zac Gallen, notably the Padres, Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and his current team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite Arizona’s difficult 2025 season, which included the departure of slugger Eugenio Suarez, the Diamondbacks remain involved in negotiations. Meanwhile, teams like San Diego and Chicago, who both reached the postseason last year, are aiming to strengthen their rosters further.
The Padres enter the offseason with a new manager committed to adding talent for the upcoming season. Baltimore is aggressively engaged in free agency, seeking to improve its pitching staff and overall team depth.
Orioles’ Mike Elias says the team ‘is staying plugged in with both the trade and free agent markets’ and it’s still possible they add another starter but he’s overall happy with the state of the rotation after the moves they made,
Baltimore Sun reporter Matt Weyrich posted to X.
Gallen’s Track Record and Potential Impact
Zac Gallen has demonstrated consistent performance, winning at least 10 games per season over the past four years. Although he had previously expressed a wish to remain with Arizona, a trade did not materialize during the 2025 season. Now, as a free agent, Gallen holds leverage to secure a lucrative contract and bring valuable pitching to a new team or the Diamondbacks if he stays.
Gallen’s career statistics include a career regular season earned run average (ERA) of 3.58 and a total of 66 regular season wins, mostly achieved with Arizona. His solid performance makes him a sought-after addition for teams aiming to advance deeper into the playoffs.
Outlook for the Padres and Other Contenders
The Padres concluded their 2025 season with 90 wins but fell short in the National League Wild Card game against the Chicago Cubs. Chicago later lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series. Both San Diego and Chicago’s playoff experience contrasts with Baltimore, who remain determined to improve through free agency and trades.
As negotiations progress, Gallen’s decision will significantly affect the balance of power among these teams. Whether he returns to Arizona or moves to a new club, his addition could influence the pitching dynamics for the 2026 season and beyond.
Talks are heating up for starter Zac Gallen, the best remaining free agent on the market.
Teams showing the most interest: San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2026
Orioles’ Mike Elias says the team “is staying plugged in with both the trade and free agent markets” and it’s still possible they add another starter but he’s overall happy with the state of the rotation after the moves they made.
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 10, 2026
