Get ready for some exciting baseball news! Zac Gallen's journey back to the Arizona Diamondbacks is a story of twists and turns.
Starting pitcher Zac Gallen is making a comeback to the Diamondbacks, as reported by Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro. The contract is a one-year deal, with no additional incentives or option years. USA Today's Bob Nightengale revealed that the value of the contract is $22.05 million, with a significant portion deferred, totaling $14 million.
But here's where it gets interesting: Gambadoro added that the deferred payment will be spread out over five years, starting in the sixth year of the contract. This unique structure adds a layer of complexity to the deal.
Arizona initially extended a qualifying offer to Gallen at the start of the offseason, offering a one-year, $22 million contract. Gallen declined, setting up a potential draft pick compensation scenario if he signed with another team. However, no other team was willing to part with their draft picks to sign him, leaving Gallen in a unique position.
As spring training approached, Gallen remained unsigned, creating a sense of intrigue. Nightengale reported that the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Orioles, and Padres were all in the running for his services, heating up the market. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo expressed his admiration for Gallen, welcoming him back with open arms if he returned.
The Diamondbacks had a pressing need for starting pitching, having traded Merrill Kelly and with ace Corbin Burnes recovering from surgery. They addressed this need by bringing back Kelly on a two-year deal and signing right-hander Michael Soroka. The club also hopes to have Burnes back in action mid-season.
Gallen, 30, made it clear that a return to Arizona was his preference. His dedication to the team was evident as he stood by his locker long after his final start of the 2025 season, still wearing his uniform. This offseason has been a significant one for Gallen, who got married and signed a lucrative contract.
Zac Gallen's tenure with the Diamondbacks continues, dating back to 2019 when Arizona acquired him from the Miami Marlins in exchange for top prospect Jazz Chisholm Jr. Since then, Gallen has consistently performed, finishing in the top 10 of the Cy Young race three times, making an All-Star team, and joining the elite company of Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb as the only pitchers in franchise history to strike out 1,000 batters.
Gallen's impact on the Diamondbacks is significant, ranking third in franchise history in innings pitched, starts, and bWAR for pitchers, and fifth in win probability added. His durability and command have been key strengths, ranking third in MLB over the past four seasons in innings pitched and second in wins during that span.
Despite a slight dip in performance in 2024 and a challenging start to the 2025 season, Gallen turned things around, delivering eight quality starts with a 3.32 ERA over the final two months. He finished the season with 192 innings pitched, the second-highest mark of his career.
Gallen's return to the Diamondbacks is a testament to his resilience and the team's faith in his abilities. It's a story of perseverance and a second chance, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented pitcher.
And this is the part most people miss: Gallen's journey is a reminder that sometimes, the best deals are the ones that take time and patience. What do you think? Is Gallen's return a smart move for the Diamondbacks? Share your thoughts in the comments!
