MLB Rumors: Diamondbacks Get Big News On Zac Gallen's Future With Team
After seven seasons in an Arizona Diamondbacks uniform, the right-hander is heading into free agency, and multiple reports suggest his return to the desert is unlikely.
Despite a rough 2025 campaign, Gallen remains one of the most intriguing arms on the market and will almost certainly decline a one-year qualifying offer estimated around $22 million.
The Diamondbacks will extend a Qualifying offer to Zac Gallen but there is no chance he accepts it. Based on Ken Kendrick's comments on our show the Dbacks have interest in bringing Gallen back, but I expect they also look at bringing back Merrill Kelly. Probably can't do both.…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) October 1, 2025
The 30-year-old finished the year with a 4.83 ERA, a career-high 31 home runs allowed, and an uneven strikeout-to-walk profile that marked his worst season statistically.
Yet his second-half turnaround, posting a 3.32 ERA over his final 11 starts, reminded teams why he’s been a three-time Cy Young finalist and one of the National League’s premier starters since debuting in 2019. Represented by Scott Boras, Gallen is expected to seek a multi-year deal, possibly with opt-outs built in to reset his value if he returns to peak form.
Zac Gallen’s Future in Arizona Looks Uncertain
Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick has publicly left the door open to a reunion, calling it “not out of the realm of reality” that Gallen could re-sign.
Still, Arizona has admitted payroll will decrease from 2025 levels, and with over $100 million already committed for 2026, including contracts for Corbin Burnes, Ketel Marte, and Eduardo Rodriguez, the odds of committing another nine-figure deal to Gallen are slim.
A reunion with Merrill Kelly, who was traded at the deadline but has voiced interest in returning, is seen as a more likely scenario for the rotation.
Zac Gallen in 2025:
— SleeperDiamondbacks (@SleeperDbacks) October 1, 2025
33 Starts
13-15 W/L
4.83 ERA
192.0 IP
175 K
1.26 WHIP
1.1 WAR
What would you grade his season?🐍
📝 My grade: D+ pic.twitter.com/rk5hWQpZ4A
Following what may have been his final start in a D-backs jersey, Gallen grew emotional, saying: “Wearing this uniform for seven years now, I think of myself as a D-back. Every fifth day I put the uniform on, it was an honor.”
Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
