4 Teams In The Running as Zac Gallen Talks 'Heating Up'

Zac Gallen had a tough 2025 season going into his free agency, and, accordingly, he's had a tough offseason, trying to turn that 4.83 ERA he posted into a rich free agent deal.

But according to insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, talks are finally starting to heat up for the 30-year-old right-hander. He is, undoubtedly, the top arm still left unsigned.

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

The insider goes on to name four teams that are hottest in pursuit of Gallen:

San Diego Padres
Baltimore Orioles
Chicago Cubs
Arizona Diamondbacks

All four teams make sense, as all should be considering themselves still in need of adding to their rotation. But the one that makes the most sense is a return to the desert.

Zac Gallen on possibly re-signing with the D-backs with the start of spring training a week away:

"People have been like, 'Hey, we'd really love for you to come back.' I think people understand what Phoenix means to me...For us to be here would be awesome."@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/DHyKg8G36m
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) February 3, 2026

Gallen said a potential return to Arizona "would be awesome", but so far, nothing concrete has materialized. The D-Backs tried to trade him at the 2025 deadline, but didn't get offered a package that enticed them. That could have been due to the 5.60 ERA he possessed at the end of July at the deadline.

He did, however, post a 3.35 ERA the rest of the way, and held batters to a .210 average over August and September. Those numbers are more in line with the Zac Gallen that was one of the most consistent aces in the game over the previous six years of his career.

The Cubs made a trade for Edward Cabrera to add to their rotation this offseason, but are still thought to be looking for more depth for the rotation.

The Padres lost Dylan Cease in free agency, and Yu Darvish won't pitch in 2026 (if ever again), so they have a need. And we all know the Orioles need to add another high-end rotation arm, even if they refuse to admit it.

Mike Elias was asked if he would could call it a disappointment that the Orioles didn't add a frontline starting pitcher this offseason.

"No, I wouldn't," Elias said. "I think we've put together a really strong rotation."
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) February 10, 2026

With pitchers and catchers starting to report at various camps around the majors this week, expect a Gallen signing at any time.