PHOENIX – As the MLB offseason gets underway, the predictions surrounding the biggest stars in baseball and their free agency destinations have been growing, including Zac Gallen and his future.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Aug 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden projected former D-Backs SP Zac Gallen’s next contract at a whopping five-year deal for $135 million. Although that prediction is a little high, Gallen’s projected contract could definitely be looked at as an overpay with his recent slide this past year. Gallen ended the 2025 season with a 13-15 record and a 4.83 ERA with 175 strikeouts. Any team that will be looking to sign Gallen will be banking on him returning to his Cy Young form from the D-Backs World Series run in 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians at Chase Field on Aug. 19, 2025.© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
He’s not flashy, he’s foundational. For Arizona, that reliability turned a young, inconsistent rotation into a playoff-caliber staff. But the value runs deeper than numbers. Gallen embodies the steady and calm demeanor that fans in the Valley crave. He’s calm when the mound burns hottest, and that poise was needed during Arizona’s 2023 World Series run.
Zac Gallen’s possibility of a return to Arizona:
Locally, locking him up means stability for a fan base still scarred by losing big franchise names in the recent past, like Paul Goldschmidt and David Peralta. If Gallen were to end up coming back and singing with Arizona, it sends a message nationally that the Diamondbacks are no longer a developmental stop; they’re a destination. The main question still surrounding Gallen is whether Arizona would spend that much to keep their star SP in the desert?
Aug 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
D-Backs GM Mike Hazen comments on Ketel Marte’s trade rumors
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
