PHOENIX — While questions about Zac Gallen’s future with the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to surface, there has been no indication from within the organization that a split is coming.
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Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (23) talks with catcher Adrian Del Castillo (25) and pitching coach Brian Kaplan after giving up two home runs in the 5th inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field in Phoenix, on July 1, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Gallen’s 2026 season has been one of the toughest of his career as the former ace has struggled to return to his All-Star form. Wednesday’s loss to the San Francisco Giants only raised more questions about his future with the club after he allowed six runs over 5.2 innings.
Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall said there have been no discussions about moving on from the veteran starter despite the difficult season.
Mar 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“We haven’t even discussed (moving on from Gallen),” Hall said Thursday on Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta. “I think any time you’re talking about any player that’s been with you, not him, but any player that’s been with you and made such contributions, that’s always gonna be a tough choice — what you do with a starter.”
The 2026 season appeared to be the perfect opportunity for Gallen to reestablish himself as one of baseball’s top pitchers after agreeing to a one-year deal with Arizona instead of signing a long-term extension. His strong finish to the 2025 season suggested he had turned the corner after two turbulent years following his Cy Young-caliber campaign in 2023.
Mar 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) leaves the mound during a pitching change as manager Torey Lovullo (17), infielder Carlos Santana (41) and catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) look on against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Instead, Gallen has struggled with his command and has been more vulnerable to hard contact than at any point during his Arizona tenure. His 6.36 ERA is the highest among qualified major league starters, opponents are batting .307 against him and he’s surrendered a 44.4% hard-hit rate.
While flashes of that 2023 dominance have surfaced, including against the Giants on Wednesday when he allowed just one hit through his first four innings, they’ve been outweighed by inconsistent outings.
“Can you turn him around? Can you get him back on track? You talk about options — does he go to the bullpen? Is there something wrong with him? I think he’s fine physically,” Hall said.
Torey Lovullo still riding with Zac Gallen despite his struggles.
“He’s going to fight because that’s his spirit.” pic.twitter.com/BBlixKwohV
— Arizona’s Family Sports (@AZFamilySports) July 2, 2026
“I think he showed that last night, but of course all the options, any time you’re discussing anybody on that roster that’s a veteran and has been a part of the success of the past — the past few seasons — it’s always difficult to have those conversations, but we certainly haven’t had any with Zac Gallen.”
Hall’s comments indicate the organization isn’t prepared to make a drastic decision involving one of its longest-tenured players. Gallen has earned that patience through years of high-level production and by helping establish Arizona as a contender.
May 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) prepares to throw a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Whether he can rediscover that form could have significant implications for both the Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes and his long-term future with the organization.
For now, Arizona appears committed to giving its longtime ace every opportunity to work through one of the most challenging stretches of his career.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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