Source: D-backs, Zac Gallen reach agreement on 1-year deal - ESPN
ESPN
February 14, 2026
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Zac Gallen has agreed to a one-year contract worth $22.05 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks, confirming his return to the team after rejecting a similar qualifying offer earlier in the offseason. The deal, pending a physical, marks a significant move for both the pitcher and the franchise. Known for his dominance during his time with the D-backs, Gallen has been a key player in the rotation since being acquired from the Miami Marlins in 2019. However, his performance in recent seasons, particularly in 2025 when he struggled with a career-high ERA and reduced strikeouts, raises questions about his future effectiveness.
Gallen's journey with the Diamondbacks began in 2019 after a one-for-one prospect swap that brought him alongside Jazz Chisholm Jr. Since then, he has become one of the most successful pitchers in franchise history, amassing 65 wins and earning multiple Cy Young Award considerations. In 2022, he went 12-4 with a stellar 2.51 ERA, finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting. The following year, he improved to 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA over 210 innings and secured a third-place finish in the award race. However, his performance took a turn in 2025 when his ERA climbed to a career-high 4.83, and his strikeout rate dropped to a career-low 21.5%. Opponents also capitalized on weaknesses in his curveball, slugging .438 compared to the previous season's .230 mark.
Despite his recent decline, the Diamondbacks chose to retain Gallen rather than pursuing other trade options like they did with longtime rotation mate Merrill Kelly. The team extended him a qualifying offer worth $22.05
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/14/2026