Introduction

The Arizona Diamondbacks have locked in pitcher Zac Gallen with a one-year deal worth $22.025 million, hoping to rekindle his potential after a challenging 2025 season. This decision comes in the wake of Gallen's tumultuous year, which saw a disappointing performance that left the team's pitching staff in a precarious position.

Gallen's Recent Struggles

In the 2025 MLB season, Gallen faced significant hurdles, culminating in a career-worst 4.83 ERA. This was a stark contrast to his previous performances, where he had consistently been among the top pitchers in the league. Particularly alarming was his skyrocketing home-run rate, which soared to a career-high of 1.5 per nine innings, placing him among the more vulnerable pitchers on the mound.

Gallen's decline was part of a broader narrative for the Diamondbacks in 2025, a year marred by injury and inconsistent performances. The team's roster was further strained when Corbin Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery, abruptly ending his season and creating uncertainty about his future. This compounded the challenges faced by the coaching staff as they looked to maintain a competitive pitching rotation.

The Diamondbacks' Decision

In an effort to stabilize their pitching staff before the 2026 season, the Diamondbacks prioritized retaining Gallen. His new contract mirrors the qualifying offer he previously rejected but signals the team’s belief in his bounce-back potential. Gallen, who will be 30 years old for most of the upcoming season, has shown durability in the past, having made at least 28 starts for four consecutive years.

This kind of reliability is particularly valuable for the Diamondbacks, especially with the uncertainties surrounding Burnes’ recovery and future contributions. With Gallen and a returning Merrill Kelly—who recently signed a deal following a trade to the Texas Rangers last season—the Diamondbacks are banking on a revamp of their starting rotation to push for a more successful 2026 campaign.

Supporting Cast and Alternatives

To bolster their pitching options, Arizona also signed Michael Soroka as a depth piece, providing additional insurance in their rotation. While Gallen’s struggles were notable, the Diamondbacks are exploring other avenues for improvement, particularly with the free-agent market still filled with serviceable options. Pitchers like Zack Littell, Lucas Giolito, and Tyler Anderson remain available and could provide the team with further depth and alternative strategies for the upcoming season.

Additionally, the veteran Max Scherzer is still on the market at 41 years old, prompting teams to consider both young talent and experienced arms as they prepare for the new season.

Looking Ahead

As the Diamondbacks look towards 2026, the focus will be on revamping not only Gallen’s performance but re-establishing the team’s overall competitiveness in the National League. The coaching staff’s role in this renaissance cannot be understated, as they aim to mold Gallen back into a top-tier pitcher—a title he held as a three-time top-10 Cy Young candidate between 2020 and 2023.

The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Gallen to not just redeem himself personally but also to help steer the Diamondbacks back into contention. The team’s strategy hinges on their ability to generate favorable outcomes from struggling players and unify their pitching efforts.

Conclusion

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a decisive move to retain Zac Gallen, signaling optimism for a turnaround after a tough 2025 season. With a solid one-year contract secured, Gallen’s dedication alongside new additions like Kelly and Soroka could be pivotal for the team. As the dawn of the 2026 MLB season approaches, all eyes will be on Gallen—can he reclaim his status as one of the premier pitchers in baseball, or will the struggles of last season linger? The answer could very well determine the trajectory of the Diamondbacks next year.