One of the top remaining pitchers available in free agency wouldn’t mind a reunion with his old club.
Right-hander Zac Gallen, a 2023 All-Star who remains unsigned with pitchers and catchers officially set to report to spring training next week, said it would be “awesome” to re-sign with the Diamondbacks.
“It’s been humbling,” Gallen told reporters Tuesday at the WM Phoenix Open. “That’s kind of been the constant thing the last couple of weeks. People have been like, ‘Hey, we’d really love for you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me.
Zac Gallen still hasn’t signed with a team this offseason. AP
“My wife is from here, I’m calling this home base now, so for us to be here would be awesome.”
Gallen, 30, developed into Arizona’s ace after being acquired from the Marlins exchange for Jazz Chisholm Jr. in July 2019 — but he’s coming off a disappointing season.
The Somerdale, N.J., native went 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts across a career-high 192 innings in 2025.
While he posted career-worst marks in several categories, Gallen finished strong, pitching to a 3.32 ERA in the second half, right in line with his career 3.58 mark.
Even with that rebound, 2025 was a far cry from his elite form; he went 12-4 with a 2.54 ERA in 2022 and followed it with a National League All-Star selection the next season.
Gallen’s market has been murky this offseason, likely compounded by his decision to decline Arizona’s $22.025 million qualifying offer, which would entitle the Diamondbacks to draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere and penalize the team he signs with.
The Diamondbacks discussed a reunion with Gallen while the Cubs, Padres, Angels and others have also expressed interest, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.
Retaining Gallen would be a solid way for Arizona to wrap up an offseason in which the team did not trade superstar infielder Ketel Marte and added veteran hitters Carlos Santana and Nolan Arenado.
The Diamondbacks also added former Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga and reunited with fellow righty Merrill Kelly.
Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, who signed a franchise-record six-year, $210 million deal last offseason, is expected to return at some point in 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field on September 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images
Despite an uneven year and Arizona’s failure to reach the postseason, Gallen said the support from the fanbase has left a lasting impression.
“It gives you chill that people still want you to come back and be part of the organization and franchise,” Gallen said.
Read the full article here
