Diamondbacks’ GM Mike Hazen takes a look back on the 2025 season
After just missing the playoffs, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen put his assessment of the season into words.
The Diamondbacks extended a one-year, $22 million qualifying offer to free-agent pitcher Zac Gallen.If Gallen signs with another team, the Diamondbacks will receive a compensatory draft pick.
The Diamondbacks issued a qualifying offer to right-hander Zac Gallen, making him one of 13 players across the league to receive the one-year, $22 million offer.
Gallen, who became a free agent at the conclusion of the World Series, is expected to decline the offer and see what the market holds. Assuming he does, the Diamondbacks would then be in line to receive a compensatory draft pick should Gallen sign elsewhere.
Though it seems unlikely, it stands to reason that the Diamondbacks would be comfortable with the idea of Gallen accepting the offer and returning for another year atop their rotation.
Gallen did not pitch as well this year as he had in previous seasons, logging a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts. That said, he did have better results over the final two months, posting a 3.32 ERA in 65 innings, a stretch that falls more closely in line with the 3.58 ERA he has posted in his seven-year big-league career.
Given his up-and-down season, it is hard to say with much certainty what kind of market Gallen will encounter this winter. But if it is robust — or even something a little less than that — he is expected to end up out of the Diamondbacks’ price range.
The Diamondbacks entered this past season with an unusually high payroll in the $200 million range, but club officials have signaled they are likely to reduce spending for 2026.
The Diamondbacks have a number of holes to fill on their pitching staff. Should Gallen depart, they will need to find two starting pitchers and at least as many back-end bullpen arms.
The Diamondbacks have made qualifying offers to only three other players in club history, all of whom declined.
First baseman Christian Walker turned one down last fall before signing with the Houston Astros. Lefty Patrick Corbin and outfielder A.J. Pollock each were made offers after the 2018 season. They signed with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively.
DBacks shuffle 40-man roster, cut ties with Ildemaro Vargas
The Diamondbacks made a series of moves in recent days to get their 40-man roster in order, including cutting ties again with infielder Ildemaro Vargas.
Players who ended the year on the 60-day injured list needed to be reinstated by Nov. 6. For the Diamondbacks, that meant creating enough roster spots for pitchers Corbin Burnes, Kevin Ginkel, Tommy Henry, Justin Martinez, Cristian Mena, Christian Montes de Oca, A.J. Puk and Blake Walston and first baseman Pavin Smith.
Gallen, catcher James McCann and reliever Jalen Beeks filed for free agency, opening three spots. The club opened four more when it outrighted pitchers John Curtiss, Casey Kelly and Kyle Nelson and infielder Connor Kaiser to Triple-A Reno on November 5.
Lastly, pitcher Austin Pope and Vargas cleared waivers on Nov. 6. Pope was outrighted to Reno while Vargas elected free agency.
Vargas, who was on his third stint with the Diamondbacks, hit .270/.292/.383 in a part-time role this season.
Reach the reporter at nick.piecoro@arizonarepublic.com. Sign up for our free “Diamondbacks Now” newsletter. Visit https://profile.azcentral.com/newsletters/manage/ for details.