The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially extended the Qualifying Offer to right-hander Zac Gallen, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan on X/Twitter.
Thirteen players were tendered qualifying offers Thursday, sources tell ESPN.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker
Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber
Toronto shortstop Bo Bichette
Houston left-hander Framber Valdez
San Diego right-hander Dylan Cease
Philadelphia…
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 6, 2025
The QO is a one-year deal worth just over $22 million. If Gallen accepts, he would play on the one-year contract.
The move to extend the offer was expected. Gallen is also expected to decline the offer and instead test the free agent market this offseason. If the right-hander signs for more than $50 million with another club, Arizona will be awarded a 2026 Draft pick just following the first round.
Gallen will have until November 18 to make an official decision.
Related Content: Diamondbacks Guide to 2025-2026 Offseason Transaction Calendar
Sep 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gallen had an exceptionally poor year, by his lofty standards. He pitched to a 4.83 ERA over 192 innings. At times, it seemed unlikely that the D-backs would even extend the Qualifying Offer and risk the right-hander accepting.
But as the 2025 season went on, Gallen began to pitch much more similarly to his previous ace-caliber form. Down the stretch following the Trade Deadline, he posted a 3.32 ERA, including a 2.57 month of August.
There is some speculation that the D-backs could look to re-sign their former ace. Owner Ken Kendrick did not rule that out, but it does seem unlikely the D-backs would look to invest a high dollar amount (and contract length) in an offseason that expects a reduced payroll.
Gallen himself seemed to be open to a return to Arizona after his final start of the 2025 season.
“I think of myself as a D-back really. If it’s the last time, it would be a tough pill to swallow,” he said.
“I know the last two years didn’t go the way we wanted it to. This year didn’t go the way I envisioned for myself. But every fifth day I put the uniform on, It was an honor. I was proud to put the uniform on.”
For as confusing as the 2025 season was at times, there’s no denying how importance Gallen has been to the D-backs.
“I love Zac Gallen, and I told him that,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I don’t know where the journey goes for him. … At the end of the day, he did everything he could in the Valley to help bring us a World Championship.
“He carried this starting rotation on his back at times, and we watched him grow and learn, and I couldn’t be more proud of what he did, and what he represented.”
The offseason has only just begun.
The Diamondbacks are making a significant internal change, read more about it below:
D-backs Are Making Big Changes to Pitching Development