The New York Mets entered 2025 with high expectations but fell short of the ultimate goal. A mix of midseason collapse, inconsistent pitching depth and untimely injuries left a lineup that showed flashes unable to sustain success.
The club missed the postseason after a dramatic second-half slide. Owner Steve Cohen publicly apologized to fans following the collapse, acknowledging the team failed to meet its targets despite heavy investment.
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Now the Mets are reportedly circling one of the top available starters: 2023 All-Star right-hander Zac Gallen. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, New York plans to be an active suitor for Gallen once he declines a one-year qualifying offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks and hits free agency.
That forecasted free-agent run is likely to draw competition. The Mets are not the only suitor. The New York Yankees could also enter the race.
Gallen will be more than willing to play for any of the mentioned teams due to the geographical aspect. The attraction of pitching close to home in the East.
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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nightengale wrote on Wednesday that Gallen “is expected to reject his qualifying offer and hit the open market. He’s from Philadelphia, embraces the pressure of pitching back East and is expected to be strongly pursued by the Mets and possibly the Yankees.”
Gallen’s 2025 season was uneven but still valuable. The 30-year-old logged heavy innings for the Diamondbacks, finishing the year 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA, 175 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.26 over 192 innings.
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Arizona extended Gallen a $22.05 million qualifying offer, which he is widely expected to decline as he tests the market.
Prominent agent Scott Boras offered his perspective on the matter. “You really learn after being in these rooms that the availability of starting pitchers is pint size,” Boras expressed to Nightengale during the GM meetings. “So we know that a lot of teams are going to be 14-gallon, and so there’s no amount of truth to the idea that Gallen couldn’t fill up a rotation.”
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The point, in plain terms, is that reliable innings eaters are scarce, and clubs that are short on dependable starters will chase them aggressively.
Related: Kyle Tucker Prediction Emerges Amid MLB Free Agency
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.