PHOENIX — Zac Gallen remains one of the top names on the free-agent market this offseason, with a possible reunion with the Arizona Diamondbacks looming.

Arizona Diamondbacks Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during their NLCS game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Oct. 16, 2023.

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USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported early Tuesday that talks involving the right-handed starter have begun to heat up, with the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and his former club all showing interest in a deal.

With the possibility of Gallen returning to the desert, the question now is: what does he think, and how do Diamondbacks fans feel about a potential reunion?

The former ace of Arizona’s pitching staff arrived in the Valley in 2019 from the Miami Marlins. Since then, Gallen has focused on consistency, establishing himself as one of the most reliable arms in the rotation.

Sep 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) argues with home plate umpire Doug Eddings (88) (not pictured) during a pitching change against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

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His best year came in 2023, when he posted a 3.47 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 220 strikeouts over 210 innings. Not only did this highlight his durability, but it was also enough to earn him Cy Young consideration that season.

The 2025 season was a different story. Gallen struggled through July, posting a 5.60 ERA, according to StatMuse. However, he bounced back in the second half, finishing the second half of the season with a 3.32 ERA.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen throws to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, on May 28, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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“I think people understand what Phoenix means to me,” Gallen said at the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 3, according to FOX 10’s Blake Niemann. “… It’s been really humbling that people still want me to come back, especially after how the first half of last year went and missing the playoffs. It gives you chills to know people still want you to be part of the organization and franchise.”

Some fans have expressed similar feelings, hoping the former ace can regain his previous form and once again lead the Diamondbacks’ starting rotation.

Jun 3, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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With spring training around the corner and pitchers and catchers already reported, all of baseball will have its eyes on Gallen as he makes his next move.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde