Could the Diamondbacks bring back former ace Zac Gallen? MLB insider says there’s a chance

PHOENIX — Former Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen has not signed with a team yet this offseason, but it appears likely he could end up back in the desert.

Jun 8, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Diamondbacks are emerging as front-runners to re-sign the right-handed pitcher, though a reunion may be more complex than it initially appears.

Bowden writes that Arizona “would love to get him back,” while other teams — including the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers — have also reportedly shown interest in Gallen. Several other free-agent starting pitchers still on the market, and those arms could influence Gallen’s next destination.

Apr 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) reacts after the end of the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

Once a Cy Young Award candidate, Gallen has struggled to recapture that form over the past two seasons, with 2025 proving to be his most difficult year in Arizona. The former Diamondbacks ace finished the season with a career-worst 4.83 ERA, along with a 1.26 WHIP and 175 strikeouts.

Despite showing flashes of improvement late in the year, Gallen’s inconsistent performance for much of the season may have limited his ability to secure the type of contract he was seeking.

That raises the question: could the Diamondbacks make a splash and bring back their former ace, even at the cost of a draft pick?

Sep 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

The potential on-field value could outweigh that price. FanGraphs projects Gallen to produce 2.4 WAR in 2026, a meaningful contribution for a rotation that will almost certainly require additional depth.

With a potential Gallen return, the rotation becomes both clearer and more competitive. A one-two punch with Merrill Kelly could once again anchor the staff if he bounces back. Given the injury history within the current rotation and Corbin Burnes expected to miss at least half the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Arizona will need as many capable starters as it can find.

If the report holds, the Diamondbacks face a crossroads: re-sign a known arm and bet on a rebound, or keep their draft pick and turn their focus toward the future.

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Could the Diamondbacks bring back former ace Zac Gallen? MLB insider says there’s a chance

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