{"id":553778,"date":"2026-02-04T06:37:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T06:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/553778\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T06:37:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T06:37:13","slug":"zac-gallen-drops-intriguing-take-on-possible-arizona-reunion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/553778\/","title":{"rendered":"Zac Gallen drops intriguing take on possible Arizona reunion"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> continue monitoring late offseason movement, and speculation surrounding a potential reunion with former pitcher Zac Gallen<\/a> resurfaced Tuesday. With spring training starting in a week, comments from a familiar arm reignited discussion around the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff.<\/p>\n

Gallen, a free-agent right-handed starter<\/a> and former ace of the Diamondbacks, offered an intriguing public stance. He spent seven seasons with the organization and emerged as a Cy Young finalist in 2023 before reaching free agency.<\/p>\n

After rejecting the club\u2019s one-year qualifying offer in November, Gallen entered the open market in search of a multi-year deal. That pursuit has stretched into February, leaving his status unresolved with pitchers and catchers set to report in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

The conversation shifted Tuesday when FOX 10 Phoenix’s Blake Niemann shared a video from the WM Phoenix Open. Niemann posted the clip to X (formerly known as Twitter) after catching up with<\/a> Gallen, with spring training beginning next week.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople have been like, \u2018Hey, we\u2019d really love for you to come back.\u2019 I think people understand what Phoenix means to me\u2026 For us to be here would be awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zac Gallen on possibly re-signing with the D-backs with the start of spring training a week away:<\/p>\n

“People have been like, ‘Hey, we’d really love for you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me\u2026For us to be here would be awesome.”@FOX10Phoenix<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DHyKg8G36m<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) February 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The remarks marked a noticeable shift in tone compared to late 2025, when Gallen emphasized testing the open market. The club remains the only team able to sign him without forfeiting draft compensation, creating a unique leverage point as the calendar tightens.<\/p>\n

From Arizona\u2019s perspective<\/a>, a reunion would immediately stabilize the rotation. Despite a rocky 2025 campaign, the veteran right-hander remains a proven top-of-the-rotation arm with postseason experience and deep familiarity with the organization.<\/p>\n

The Diamondbacks also face limited time to address remaining rotation questions externally. Re-signing Gallen would avoid ramp-up concerns and provide continuity within the clubhouse.<\/p>\n

While no deal is finalized, the comments suggest genuine mutual interest. With league-wide free-agent options narrowing, a short-term reunion could benefit both sides.<\/p>\n

For the 30-year-old pitcher, returning on a shorter contract could help rebuild market value ahead of another opportunity. For the Diamondbacks, it would restore a familiar presence as they prepare for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n