Zac Gallen Mulling ‘Opportunities’ as MLB season Approaches
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
SCOTTSDALE — Spring Training is approaching quickly, and one of the best baseball pitchers on the open market has no set deadline on when to sign.
All-Star right-hander Zac Gallen said teams have presented him with ‘opportunities’ this offseason, but is unclear when he will join a club.
Framber Valdez agreed to massive contract with the Tigers on Wednesday, which could activate Gallen’s market.
“We kind of had an idea going into this offseason that it was going to be pretty slow,” Gallen said Tuesday after the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge at the WM Phoenix Open. “The top of the pitching market has just been really slow. We’ve had teams that have reached out and are presenting us with opportunities. Just trying to do what’s best for me and my family, and everyone around us. It’s kind of how we envisioned it was going to go, so for me, it’s not much of a change.”
Gallen went 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA last season for the Diamondbacks and saw his strikeout rate plummet. It was a career-worst campaign for the 30-year-old right-hander, who has been among the best starting pitchers in the National League the past several seasons.
“It was a weird three months in the beginning of the year, and then the three months after, I got back to what I’ve done in my career,” Gallen said. “The qualifying offer and the draft pick compensation doesn’t really help. We’ve seen that over the past few years in free agencies. Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, they had to go and bet on themselves. It’s just kind of a weird thing with the Q.O. and all that stuff involved.”
Gallen: ‘No Deadline’ to Sign with a Team
While pitchers and catchers start reporting to Spring Training next week, Gallen said there is no specific date in which he’d like to sign.
“There is no deadline for us,” Gallen said. “Just whatever makes the most sense for us. That’s been the constant theme.”
When asked if he’d prefer to sign a one-year deal at this point and hit free agency again next year, Gallen said he’s open to all scenarios.
“We honestly haven’t gotten that far to talk about that,” Gallen said. “We’re just trying to figure out what makes the most sense for us. We’re entertaining all opportunities that come in, and we’ll see what makes the most sense.”
Gallen: ‘Humbling’ to be Wanted by Diamondbacks Fans
Gallen has played for the Diamondbacks since 2019 and has heard from a lot of fans who hope he re-signs for another go-round.
“It’s very humbling,” Gallen said. “That’s been a constant thing the last few weeks. People have been like, ‘We’d really love you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me. My wife is from here. I’m calling this home base now. So for us to be here would be awesome.”
Gallen participated in the putting contest at TPC Scottsdale with the Special Olympians alongside Diamondbacks pitchers Corbin Burnes, Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt. He has been a part of the event the past several years.
“Each year they get more fun,” Gallen said. “It’s great to see the kids. It’s a fun day to be a part of.”
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
