Jersey Native Zac Gallen Bets on Himself with D-backs Deal

The 30-year-old pitcher chose to bet on himself after a disappointing 2025 season, when he posted a 4.83 ERA across 33 starts — a far cry from his Cy Young Award finalist performances in previous years.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported the deal and called it a “steal” for Arizona, noting that Gallen will be fully motivated to showcase his abilities for his next big contract.

Gallen emerged as one of baseball’s top pitchers during the Diamondbacks’ 2022 season, posting a 2.54 ERA with a league-best 0.91 WHIP that earned him a top-5 finish in Cy Young voting. He followed that breakout campaign with his first All-Star appearance and a top-3 Cy Young finish in 2023.

The decision to accept a shorter-term deal allows Gallen to test the free agent market again next season, potentially landing a more lucrative long-term contract if he can return to his ace form.

For the Diamondbacks, the contract represents a calculated risk on a pitcher who has proven capable of anchoring a rotation when healthy and effective. The deferred money structure also provides the team with immediate payroll flexibility while keeping one of their key starters in the fold.

Gallen’s choice to stay in Arizona despite outside interest suggests confidence in the organization’s ability to help him bounce back from last season’s struggles. The right-hander will need to rediscover the form that made him one of the National League’s most dominant pitchers just two seasons ago.