Pitcher Zac Gallen Agrees to One-Year Deal with Diamondbacks

The 2023 All-Star will return to the desert after exploring free agency.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen has agreed to a one-year, $22 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Gallen, a client of agent Scott Boras, was seeking a multi-year contract but ultimately decided to come back to the team where he has spent the majority of his MLB career.

Why it matters

Gallen has been one of the best pitchers in the National League over the past few seasons, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting in 2022 and third in 2023. His return to the Diamondbacks is a major boost to their pitching staff as they look to build on their surprise run to the World Series in 2023.

The details

Gallen, 30, is coming off his worst season in the big leagues in 2025, finishing with a 13-15 record and 4.83 ERA. However, his velocity remained strong and he performed better after the All-Star break with a 3.97 ERA over his final 13 starts. The Diamondbacks are hoping he can return to his dominant form from 2022-2024, when he was one of the top pitchers in the National League.

  • Gallen agreed to the one-year, $22 million contract on February 14, 2026.

The players

Zac Gallen

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent the majority of his MLB career with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Scott Boras

Gallen's agent, who represents many of the top players in baseball.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The MLB team that Gallen has played for since being traded to them in 2019, and who he has now agreed to return to on a one-year deal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The deal is pending a physical, which is standard procedure for any new contract. If Gallen passes the physical, he will officially be under contract with the Diamondbacks for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Zac Gallen's decision to return to the Diamondbacks on a one-year deal provides stability and a proven ace at the top of their rotation as they look to build on their surprise 2023 World Series appearance. The team is betting on Gallen regaining his dominant form from the previous few seasons.