Zac Gallen Agrees to 1-Year Deal with Arizona Diamondbacks

Right-hander returns to the desert after testing free agent market

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen has agreed to a $22 million, one-year contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Gallen, a 2023 All-Star, 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's return is a major boost for the Diamondbacks, who made a surprise run to the World Series in 2023 with Gallen as their ace. Despite a down year in 2025, Gallen remains one of the top pitchers in the National League and his continued presence in the rotation gives the D-backs a strong foundation as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

The 30-year-old Gallen, a client of agent Scott Boras, had his worst season in the big leagues in 2025, finishing with a 13-15 record, 4.83 ERA and an 8.2 strikeout rate per nine innings. However, his velocity remained strong and he pitched better after the All-Star break with a 3.97 ERA over his final 13 starts. From 2022-2024, Gallen was one of the best pitchers in the NL, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting in 2022 and third in 2023.

  • Gallen agreed to the 1-year, $22 million contract on February 14, 2026.

The players

Zac Gallen

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

Scott Boras

The agent representing Zac Gallen in contract negotiations.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The MLB team that Zac Gallen has agreed to return to on a 1-year, $22 million contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The deal is pending a physical, which is standard procedure for any free agent contract.

The takeaway

Gallen's return to the Diamondbacks on a 1-year deal provides stability and star power to their pitching rotation as they look to build on their surprise 2023 World Series appearance. Despite a down year in 2025, Gallen remains one of the top pitchers in the National League and his continued presence in the desert gives the D-backs a strong foundation to compete in the NL West.