Zac Gallen Returns to Diamondbacks in $22M Deal for 2026

Veteran pitcher signs one-year contract to remain with Arizona after declining qualifying offer

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Zac Gallen, the 30-year-old right-handed pitcher, has agreed to a one-year, $22 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2026 season. Gallen had previously declined the team's $22.025 million qualifying offer but ultimately accepted a deal matching that amount after failing to reach a long-term agreement.

Why it matters

Gallen has been a key part of the Diamondbacks' pitching staff since being traded to the team in 2019, and his return provides stability and leadership as the team aims to build on its recent success and make another push for the playoffs.

The details

The contract, finalized in Phoenix, marks Gallen's return to the team he has been primarily associated with since 2019. Initially, Gallen and his agent, Scott Boras, were pursuing a multi-year deal, but they ultimately accepted the qualifying offer after no satisfactory long-term agreement emerged. Gallen is coming off a 2025 season in which he posted a 13-15 record and a career-high 4.83 ERA, but he finished strong, with eight quality starts in his last 11 appearances and a 3.32 ERA across his final 65 innings.

  • Gallen was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2019.
  • From 2023 through 2025, Gallen was the Diamondbacks' Opening Day starter.
  • In 2022, Gallen posted a 12-4 record with a 2.54 ERA and finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
  • In 2023, Gallen was named an MLB All-Star and finished third in NL Cy Young balloting after helping the Diamondbacks reach their first World Series appearance since 2001.

The players

Zac Gallen

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been a key part of the Arizona Diamondbacks' pitching staff since being traded to the team in 2019.

Scott Boras

Gallen's agent, who initially pursued a multi-year deal for his client before Gallen ultimately accepted the qualifying offer.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

The player the Diamondbacks traded to the Miami Marlins in the deal that brought Gallen to Arizona in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“Deal is for $22.025M, value of qualifying offer Gallen rejected, per source.”

— Ken Rosenthal, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

Gallen's decision to rejoin the Diamondbacks on a qualifying offer sets the stage for a pivotal 2026 campaign, where he will aim to rebound from last year's struggles and help Arizona contend once again.

The takeaway

Gallen's return to the Diamondbacks on a one-year, $22 million deal reflects the team's confidence in his abilities and his commitment to contributing to their future success, as they look to build on their recent progress and make another push for the playoffs.