Zac Gallen Returns to D-Backs on 1-Year, $22M Deal

The 30-year-old starter struggled in 2025 but looks to bounce back in Arizona.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Zac Gallen, a 30-year-old starting pitcher, has agreed to a one-year, $22 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gallen declined the Diamondbacks' qualifying offer earlier in the offseason, but his free agent market never materialized as he faced questions about his recent decline in performance.

Why it matters

Gallen was once considered a rising star in MLB, finishing in the top 5 of Cy Young voting in 2022 and 2023. However, his performance has declined over the past two seasons, raising concerns about his long-term outlook. This deal represents a bet by the Diamondbacks that Gallen can return to his previous form and anchor their rotation.

The details

After a strong start to his career, Gallen's ERA has risen in three straight seasons, culminating in a 5.20 ERA over his first 22 starts in 2025. He struggled with his strikeout rate and home run issues, though he did rebound somewhat in the final months of the season. The Diamondbacks are hoping that the one-year, $22 million deal will motivate Gallen to regain his previous form.

  • Gallen declined the Diamondbacks' one-year, $22 million qualifying offer earlier this offseason.
  • Gallen agreed to the one-year, $22 million contract with the Diamondbacks on February 14, 2026.

The players

Zac Gallen

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

Arizona Diamondbacks

The MLB team that Gallen has played for since 2019 and that he has now re-signed with on a one-year, $22 million contract.

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What’s next

The Diamondbacks will be hoping that Gallen can bounce back to his previous All-Star form and anchor their starting rotation in 2026.

The takeaway

This deal represents a calculated risk by the Diamondbacks, betting that Gallen can rediscover the form that made him a top Cy Young contender just a few seasons ago. If Gallen can return to that level, it would be a major boost for the Diamondbacks as they look to build on their surprising 2023 World Series run.