Braves Criticized for Letting $22M Cy Young Arm Go Amid Injury Woes

Atlanta's GM faces backlash for not re-signing Zac Gallen as rotation concerns mount.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are facing criticism from fans and analysts for not re-signing free agent pitcher Zac Gallen, who recently re-signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a 1-year, $22.025 million contract. This comes as the Braves have already placed promising young starter Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, mirroring the rotation issues that plagued the team in 2025.

Why it matters

The Braves' failure to add meaningful starting pitching depth in the offseason is being viewed as a major missed opportunity, especially with Gallen available on the market at a reasonable price. As the team's rotation durability concerns mount, the decision to let Gallen walk is being heavily scrutinized, with some arguing it could prevent the Braves from being a serious contender in 2026.

The details

Gallen, a 27-year-old right-hander coming off a Cy Young-caliber season, ultimately re-signed with the Diamondbacks on a 1-year, $22.025 million deal with $14 million deferred. Meanwhile, the Braves have already placed promising young starter Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, mirroring the rotation issues that plagued the team in 2025.

  • On February 18, 2026, the Braves announced that Schwellenbach was placed on the 60-day injured list.
  • In late February 2026, Gallen re-signed with the Diamondbacks on a 1-year, $22.025 million contract.

The players

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves who is facing criticism for not re-signing Zac Gallen.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.

Zac Gallen

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who re-signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a 1-year, $22.025 million contract after being available on the free agent market.

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What they’re saying

“The durability concerns with Atlanta's rotation are impossible to ignore, and while the team has some depth, it's clear the Braves need more than they have. Gallen was the last really interesting starter left on the free agency market.”

— Zachary Rotman, FanSided writer (FanSided)

What’s next

The Braves will need to explore other options to bolster their starting rotation, with free agent pitchers like Lucas Giolito potentially available at a lower cost.

The takeaway

The Braves' failure to re-sign Zac Gallen, a top free agent starter, is being viewed as a major misstep that could undermine their chances of contending in 2026, especially with their rotation already dealing with injury concerns.