The Arizona Diamondbacks are making a bold move, re-signing pitcher Zac Gallen to a one-year deal, pending a physical. But here's the twist: Gallen, a client of the Boras Corporation, is set to receive a $22.025 million guarantee, yet the Diamondbacks will only pay around $8 million this year! How? Well, $14 million will be deferred via five installments of $2.8 million from 2031 to 2035.
Gallen's 2025 season was a rollercoaster. He started strong, but his performance dipped significantly, posting a career-worst 21.5% strikeout rate and a personal-high 4.83 ERA. This decline in performance may have cost him a chance at a $100 million contract in free agency.
The Diamondbacks, however, saw value in Gallen's experience and potential. They held onto him through the trade deadline, and he rewarded them with a strong finish, posting a 3.32 ERA in his final 65 innings. This late-season surge may have been a key factor in the team's decision to re-sign him.
But here's where it gets controversial: Gallen's raw pitching abilities didn't seem to change much. His fastball velocity remained at 93.5 mph, but opponents had more success against it. His secondary pitches, the knuckle-curve and changeup, performed decently, while his cutter, slider, and sinker were hit hard. The question is, will the Diamondbacks tweak his pitching approach for the upcoming season?
Statcast's "expected" ERA suggests Gallen could be a league-average starter, with a projected ERA of 4.28. This is a significant improvement from his actual 2025 ERA. The team's owner, Ken Kendrick, has been a vocal supporter of Gallen, praising his talent and expressing a desire to bring him back.
The Diamondbacks are betting on Gallen's potential, and the contract structure suggests they're confident in his ability to bounce back. However, it's a risky move, as Gallen's performance could go either way. If he regains his form, he could be a valuable asset; if not, the team might face criticism for their decision.
And this is the part most people miss: Gallen's decision to decline multi-year offers from other teams to stay with the Diamondbacks might have been a strategic move. By accepting the qualifying offer, he could have secured a higher immediate payout, but he chose long-term security with the deferred payments. This choice could pay off if he has a strong 2026 season and enters free agency again without draft compensation attached.
The Diamondbacks' payroll projection sits at approximately $194 million, but they're only on the hook for about $8 million this year, thanks to the deferred payments. This deal allows them to retain a familiar face in Gallen and maintain financial flexibility.
As the last unsigned qualified free agent, Gallen's journey to re-signing with the Diamondbacks is a fascinating story. Will he regain his former glory and prove the Diamondbacks right? Or will his performance continue to be a topic of debate? The upcoming season will surely provide some answers, and fans are eager to see how this story unfolds.
