The Arizona Diamondbacks might not be done making moves just yet. With spring training right around the corner, a familiar name has reentered the conversation: Zac Gallen. The right-hander, who spent seven seasons in Arizona and was a Cy Young finalist in 2023, remains unsigned as we head into February-and the door for a reunion appears to be cracked open.
Gallen, now a free agent after declining the Diamondbacks’ one-year qualifying offer back in November, was recently spotted at the WM Phoenix Open. That’s where FOX 10 Phoenix’s Blake Niemann caught up with him, and Gallen’s comments quickly sparked buzz among fans and insiders alike.
“People have been like, ‘Hey, we’d really love for you to come back,’” Gallen said. “I think people understand what Phoenix means to me… For us to be here would be awesome.”
That’s a notable shift in tone. Late last year, Gallen made it clear he was aiming to explore the open market and secure a multi-year deal. But with pitchers and catchers set to report in just days, and with the market thinning out, the idea of a return to the desert suddenly feels more plausible.
From the Diamondbacks’ perspective, the fit still makes a lot of sense. Gallen knows the organization inside and out.
He’s been a clubhouse leader, a postseason performer, and a reliable top-of-the-rotation presence. Even after a bumpy 2025 campaign, there’s no question he brings stability and upside to a pitching staff that still has a few question marks.
And here’s the kicker: Arizona is the only team that can sign Gallen without giving up draft compensation. That gives them a unique edge as the clock ticks down on the offseason.
Bringing Gallen back wouldn’t just be about plugging a hole-it would be about continuity, chemistry, and a shared history. He wouldn’t need a ramp-up period.
Zac Gallen on possibly re-signing with the D-backs with the start of spring training a week away:
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) February 3, 2026
"People have been like, 'Hey, we'd really love for you to come back.' I think people understand what Phoenix means to me...For us to be here would be awesome."@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/DHyKg8G36m
He wouldn’t need time to adjust to a new coaching staff or clubhouse culture. He’d be stepping right back into a familiar role, with a team that knows exactly what he brings to the table.
For Gallen, a short-term deal could be a strategic play. It gives him a chance to re-establish his value, stay in a comfortable environment, and potentially hit the market again next offseason with stronger leverage.
For the Diamondbacks, it’s a chance to solidify their rotation with a known quantity who’s proven he can handle the big moments.
Nothing’s official yet, but Gallen’s comments suggest there’s genuine interest on both sides. And with spring training just days away, this is one storyline that’s worth keeping a close eye on. A reunion might not just make sense-it might be exactly what both sides need.