With most of the top-tier position players already signed and Framber Valdez off the board after landing a three-year, $115 million deal with the Tigers, the spotlight now shifts to Zac Gallen - the last remaining qualified free agent and arguably the best starting pitcher still on the market.
Yes, Gallen is coming off a down year by his standards, but let’s not forget the bigger picture: a career 3.58 ERA and 3.65 FIP over more than 1,000 big league innings. That’s not just solid - that’s the kind of track record that makes front offices take notice, especially for teams looking to shore up their rotations heading into spring training. The question now isn’t whether Gallen can help a team - it’s which team will step up and give him the opportunity to bounce back.
Let’s take a look at the clubs that make the most sense for Gallen and what kind of fit he’d be in each rotation.
Arizona Diamondbacks: A Familiar Fit
Sometimes the best move is the one that brings you back home. For Gallen, that could mean a return to the desert.
The Diamondbacks wouldn’t have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him - a key advantage since Gallen is a qualified free agent. That alone makes Arizona a logical landing spot.
But the fit goes deeper than that. Arizona’s rotation is thin on experience, and while Michael Soroka is penciled in as the fifth starter, his injury history makes that a bit of a gamble.
Adding Gallen would not only stabilize the back end of the rotation but also free up depth arms to bolster a bullpen that’s already dealing with early injuries to Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk.
The hurdle? Money.
The D-backs have been vocal about reining in payroll after hovering around $190 million the past two seasons. Unless ownership is willing to make an exception for a familiar face, a reunion might be more sentimental than realistic.
Baltimore Orioles: A Rotation Ready for a Boost
Baltimore’s offseason has been steady but not splashy. They’ve added Shane Baz and brought back Zach Eflin, but neither is a sure thing at the top of the rotation. Gallen, even coming off a rough 2025, has shown he can be that kind of guy when he’s right.
Adding him to a group that includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Baz, Eflin, and Dean Kremer would give the Orioles a deeper, more versatile staff than they’ve had in years. And unlike last offseason, when Baltimore leaned on short-term deals for veterans like Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton, this would be a more aggressive play - a sign that the O’s are serious about contending now.
Financially, there’s room. The Orioles are still nearly $20 million below last year’s Opening Day payroll, so bringing in Gallen wouldn’t require any major gymnastics to make the numbers work.
Chicago Cubs: Depth Now, Stability Later
Chicago’s had a busy winter, headlined by the Alex Bregman signing and a trade for Marlins righty Edward Cabrera. That deal gave them a deep pool of starting options, with Colin Rea and Javier Assad now serving as depth pieces and Justin Steele expected back from injury in the first half.
But here’s the thing - nearly every arm in that group comes with some level of injury concern. Cabrera missed time last September with an elbow issue, and Steele has his own durability questions. Gallen, despite his recent dip in performance, has been a reliable innings-eater throughout his career.
Adding him wouldn’t just raise the floor - it would give the Cubs a stabilizing presence in a rotation full of promise but short on sure things. And with arms like Cade Horton and Cabrera in the mix, Gallen wouldn’t need to carry the load alone.
San Diego Padres: High Ceiling, Tight Budget
The Padres have made it clear: they want another starter. And Gallen fits the mold - a high-upside arm who could step in and help offset the loss of Dylan Cease.
It wouldn’t be the first time A.J. Preller made a late-winter splash, either.
Cease himself was acquired in March of 2024, and Nick Pivetta signed with San Diego last February.
But the challenge here is financial. The Padres’ payroll situation is tight, and it’s unclear how much flexibility they have left. If the team can finalize a resolution with Yu Darvish - whether that’s a trade or some form of contract restructuring - it could open up the space needed to make a run at Gallen.
Other Teams to Watch
While Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, and San Diego look like the most logical fits, there are a few other teams that could still make a move - though each comes with its own set of complications.
- Detroit was a potential suitor before signing Framber Valdez, which likely takes them out of the mix.
- The Angels have been linked to Gallen, but given their current roster and competitive outlook, they’re a long shot.
- Atlanta is reportedly in the market for a veteran starter, but it’s unclear if they’re willing to commit to a deal in the $20 million-plus range annually.
- Toronto showed interest in Valdez, which suggests they’re open to adding another arm.
But Gallen may not offer the kind of impact they’re looking for to bump someone like Cody Ponce or Jose Berrios out of the rotation.
- San Francisco checked in earlier in the offseason, but after signing Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle - and with Buster Posey downplaying the need for another arm - that door may be closing.
Still, behind ace Logan Webb, there are real workload and injury concerns, so it’s not completely off the table.
The Verdict
Zac Gallen might not be the ace he looked like at his peak, but he’s still a proven big-league starter with the kind of track record that commands attention - especially in a market where dependable arms are getting harder to find. Whether it’s a reunion in Arizona, a rotation upgrade in Baltimore or Chicago, or a bold move from San Diego, Gallen’s next destination could play a major role in shaping the playoff picture this season.
Now it’s just a matter of which team is willing to bet on a bounce-back - and how high they’re willing to go.