The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a bold step by securing former ace Zac Gallen with a late-offseason contract. This move adds depth to an already crowded rotation, leaving the team with seven starting pitchers vying for just five spots on the Opening Day roster. Beyond these seven, there’s a group in Triple-A eager to make their mark.
What makes this signing particularly intriguing is the context. The Diamondbacks had previously indicated plans to reduce payroll compared to 2025, casting doubt on the possibility of retaining both Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Many expected the team to bring back just one of these key pitchers.
Gallen's decision to decline the qualifying offer in November fueled speculation that Kelly would be the one to return. The plot thickened when Arizona signed Michael Soroka to a one-year deal, announcing him as a starter at the Winter Meetings, which seemed to confirm that only one former ace would be back in the desert.
This unexpected turn of events now presents an interesting challenge for the Diamondbacks' management as they strategize the best use of their pitching arsenal. With a wealth of talent both in the majors and waiting in the wings, the team is poised to make a significant impact this season.