In a move that surprised absolutely no one but still sends a ripple through the MLB offseason, former Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen has officially turned down the one-year, $22 million qualifying offer. As first reported by insider Jon Heyman, Gallen is taking his talents to the open market, ready to see what kind of long-term deal he can command.
For the D-backs, extending the offer was a no-brainer. It was a low-risk, procedural move that protected their interests. Now, with Gallen officially testing the waters of free agency, the ball is in his court, and the Diamondbacks face the daunting task of either trying to negotiate a new, much larger contract or finding a way to replace their former ace.
This decision sets the stage for a fascinating offseason drama, with Gallen and his high-profile agent, Scott Boras, at the center of it all.
What’s Next for Zac Gallen?
Zac Gallen is banking on a robust market, and for good reason. Despite a tough 2025 season where he posted a career-worst 4.83 ERA, his track record speaks for itself. He was the unquestioned leader of a rotation that shocked the baseball world and captured a pennant in 2023. Teams don’t forget that kind of pedigree.
However, that down year does add a layer of intrigue. Did it lower his stock enough to make some teams hesitant, or will GMs look at his body of work and see a prime opportunity to sign a top-tier pitcher? His strong finish to the 2025 season, where he started to look like his old self again, will certainly help his case. He proved the talent is still there.
The Diamondbacks’ Offseason Puzzle
With Zac Gallen’s rejection, the Diamondbacks’ offseason plans just got a lot more complicated. If Zac Gallen signs a deal worth more than $50 million with another team, Arizona will get a compensatory draft pick following the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. It’s a decent consolation prize, but it doesn’t solve the immediate problem: a massive hole in their starting rotation.
General Manager Mike Hazen is staring down a monumental task. The D-backs now need to fill not one, but arguably two top-end rotation spots. Beyond that, the shopping list includes adding leverage relievers, a first baseman, a power-hitting outfielder, and a reliable backup catcher—all while reportedly dealing with a looming payroll decrease. It’s a tall order for any front office.
An End of an Era in Arizona?
While a reunion isn’t entirely off the table, the odds seem long. Gallen’s time in the desert might truly be over. He was a cornerstone for the franchise, a stalwart who embraced the honor of wearing the uniform every fifth day.
“I love Zac Gallen, and I told him that,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I don’t know where the journey goes for him… At the end of the day, he did everything he could in the Valley to help bring us a World Championship.”
Gallen himself acknowledged the recent struggles but remained proud of his tenure. “I know the last two years didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” he shared after his final 2025 start. “But every fifth day I put the uniform on, it was an honor.”
