Mets Eye Zac Gallen as Offseason Target Amid Rotation Overhaul

The New York Mets enter the 2025–26 offseason facing difficult questions about the direction of their roster and long-term strategy. After a season that fell well short of expectations, team president David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza must navigate an offseason that could define the franchise’s near future. The central dilemmas: whether to re-sign slugger Pete Alonso and how to restore consistency to a pitching staff that faltered when it mattered most.

The Mets’ pitching woes were glaring during their late-season collapse. Once viewed as a strength, the rotation unraveled behind uneven performances from veterans Kodai Senga and David Peterson. The club leaned heavily on rookies down the stretch, but the inexperience showed, leaving New York outside the playoff picture despite one of the league’s highest payrolls.

Now, with an elite offensive core built around Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, the Mets’ next step is clear — they need to stabilize the rotation. According to MLB Network’s Hot Stove, analysts Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian believe the team could make an aggressive run at one of the top free agents on the market: Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen.

“Get a healthy arm, Mets!” Reynolds urged. Vasgersian agreed, calling the Mets “a natural fit” for Gallen, given their pitching needs and willingness to spend. The 30-year-old, a New Jersey native, could represent both a homecoming and a fresh start for a club eager to rebound.

1. Gallen’s Rough Year Masks His Track Record of Success

Zac Gallen enters free agency at a complicated crossroads. Once one of baseball’s most reliable and efficient starters, he endured a career-worst 2025 campaign — and it couldn’t have come at a less opportune time. After signing a one-year, $13.5 million deal with the Diamondbacks last winter, Gallen posted a 13–15 record with a 4.83 ERA, 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings, and a below-average ERA+ of 89. Those numbers were a stark contrast to his previous consistency. Before 2025, Gallen had placed in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting three times in five seasons, establishing himself as Arizona’s ace and a centerpiece of the rotation that powered the team’s 2023 World Series run. Despite his downturn, scouts and executives around the league continue to see him as a dependable, durable arm with ace-level upside. Even during a difficult year, Gallen drew trade interest at the 2025 deadline, a testament to his value and reputation. His combination of elite command, durability, and strikeout ability still appeals to front offices seeking stability in a volatile pitching market. Now, as he enters his age-30 season, Gallen represents both risk and opportunity. For a team like the Mets — flush with resources but searching for direction — that gamble may be exactly what they need.

2. A Fit That Makes Sense for Both Sides

From a baseball standpoint, Gallen fits neatly into the Mets’ current blueprint. The club already has a foundation in place with Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and young right-hander Nolan McLean. Adding Gallen could immediately elevate the group, giving New York a reliable top-three rotation core capable of handling the grind of a 162-game season. Unlike some of the higher-priced aces available this winter, Gallen’s market value could align well with New York’s flexibility. His experience as a workhorse starter and leadership potential make him an attractive option for a team in transition. A move to Citi Field — one of the league’s more pitcher-friendly ballparks — could also help him regain his All-Star form. Beyond the statistical and strategic fit, the signing would carry symbolic weight. Gallen grew up in New Jersey and understands the demands of the New York market. His presence could resonate with fans who crave both local ties and accountability — two elements the franchise has sought to rebuild since its recent underperformance. Harold Reynolds summed up the sentiment succinctly: “If the Mets want to win now, they need a guy like Gallen — someone who’s proven he can lead a rotation and handle the pressure.”

3. Building Toward Redemption in 2026

The Mets’ 2025 season was defined by lofty expectations and unmet potential. After signing Juan Soto and fielding one of the league’s most expensive rosters, the club’s early promise faded into inconsistency and frustration. Injuries and pitching instability contributed heavily to their downfall, underscoring the need for a clear offseason strategy. David Stearns has already hinted that the Mets will be aggressive this winter, signaling a renewed emphasis on pitching depth. Adding Gallen would align with that plan — a move that balances experience with upside while addressing the team’s most glaring weakness. The decision will also carry broader implications for New York’s spending philosophy. The Mets can no longer rely solely on splashy offensive acquisitions; instead, they must prioritize balance and durability across their roster. Gallen’s track record of 30-plus starts per season offers precisely that. For Gallen, the opportunity to reset his career in a familiar market — while joining a team intent on rebounding — could prove mutually beneficial. As the Mets look to reestablish themselves as contenders in 2026, he may be the stabilizing force they’ve been missing.