Zac Gallen’s Free Agency Lingers as Teams Weigh Draft Pick Cost and Performance

As MLB’s free-agent market moves quickly, Zac Gallen remains one of the few notable starting pitchers without a deal. While other pitchers have quickly found new homes, Gallen’s status has generated far less buzz than his camp may have hoped.

Part of the hesitation stems from his 2025 performance. After a solid career, Gallen struggled last season, posting a 4.83 ERA and a 175/66 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Teams appear cautious, especially given the uncertainty surrounding whether he can return to his previous form.

Another complicating factor is the qualifying offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Any team that signs Gallen would forfeit a draft pick, creating an added cost that can deter potential suitors. This has limited the field of interested teams and contributed to a slower-than-expected free-agent market.

MLB Network analyst Steve Phillips summed up the situation succinctly, noting that Gallen’s decline over the past three seasons and the draft pick compensation makes a landing spot tricky. Returning to Arizona may be his most practical path, but even that could come with a pay cut relative to the $22 million qualifying offer.

1. 2025 Performance Concerns

Gallen’s 2025 season raised red flags for teams evaluating him. Despite flashes of his previous dominance, his ERA inflated to 4.83, and control issues surfaced in a higher walk total relative to strikeouts than in prior seasons. The struggles are particularly significant in today’s free-agent market, where teams weigh consistency heavily, especially when draft pick compensation is required. Teams appear hesitant to commit large sums without a clear return to form. Still, there are mitigating factors. Gallen faced a challenging Diamondbacks rotation, and some analysts argue his underlying metrics suggest he can rebound. His ability to generate strikeouts remains an asset, even if walks have increased. Ultimately, teams must balance his recent struggles with his proven track record. Gallen’s 2025 season may be giving them pause, but it doesn’t erase the quality he has shown over a seven-year career.

2. Draft Pick Compensation and Market Dynamics

The qualifying offer adds a layer of complexity to Gallen’s free agency. Any team signing him would surrender a draft pick, effectively increasing the cost beyond his salary. This consideration has likely limited the number of teams willing to take a risk. Steve Phillips suggested that a one-year “prove-it” deal might make the most sense. A short-term contract would allow Gallen to reestablish value without committing a team to long-term risk. However, draft pick compensation could force him to accept a lower salary than expected. Returning to the Diamondbacks could be a pragmatic solution. While it may involve taking less than the $22 million qualifying offer, it provides a familiar environment and the opportunity to reset his value for the future. The market remains fluid, but the combination of recent performance and draft pick penalties has created a slower-than-anticipated free-agent process. Teams are weighing potential upside against the cost of giving up a draft pick, creating uncertainty around Gallen’s next contract.

3. Career Track and Future Outlook

Despite recent struggles, Gallen is a former All-Star with a strong career resume. Over seven MLB seasons, he has posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1,060/324 strikeout-to-walk ratio, demonstrating sustained quality at the major league level. Those numbers suggest that a team will eventually give him an opportunity. His track record indicates he can contribute meaningfully if he returns to form, and several contending clubs may see him as a low-risk, high-reward option. Gallen is likely entering free agency with a chip on his shoulder. The combination of a down season and draft pick complications may motivate him to prove his value quickly, potentially leading to a rebound that restores his market stock. For now, the uncertainty surrounding his next contract highlights the tension between past performance and recent struggles. Teams are waiting to see if Gallen can recapture his peak form before committing significant resources, leaving his free-agent future unresolved.