Could the Arizona Diamondbacks still be considering Zac Gallen as a starting pitcher option? It's a question that's been on the minds of fans and analysts alike, especially after the team's recent moves in the offseason. With an 80-82 campaign in 2025, the D-backs have been busy, bringing back familiar faces like James McCann and Merrill Kelly on short-term deals, and adding Michael Soroka and Nolan Arenado to the mix. However, the departure of Zac Gallen, who turned down the team's one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer, has left a glaring need for more starting pitching depth.
The Case for Zac Gallen
Gallen, a 2023 All-Star, has a 3.61 ERA in seven seasons with Arizona. Despite a career-worst season with a 4.83 ERA and 31 home runs allowed, he is still considered a highly talented pitcher. The Diamondbacks would love to get him back, and according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, they are the frontrunners to re-sign him. This would be a smart move, as it would allow them to avoid giving up a draft pick.
Other Free Agent Options
However, the Diamondbacks are not the only team considering Gallen. Other teams like the Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs are also in the running. But what other realistic starting pitching options are on the free agent market? Let's take a look.
RHP Lucas Giolito
Giolito, 31, has pitched for four different teams since 2023 and declined a $19 million mutual option from the Boston Red Sox after a 3.41 ERA across 26 starts in 2025. While his recent injury history is a concern, with a missed season due to elbow surgery and a recent elbow discomfort, the Diamondbacks have spoken to him, and Bowden lists Arizona as a potential suitor.
RHP Chris Bassitt
Bassitt, 36, is a more affordable option for the back-end of the rotation. Coming off his 11th season as a major leaguer, he had a 3.96 ERA in 170.1 innings for the Toronto Blue Jays, including a 1.04 ERA in the postseason. Despite his mileage, he hasn't made fewer than 25 starts or turned in an ERA above 4.16 since 2018, making him a reliable option.
RHP Max Scherzer
And what about a reunion with Max Scherzer? The former Diamondback, who played two seasons (2008-09), has a Hall of Fame resume after 18 seasons. While he had a career-worst 5.19 ERA for the Blue Jays, his performance in the ALCS Game 4, where he pitched 5.2 innings and gave up only two runs, proves that there's still something left in the tank. Bringing him back could provide Arizona with a seasoned veteran who's valuable in the clubhouse.
The Bottom Line
While the Diamondbacks have a solid rotation with Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodriguez, Ryne Nelson, and Soroka, there's still a chance they could add a starting pitcher. With Gallen, Giolito, Bassitt, and Scherzer all on the free agent market, the team has options. But which one will they choose? That's the question that remains to be answered as the offseason continues.
