Report: Zac Gallen's Days With Diamondbacks Are Numbered

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a huge free agent splash last week with the unexpected signing of ace starter Corbin Burnes. But it just could be that Burnes' entry to Phoenix could mean the impending end of Zac Gallen's time with the team, at least at some point. Their incumbent ace, Gallen, is a free agent after the 2025 season.

Does the Corbin Burnes signing signal the end of the road for Zac Gallen with the @Dbacks? @Ken_Rosenthal chimes in 📢 pic.twitter.com/b3AIs7sQnW
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 3, 2025

Per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal on the Foul Territory podcast, the chances of Gallen re-signing in Arizona are slim.

Let's face it: He's a Scott Boras client. The chances of him signing an extension were minimal, maybe 5%, if that. And the likelihood that he goes to free agency and lands a monster deal, yeah, that's probably going to happen.

Unless Gallen really wants to remain in the Phoenix area (like Burnes), he is likely gone. Boras rarely allows his clients to sign extensions the same year they'll be entering free agency with teams bidding on a lucrative deal on the horizon.

In fact, "one of the reasons for the Diamondbacks to sign Burnes," reports Rosenthal, "and get that minimum two-year commitment before an opt-out, was to protect themselves in the event that Gallen leaves after this season."

Gallen has been sensational throughout most of his time with the Snakes, posting a 3.32 ERA and a 52-34 record across parts of six seasons. He also holds a 1.13 WHIP, and 9.7 K/9 against only 2.8 BB/9 during his time in the desert. He was an All-Star, and two-time Top 5 finisher in Cy Young balloting.

He'll head to free agency as a 30-year-old next winter, still at the peak of his game.

He finished 2024 with a 14-6 mark and a 3.65 ERA in 28 starts.