Baltimore Orioles Pursue Zac Gallen to Fortify Starting Rotation
The Baltimore Orioles continue their quest to enhance their starting pitching staff ahead of the 2026 MLB season. Following their unsuccessful attempt to secure Framber Valdez, the organization has now turned its attention to free-agent right-hander Zac Gallen. While no formal agreement has been finalized, multiple reports indicate that Gallen represents a viable and practical target for a team determined to remain competitive within the challenging American League East division.
Zac Gallen's Free Agency Status and Recent Performance
Zac Gallen entered free agency after completing seven seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. His 2025 campaign showed some statistical regression, yet his overall career trajectory suggests he remains capable of performing at an elite level. For the Orioles' front office, the critical evaluation revolves around whether Gallen's proven long-term consistency can outweigh the concerns stemming from his most recent season.
Why This Would Be a Free Agent Signing Rather Than a Trade
Since Gallen is not under contract, Baltimore would only need to negotiate a deal directly with the player, without involving Arizona in a traditional trade. There has been peripheral speculation about a potential sign-and-trade arrangement that could allow the Diamondbacks to obtain draft compensation or minor-league prospects if they waive qualifying-offer rights. However, such discussions have not progressed beyond preliminary stages.
Projected Contract Terms and Financial Considerations
Early market projections estimate Zac Gallen's value at approximately four years and $75-80 million, translating to an average annual salary near $19-20 million. Given his inconsistent 2025 performance and the draft-pick compensation attached to his signing, Baltimore might prefer a slightly shorter contract structure with performance incentives. This could potentially manifest as a three-to-four-year deal featuring an opt-out clause after the 2027 season.
Strategic Implications for Both Parties
Baltimore Orioles: Adding Stability at the Rotation's Apex
Baltimore's current projected rotation includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Tyler Wells, with Cade Povich and Cody Sedlock providing organizational depth. Gallen would immediately slot alongside Bradish at the front of this rotation, offering immediate upgrade potential.
What Baltimore Would Gain:
- From 2020 through 2024, Gallen maintained a stellar 3.20 ERA and 3.22 FIP across 542 innings, accumulating 12.2 WAR and consecutive top-five Cy Young Award finishes.
- He has demonstrated remarkable durability, exceeding 190 innings pitched in four consecutive full seasons, including 192.0 innings in 2025.
- Joining an offensive lineup featuring Pete Alonso and Adley Rutschman could help propel the Orioles closer to legitimate postseason contention, especially if the bullpen shows improvement.
Zac Gallen: An Opportunity to Reestablish Market Value
Gallen, who turns 31 in August, concluded the 2025 season with a 13-15 record, a 4.83 ERA, and a 1.26 WHIP, while recording 175 strikeouts over 192 innings. His career numbers—a 3.58 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 1,007.1 innings—underscore his underlying reliability and track record.
Why Baltimore Represents a Logical Fit:
- The Orioles possess a young, competitive core positioned to win now.
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards generally favors pitchers more than Arizona's Chase Field.
- The organization's strong analytics and player development infrastructure could assist Gallen in refining his command and returning to peak form.
Comparative Statistical Analysis
Zac Gallen's career ERA and WHIP metrics are notably stronger than those of Baltimore's projected starting pitchers. His performance from 2022 to 2024 would provide an immediate upgrade to the top of the rotation, offering a proven frontline starter to complement the existing staff.
Potential Benefits and Inherent Risks for Baltimore
Advantages:
- Creates a formidable one-two punch with Kyle Bradish, comparable to other elite rotations in the AL East.
- Helps manage workload concerns, particularly with Bradish and Wells returning from significant surgeries.
- Offers All-Star caliber upside if Gallen recaptures his pre-2025 form.
Risks:
- The 2025 season raised legitimate questions about his command and long-term durability.
- At age 30 with over 1,000 career innings, natural decline remains a possibility during a multi-year contract.
- Allocating payroll and potentially sacrificing a draft pick might limit resources available for bullpen or bench reinforcements.
Market Context and Player Profile
Zac Gallen is widely regarded as the premier starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market after Framber Valdez's signing with Detroit. Other clubs, including the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, have also been linked to him. Signing Gallen would likely require forfeiting a first-round draft selection unless Arizona waives the compensation requirement, a factor that could motivate Baltimore to seek a more flexible contract structure.
Strategic Assessment
For the Baltimore Orioles, securing Zac Gallen would represent a significant short-term upgrade if he performs near his established career norms. The team would acquire an established frontline starter without surrendering any core roster players or prospects. For Gallen, joining a contender like Baltimore offers an ideal platform to rebuild his value ahead of future contract negotiations. In the hyper-competitive AL East, adding a pitcher of Gallen's caliber could meaningfully influence the division standings, provided he returns to his previous level of excellence.
