In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the Baltimore Orioles are actively seeking to enhance their starting rotation ahead of the 2026 season. After missing out on signing star pitcher Framber Valdez, the Orioles have turned their attention to free agent Zac Gallen. While no formal agreement has been established yet, various reports suggest that Gallen presents a viable option for a team keen on remaining competitive in the American League East.
Zac Gallen, who recently became a free agent after spending seven seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, experienced a downturn in performance during the 2025 season. However, his overall career statistics point to his ability to pitch at a high level. For the Orioles, the pivotal question is whether Gallen’s long-term reliability can outweigh any lingering concerns stemming from his recent performance.
Why This Would Be a Signing, Not a Trade
Since Gallen is currently without a contract, the Orioles need only to negotiate a signing rather than orchestrate a trade, which would require them to give up players in return. There has been some chatter about a possible sign-and-trade scenario, where the Diamondbacks could potentially receive draft picks or minor league talent if they were to forgo their qualifying offer rights. Nevertheless, these discussions have yet to materialize into any concrete plans.
Expected Contract Range
Initial forecasts estimate that Gallen could command a contract in the vicinity of four years, valued between $75 million to $80 million, translating to an annual average salary of around $19 million to $20 million. Given his inconsistent performance in 2025 and the associated draft-pick compensation tied to his signing, the Orioles might prefer a shorter deal with performance incentives—possibly structuring it for three to four years while including an opt-out clause after the 2027 season.
What This Move Means for Each Side
Baltimore Orioles: Adding Stability at the Top
The Orioles’ projected starting rotation includes pitchers such as Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Tyler Wells. With Cade Povich and Cody Sedlock providing additional depth, Gallen would likely pair with Bradish at the forefront of the rotation.
What Baltimore Gains
Zac Gallen brings significant value to the Orioles:
- Between 2020 and 2024, he posted impressive numbers, achieving a 3.20 ERA and a 3.22 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) over 542 innings, along with a remarkable 12.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and consecutive top-five finishes in the Cy Young voting.
- He has consistently thrown over 190 innings each season for the past four years, including 192 innings in 2025.
- With a lineup featuring stars like Pete Alonso and Adley Rutschman, Gallen could help propel the Orioles closer to serious postseason aspirations, especially if the bullpen significantly improves.
Zac Gallen: A Chance to Reset His Value
At 30 years old, Gallen wrapped up the 2025 season with a record of 13 wins and 15 losses, a 4.83 ERA, and a 1.26 WHIP, while recording 175 strikeouts over 192 innings pitched. Despite this dip in performance, his career averages—a 3.58 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 1,007.1 innings—reflect his potential for reliability.
Why Baltimore Makes Sense
- The Orioles are well-positioned to contend now, thanks to a young core of talented players.
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards typically favors pitchers more than Chase Field, where Gallen previously played.
- The team’s commitment to analytics and player development could enhance Gallen’s pitching command and performance.
Stat Snapshot: Zac Gallen vs. Projected Baltimore Orioles Starters
| Pitcher (2026 Team) | Years | ERA (Career) | FIP (Career) | IP (Career) | K/9 | WHIP | Notes |
|-----------------------|---------------|--------------|------------------|------------------|-----|------|--------------------------------------------|
| Zac Gallen (ARI) | 2019-2025 | 3.58 | 3.41 (approx) | 1,007.1 | 8.5 | 1.16 | 2× top-5 Cy Young, 2023 All-Star |
| Kyle Bradish (BAL) | 2022-2025 | 3.58 | ~3.50 | ~350+ IP | 9.5 | ~1.20 | Ace-level arsenal, post-Tommy John |
| Trevor Rogers (BAL) | 2020-2025 | 3.70 | ~3.60 | ~500+ IP | 8.8 | ~1.25 | High-upside lefty |
| Dean Kremer (BAL) | 2020-2025 | 4.50 | ~4.40 | ~350+ IP | 7.5 | ~1.35 | Reliable back-end arm |
| Tomoyuki Sugano (BAL) | 2023-2025 | 4.00 | ~4.10 | ~400+ IP | 7.0 | ~1.30 | Veteran innings source |
Gallen’s career ERA and WHIP are superior to those of the Orioles’ projected starters, and his performance from 2022 to 2024 would immediately enhance the rotation's quality.
Benefits and Risks for Baltimore
Pros:
- Creates a formidable pairing with Bradish, aligning them with other strong rotations in the AL East.
- Assists in managing innings as both Bradish and Wells come back from significant surgeries.
- Provides elite potential if Gallen can return to his previous form.
Cons:
- The 2025 season raised doubts regarding his command and durability.
- At 30 years old and with over 1,000 career innings, there is potential for decline during a multi-year contract.
- Resources allocated for payroll and draft compensation could have been used to enhance the bullpen or bench.
Market Position and Player Profile
Born on August 3, 1995, Zac Gallen is widely regarded as the top remaining free agent starting pitcher following Valdez’s signing with Detroit. Teams like the Padres and Cubs have shown interest in him as well. Signing Gallen could cost the Orioles a first-round draft pick unless Arizona decides to waive that requirement, which might lead them to seek a more flexible contract.
My Take on This Mock Trade
For the Baltimore Orioles, bringing Gallen on board would yield short-term benefits if he can perform close to his former self. The team would secure an established starter without sacrificing core talent. Joining a contending team could also provide Gallen with the opportunity to rebuild his market value for future contracts later in his career. While Arizona would lose a well-developed pitcher, they would gain financial flexibility or the chance to acquire future assets. In a fiercely competitive division, adding Gallen could significantly influence the standings if he rediscovers his best performance.
