Zac Gallen is among the top available starting arms on the free agent market. Based on the circumstances and Spring Training approaching, it appears a return to the Arizona Diamondbacks is a strong possibility.
Meanwhile, Evan Phillips is being recruited by the Dodgers closer this offseason. Let’s learn more about these updates.
Zac Gallen’s Arizona Comeback Gains Steam
After an up-and-down campaign in 2025 that saw the right-hander post a 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA and 175 strikeouts in 192 innings, Zac Gallen didn’t do himself any favors before entering free agency with a qualifying offer attached. Because of the QO, the prospective team signing him would have to give up a draft pick.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal argued that a return to the Diamondbacks on a short-term deal with a one-year opt-out appears to be the most realistic possibility. Through this, Rosenthal argues that it would be best for Gallen to return to free agency without a qualifying offer attached.
“It seems to me the most obvious place for him to go is back to Arizona on a short-term deal with a one-year opt-out, so he can get back into free agency next year off a better year and without a draft pick attached,” Rosenthal said. “That would give him a better chance to do what he wants to do in the market. We’ve seen Scott Boras and his clients do this repeatedly. Gallen is represented by Boras.
“And if the Diamondbacks sign Gallen, of course, they do not lose a draft pick. So from that perspective, it just seems to me to line up.”
The only problem with this would be money, but if the Dbacks manage to get Merrill Kelly, Corbin Burnes and Zac Gallen all on the same rotation, they have good chances in 2026.
Dodgers Closer Tanner Scott Recruiting Evan Phillips
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Tanner Scott, who is signed to a four-year, $72 million contract, reportedly hopes the franchise re-signs Evan Phillips, who was non-tendered by the franchise at the start of the offseason. At the DodgerFest, Scott said:
“I do talk to Evan quite often. I mean, we’ll see where it goes. I like the guy, I hope he comes back.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is also interested in bringing back Phillips, who is seeking a one-year contract and could become a free agent next winter.
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