As Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen carved up the New York Yankees with a dazzling 13-strikeout performance, it wasn’t just a bad day for the Bronx Bombers – it may have also been a preview of what the Yankees hope to see in pinstripes.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, New York’s front office came away from the loss to Gallen more than a little impressed.
In fact, Nightengale reported the Yankees were “drooling” over Gallen’s outing – a possible sign of interest if the 29-year-old becomes available via trade or in free agency this offseason.
“While the Yankees were striking out 13 times against Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen, the front office was drooling,” Nightengale stated. “Gallen will be a free agent after the season, and loves life back East growing up in the Philadelphia area.”
While Arizona would surely love to keep its All-Star starter, the team may be forced to make a tough financial decision. After handing Corbin Burnes a six-year, $210 million contract this winter, adding another nine-figure deal for Gallen could be out of reach.
“The Diamondbacks would love to have him back, but it’s unrealistic to believe they can afford two $200 million pitcher on their staff with Corbin Burnes signing a six-year, $210 million contract last winter,” Nightengale added.
Gallen, who got the Opening Day start over Burnes, remains Arizona’s undisputed ace for now – but his future in the desert is growing more uncertain by the week.
Trade speculation around him isn’t new, either. The Athletic reported back in November that Arizona received “significant interest” from other teams exploring starter upgrades.
“The Arizona Diamondbacks emerged as a team receiving significant interest from clubs looking for starters, league sources said at this week’s general managers’ meetings,” The Athletic reported at the time.
“Zac Gallen (projected to earn $14.1 million through the arbitration process) is one of the league’s best pitchers and will be a free agent after the 2025 season.”
For the short term, Gallen looks locked in.
He’s started the season strong and appeared unfazed by tough conditions in the Yankees matchup. In fact, the cold may have played to his strengths.
“I mean, for me, I grew up in it, so it kind of takes me back to being a kid, you know, mainly high school,” Gallen said after his dominating performance against the Yankees.
“You know, the first day of practice is March 1 and the first game is usually March 31 so you’re playing in this weather for three weeks, maybe a month. So yeah, for me, I try to use it to my advantage a little bit with how I gameplan, how I’m gonna attack the hitters.”
As the season rolls on and Gallen’s free agency looms, the question won’t just be how many batters he can strike out. It’ll be whether Arizona can keep him around – or whether contenders like the Yankees will come calling sooner rather than later.
What are your thoughts on New York’s possible pursuit of Gallen???
