The Baltimore Orioles are eyeing Zac Gallen as a potential game-changer for their pitching staff! After missing out on acquiring Framber Valdez, who has signed with the Detroit Tigers, the Orioles find themselves in search of a strong starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. Last season was a tough one for Baltimore, marred by injuries and inconsistent performances among their starters. This offseason, the team has been focused on finding an ace to lead their rotation.
While the Orioles successfully brought in Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays and re-signed veteran Zach Eflin on a one-year deal, they still lack that marquee pitcher as spring training approaches. Despite the imminent start of the season, many top free agents, particularly frontline starting pitchers, remain available. Among these is All-Star right-hander Zac Gallen, widely regarded as the top remaining starting pitcher on the market.
According to Bob Nightengale from USA Today, there has been a surge in discussions surrounding Gallen, with multiple teams expressing interest. Notably, the Baltimore Orioles are reported to be among those showing significant enthusiasm for acquiring him.
"Discussions are intensifying for Zac Gallen, the most sought-after free agent remaining. Teams showing keen interest include the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Arizona Diamondbacks," tweeted Bob Nightengale on February 10, 2026.
Gallen, who has spent a considerable part of his seven-year MLB career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, faced challenges last season, which might explain his current status as a free agent. In 2025, he made 33 starts and posted a record of 13 wins and 15 losses, with a 4.83 ERA—the highest of his career. However, he still managed to strike out 175 batters and achieved a WHIP of 1.26 over 192 innings pitched.
Despite this setback, Gallen’s durability remains a strong asset; he has consistently made at least 20 starts each season for the past five years, including over 30 starts in three of those seasons. Nearly three years ago, he delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a career-best record of 17-9 with a 3.47 ERA, an impressive 220 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.12 across 210 innings—a season that was integral to the D-Backs' success in clinching the NL Pennant in 2023.
In addition to signing first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year contract and acquiring outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels to strengthen their lineup, the Orioles recognize that adding a reliable ace to their pitching rotation is crucial. The urgency increases given that several current rotation options are recovering from injury-riddled seasons.
Trevor Rogers was limited to just 18 starts last year due to a partially dislocated right kneecap, while Eflin made only 14 appearances following back surgery. Kyle Bradish managed to start only four games in 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, which curtailed his 2024 season. Likewise, Tyler Wells only pitched four times last year before facing season-ending UCL surgery.
With the Orioles eager to avoid a repeat of their previous rotation struggles, it’s clear that bringing in Zac Gallen could provide the stability and leadership they desperately need.
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