Arizona Diamondbacks, As the offseason continues to unfold, the free-agent pitching market has begun to thin out rapidly. One by one, many of the most coveted arms have already committed to new teams, leaving only a small handful of frontline starters still available. At the very top of the remaining class sits Framber Valdez, who is widely regarded as the best pitcher still on the open market. Industry insiders expect Valdez to command an enormous contract, and it’s widely believed that his decision will come sooner rather than later as teams finalize their offseason plans.
Once Valdez is removed from the equation, however, the available options drop off sharply. There simply isn’t an abundance of elite, difference-making starting pitching left for clubs seeking a true top-of-the-rotation presence. That reality has made the remaining high-end starters even more intriguing, particularly for teams with postseason aspirations that suffered from pitching instability a season ago.
Among that next tier of available arms, Zac Gallen has emerged as the most attractive option. The Arizona right-hander may not carry the same star power as Valdez, but around the league he is still viewed as one of the most dependable and effective starters who could realistically change teams this winter. Because of that, Gallen is widely considered the second-best pitcher still potentially available and is expected to draw significant interest from multiple contenders.
Although Gallen is currently under contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, league executives increasingly believe that a trade or signing scenario could unfold that sends him elsewhere. Whether through a deal or an unexpected shift in Arizona’s long-term plans, the possibility of Gallen joining a new organization has become a frequent topic of discussion as teams look to fortify their rotations before spring training.
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Several playoff-caliber teams remain in search of pitching upgrades. Injuries, inconsistency, and lack of depth derailed more than a few seasons last year, and front offices are keenly aware that starting pitching remains the most reliable foundation for sustained success. With so many clubs believing they are just one or two arms away from contention, pitchers like Gallen hold enormous value in this marketplace.
One prominent voice in the baseball media world recently offered a bold prediction regarding Gallen’s future. Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball projected that Gallen will ultimately depart Arizona and land with a franchise that has already made several aggressive moves this offseason: the Baltimore Orioles.
In Finkelstein’s projection, Gallen signs a two-year contract worth $54 million with Baltimore, a deal that would instantly elevate the Orioles’ pitching staff and signal their continued commitment to competing at the highest level. The prediction caught attention not only because of the dollar amount but also because of how neatly Gallen would fit into Baltimore’s current roster construction and competitive window.
Finkelstein explained that earlier rumors surrounding Gallen’s destination had proven unreliable. At one point, reports suggested that the Chicago Cubs had already secured Gallen’s services. Those reports were later debunked, and it became clear that the Cubs were never as close to a deal as initially believed. The situation was further complicated by inaccurate information that circulated through national media channels.
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Specifically, Finkelstein pointed to reporting from Bob Nightengale, which incorrectly suggested that Chicago had completed a move for Gallen. Once that report was proven false, it became evident that Gallen remained very much on the market, and the Cubs’ involvement quickly cooled.
Any lingering speculation connecting Gallen to Chicago effectively ended when the Cubs shifted direction and acquired Edward Cabrera in a trade. That move addressed their immediate pitching needs and removed them from the list of potential suitors for Gallen. With the Cubs no longer a realistic landing spot, attention turned toward other organizations that had both the motivation and the financial flexibility to make a significant investment.
That is where Baltimore enters the picture.
The Orioles have been one of the most proactive teams in baseball this offseason, showing a willingness to spend aggressively and make bold roster decisions. After years of rebuilding and patience, Baltimore’s front office has clearly signaled that the time for cautious restraint has passed. The organization now believes its championship window is open, and its recent moves reflect a sense of urgency to capitalize on its young core.
One of Baltimore’s most glaring weaknesses last season was its starting rotation. While the team boasted an impressive lineup and a solid bullpen, the lack of consistent, high-quality starting pitching repeatedly undermined its efforts. Too often, Orioles starters failed to pitch deep into games or struggled against quality opponents, placing immense pressure on the bullpen and exposing the team’s lack of reliable arms.
That deficiency ultimately played a major role in Baltimore’s disappointing finish. Despite entering the season with high expectations and flashes of brilliance, the Orioles fell short of a postseason berth. Internally, the organization has acknowledged that its rotation simply did not meet the standard required to compete with the league’s elite teams over the course of a full season.
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Adding a pitcher like Gallen would represent a dramatic upgrade. He brings a proven track record of durability, consistency, and performance against top competition. Slotting him near the top of the rotation would immediately stabilize the staff and provide the kind of dependable presence Baltimore has lacked in recent years.
Just as importantly, the Orioles have already demonstrated that they possess the financial resources to pursue high-impact players. Their blockbuster acquisition of Pete Alonso earlier this offseason sent a clear message throughout the league: Baltimore is no longer content to sit on the sidelines. That move required a significant financial commitment, and it underscored ownership’s willingness to invest heavily in winning.
In that context, pursuing Gallen makes perfect sense. A two-year, $54 million deal would align with the Orioles’ short- to medium-term competitive plans while avoiding long-term financial risk. It would allow Baltimore to add an ace-caliber arm without compromising future flexibility, a balance that many front offices strive to achieve.
From a roster perspective, Gallen would fit seamlessly. He would immediately become one of the most trusted starters on the staff, capable of anchoring a rotation that needs both leadership and stability. His presence would also allow younger pitchers to develop in less demanding roles, reducing pressure and improving overall depth.
For Baltimore fans, the idea of pairing a revamped lineup with a reinforced rotation is an exciting one. After years of rebuilding and near misses, the franchise appears poised to take a meaningful step forward. Landing Gallen would further validate the organization’s aggressive offseason approach and reinforce the belief that Baltimore intends to compete not just for a playoff spot, but for a deep postseason run.
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As the free-agent market continues to evolve and teams finalize their plans, all eyes will remain on the remaining top pitchers. While Valdez may still headline the class, Gallen’s situation is arguably just as compelling. His next destination could shift the balance of power in the American League, particularly if he joins a team like Baltimore that already possesses the pieces needed to contend.
If Finkelstein’s prediction proves accurate, the Orioles’ offseason will be remembered as a turning point — the moment when a promising young team fully committed to winning now. Adding Zac Gallen would not only address one of their most pressing needs but would also symbolize a franchise confident enough to make bold moves in pursuit of sustained success.
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