The Atlanta Braves are seeking to bolster their starting rotation amid ongoing free agency pursuits. An MLB.com analysis highlights the team as an ideal destination for former All-Star pitcher Zac Gallen, who struggled in 2025 but offers proven durability. This potential signing could provide depth behind injury-prone aces like Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach.
As Major League Baseball's free agency period extends into late December 2025, the Atlanta Braves continue to address roster gaps. While the team has added bullpen support, a shortstop, and outfield depth, their starting pitching remains a priority. The market for top starters is competitive and expensive, prompting considerations of both free agents and trades.
A recent MLB.com article by Andrew Simon positions the Braves as the 'perfect fit' for Zac Gallen, the 30-year-old right-hander formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gallen endured a challenging 2025 season, posting a 4.83 ERA over 33 starts and 192 innings. However, he rebounded late in the year and has maintained a career ERA between 3.00 and 3.50 in prior campaigns.
Simon notes Gallen's reliability since debuting as a full-time starter in mid-2019: "That would figure to increase the appeal of a pitcher who has been pretty durable since becoming a big league starter midway through the 2019 season. While there were some concerning signs for Gallen in 2025, as his ERA ballooned to 4.83, he finished the year relatively strong. A move to Atlanta, which has enjoyed success in recent years in getting the most from its pitchers, could help as well."
Gallen earned All-Star honors in 2023 with a 3.47 ERA across 210 innings and has averaged nearly 30 starts per season since 2021. For the Braves, whose rotation relies heavily on Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach—both hampered by injuries recently—he would serve as a dependable mid-rotation option to eat innings rather than an ace.
Market projections from Spotrac estimate Gallen's next contract at an average annual value of about $18 million, potentially on a one- or two-year deal as he seeks to rebuild his value.
