Major League Baseball’s calendar is rapidly approaching the New Year, and there are still plenty of free agents on the market who are available to be signed that can make a profound impact. The Atlanta Braves have addressed some of their top needs (bullpen help, shortstop, outfield depth), but they have yet to make a splash for an impact starter, which is also thought to be a necessity.
There are two ways the Braves could go out and acquire a high-profile arm: either via free agent or by making a trade. The starting pitching market is very top-heavy with the best arms likely out of the Braves’ price range, but a recent article by MLB.com has Atlanta listed as the ‘perfect fit’ for former All-Star Zac Gallen.
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Braves Urged to Sign Zac Gallen
Zac Gallen’s stock took a hit in 2025 after a poor season, as it was thought before the season that he would be one of the best starters on the free agent market. Now, the 30-year-old Gallen will likely be looking to ink a one or two-year deal to prove himself once again.
In a recent piece by MLB.com’s Andrew Simon, the MLB writer finds a ‘perfect fit’ for the top remaining free agents, and Gallen is linked to the Atlanta Braves:
“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.”
GettyZac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Braves’ rotation at the moment is very front-loaded with Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach, who have both dealt with injuries in each of the last two seasons, so making an addition like Zac Gallen makes sense for not only depth but also eating up innings.
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What Would Gallen Bring to Atlanta?
As the MLB.com writer indicated, Zac Gallen’s ERA inflated to 4.83 this season, which is an ugly mark, but he has been fairly consistent around the 3.00-3.50 ERA mark for most of his career.
Gallen was named an All-Star in 2023 and posted an ERA of 3.47 in 210 innings that season. He has averaged nearly 30 starts/season since 2021.
Despite the inflated ERA this season, Gallen was still able to rack up 192 innings over 33 starts, which is something the Braves could desperately use.
Atlanta wouldn’t be relying on him to be an ace like he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but rather a middle-of-the-rotation arm who can post solid numbers.
As for his market value, Spotrac projects his next contract to be a deal worth an AAV of around $18 million.
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