SF Giants should target affordable former D-backs pitcher after latest reports

There is no denying that the SF Giants are in need of pitching. Having someone co-anchor behind Logan Webb is a must. The pipeline dream is bringing in the Japanese phenom Tatsuya Imai, but based on the latest reports the Giants could be after more cost efficient arms. There are those types of players on the open market and one that makes sense for the Giants is Zac Gallen. 

SF Giants can target more affordable arm after latest reports

It was a surprise when Gallen didn’t accept the qualifying offer. However, with the new CBA looming over all of us, him looking for longer-term security makes sense for the player. When the dust does settle, he wants to know where he is going to play. When it comes to putting pen to paper with Gallen, it could end up being cheaper for the Giants.  

It was a tough year for Gallen and the Diamondbacks. Pitching became their downfall and he was part of it. Gallen had the worst year of his career. He had the worst ERA of his career (4.83), most earned runs (103), most walks (66), most home runs (31), and a 1.26 WHIP which is the third time he’s hit that mark. Command has been an issue for the last two seasons and he’s given up a lot of hard contact. 

It’s surprising to see for a guy who’s been reliable for the Diamondbacks since being acquired from the Miami Marlins. While the numbers above don’t inspire confidence to wanting him to pitch for the Giants, there is room for optimism. 

Gallen was never this poor of a pitcher. You can almost say 2025 is an outlier. This is a pitcher who from 2022 to 2024 posted ERA’s of 2.54, 3.47, and 3.65 respectively. His FIP was right in line with those metrics, showing he was pitching as great as he truthfully was. There’s reason to believe that he can get back to being that type of pitcher. For those who are in the weeds when it comes to the Diamondbacks, he made tweaks that paid dividends. 

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo always believed in Gallen and always believed that he would figure it out. He was too good of a pitcher not to. It was early September where Lovullo attributed the success Gallen was having to him utilizing his two seam fastball. 

"I think the one thing that that has really pushed him to the next level is a two-seam fastball."

This special run began in August and it consistently carried Gallen across the finish line to end the season. From August to the end of the season, Gallen had a 3.32 ERA, a 3.34 FIP, and a 1.08 WHIP. He was commanding the ball better and missing his bats. It was the best he looked all season and it should inspire confidence moving forward. 

"That's opened up a whole new avenue of the strike zone for me. He's gone out there and really, really executed a very high level.”

It was a tough season for Gallen that ended greatly. Not to mention, coming to San Francisco would see him pitch in one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the league. He would have the defense behind him and would benefit greatly all around. 

This contract shouldn’t be a steep one. Spotrac projects him to get a four year deal worth $79.4 million. That’s a drastic difference from the $100-$200 million someone like Imai could receive. 

Gallen would fit like a glove and could put this poor year in the rear view mirror. He would make a great number two or even number three for this Giants staff and would not break the bank which is something the Giants seem to be keenly worried about.