Yankees set sights on pitching star once swapped in Chisholm deal

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Industry sources, including USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, report that the Yankees have their eyes firmly fixed on Zac Gallen, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ ace and recent Cy Young contender, who’s expected to test free agency after the 2025 campaign.

Nightengale described Yankees executives as “drooling” over the prospect of bringing the 29-year-old right-hander to New York, particularly following his masterful performance at Yankee Stadium earlier this season.

“Gallen will be a free agent after the season, and loves life back East growing up in the Philadelphia area,” Nightengale noted, adding that Arizona likely cannot afford two $200 million pitchers after committing to Corbin Burnes with a six-year, $210 million deal.

The Miami Marlins swapped Gallen to acquire current Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Arizona Diamondbacks on the deadline-day trade in 2019.

Gallen’s track record warrants premium investment

Though perhaps lacking the household recognition of Gerrit Cole, Gallen has steadily established himself among baseball’s premier pitchers. His 2023 campaign yielded a 17-9 record with a 3.47 ERA, earning him third place in NL Cy Young voting. He logged 210 innings, ranking second league-wide, and delivered a complete game shutout — an increasingly rare achievement in contemporary baseball.

Despite battling a hamstring issue in 2024, Gallen still compiled an impressive 14-6 record with a 3.65 ERA, demonstrating both resilience and frontline starter capability.

Currently playing under a one-year, $13.5 million contract in his final arbitration season, Gallen stands poised for a substantial payday. While Spotrac projects his free agent value around six years and $138.7 million, numerous baseball insiders anticipate that figure approaching $200 million, especially if he delivers another strong performance in 2025.

The Yankees’ rationale for pursuit

Gallen may have already sealed his appeal to the Yankees‘ front office with his recent Bronx showcase. Earlier this season, he dismantled the Yankees’ formidable lineup at Yankee Stadium, delivering 6 2/3 shutout innings with 13 strikeouts, no walks, and just three hits surrendered.

That commanding outing has apparently intensified New York’s interest in the southern New Jersey native, who was raised approximately two hours from the Bronx and has frequently been connected to an eventual East Coast return.

“Pairing Gallen with Gerrit Cole would be a dream duo,” noted Robert Casey of Bleeding Yankee Blue. “While Cole keeps batters guessing with his pitch variety and laser-focused preparation, Gallen’s precision and knack for avoiding walks have turned him into a rising Cy Young contender.”

Gallen consistently ranks among MLB’s elite in preventing baserunners, maintaining one of the National League’s lowest walk rates. His pinpoint control and dependability would perfectly complement the power pitching already featured in the Yankees’ rotation.

Financial feasibility of another premium pitcher

While the Yankees’ interest makes strategic sense, the financial calculations present challenges.

The organization already has Gerrit Cole locked in at $36 million annually through 2028 and recently secured Max Fried with an eight-year, $218 million contract this past offseason. Fried’s deal averages $27.25 million per year — a substantial commitment that has already pushed the Yankees beyond the competitive balance tax threshold.

Adding Gallen, even at Spotrac’s conservative $23.1 million annual projection, would further extend the Yankees into luxury tax territory — unless they reduce payroll elsewhere or allow expiring contracts to lapse.

Nevertheless, if any franchise can accommodate such financial expansion, it’s the Yankees. With Cole’s injury concerns (he’s currently rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery) and Fried’s long-term health never guaranteed, investing in premium rotation depth could prove prudent over time.

Arizona’s conundrum: Financial constraints

For the Diamondbacks, the situation appears increasingly clear. After unexpectedly securing Burnes — a 2021 Cy Young recipient — Arizona likely cannot afford another $200 million pitcher contract.

Burnes, a recent father to twins, selected the Diamondbacks partly due to their proximity to his Arizona offseason residence. This geographic advantage won’t apply to Gallen, whose East Coast connections suggest he may prefer pitching closer to his roots.

Barring a summer extension — which Arizona has shown little urgency to pursue — Gallen seems destined to explore free agency, where teams including the Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and potentially the Boston Red Sox will compete for his services.

The road ahead

With months remaining before free agency, attention now centers on Gallen’s performance through the remainder of the season. A strong second half would only elevate his market value. However, even with his somewhat uneven start to 2025, his dominant Bronx appearance has clearly left a lasting impression.

Whether the Yankees can outbid competitors — or absorb the luxury tax implications — remains uncertain. But one reality is undeniable: Zac Gallen occupies a prime position on New York’s target list, and the possibility of a Cole-Fried-Gallen rotation powerhouse has transcended mere speculation.

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