Right-hander, a free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been linked to the Atlanta Braves.
But others have questioned if the Braves make as much sense as others following a fairly disappointing 2025. The Braves may have to look elsewhere if Atlanta is unwilling to pay Gallen a large sum of money. Although it’s difficult to overlook last season, Gallen appears to have the kind of arm Atlanta would desire.
Gallen’s market is more difficult to identify than it might appear, but Rowan Kavner of FOX Sports noted that Atlanta is a good fit.
“Given Gallen’s career success—he placed third in the 2023 Cy Young voting—this is a difficult time for him to be entering free agency,” Kavner wrote. The right-hander, who had a 3.20 ERA from 2022 to 2024, allowed a career-high 31 home runs and had a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 2025. There were just three pitchers who gave up more. He did, however, end on a noteworthy note, recording a 3.32 ERA over his last 11 outings.
The Braves need health and perhaps an extra arm or two, but they don’t need to completely disassemble their rotation.
Given his past performance, Gallen may be that guy once more, but at what price?
There is undoubtedly a benefit, which is crucial.
Adding Gallen may be beneficial if Atlanta thinks the second-half player is the genuine deal, as they have in past seasons. But there’s no assurance that the Braves feel that way.
