Arizona Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen Ends Tenure After Playoff Elimination

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen likely made his final start with the team in a 7-4 loss to the San Diego Padres that eliminated Arizona from playoff contention. Gallen, who has been with the Diamondbacks since 2019 and has made over 170 starts, expressed emotional difficulty in removing his jersey after the game, reflecting on his seven years with the team and his pride in representing Arizona. Despite battling illness and fatigue late in the season, Gallen delivered a solid stretch after the trade deadline but struggled in his last outing, allowing five earned runs over 4.1 innings, including a pivotal grand slam by Fernando Tatis Jr. He finished 2025 with a career-worst 4.83 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and career highs in home runs allowed, highlighting areas for improvement as he enters free agency. The Diamondbacks chose not to trade Gallen at the deadline, contrasting with teammate Merrill Kelly, who was traded to Texas. Gallen's departure marks the end of an era for Arizona's rotation, where he and Kelly were long-time anchors.