Could Zac Gallen Finally Fix the Angels’ Pitching Woes?
Photo Credit: @MLBONFOX - X
The biggest thing the Angels need to work on this offseason, as has been the case in most recent years, is pitching, specifically starting pitching. Despite boasting stars like Mike Trout and the emerging Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto, Los Angeles continues to struggle with consistency from its rotation. Adding a reliable arm to stabilize the staff should be the organization’s top priority, and Zac Gallen could be exactly the type of pitcher the Angels need.
Gallen is coming off his worst statistical season, posting a 4.83 ERA. However, this down year might actually present the Angels with even more incentive to offer Gallen a contract. Before 2024, Gallen had established himself as one of the most dependable starters in the National League. In 2023, he earned an All-Star selection and finished the season with a 3.47 ERA while pitching 210 innings, ranking among MLB leaders in both categories. His track record shows that last season was likely an outlier rather than a sign of decline.
Across his career with the Diamondbacks, Gallen has proven to be a durable and consistent presence. Over the last four seasons, he has thrown no fewer than 145 innings each year, a valuable trait for a team like the Angels that has long struggled to keep its rotation healthy. His combination of command, competitiveness, and durability would instantly strengthen a pitching staff that has lacked stability behind its top arms.
From a financial perspective, Gallen makes even more sense. Coming off a down year and having made $13.5 million in 2024, he could be signed to a short-term “prove-it” contract, something like a two-year, $38 million deal. This would minimize risk for the Angels while giving Gallen the chance to rebuild his value and potentially earn a larger extension if he performs up to expectations.
On the field, Gallen would slot in perfectly as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter, fitting nicely between José Soriano and Yusei Kikuchi. His steady presence and veteran experience could also help mentor younger arms in the organization, like Caden Dana and Samuel Algherdi. Even Angels' newest first-round draft pick, Tyler Bremmer.
At just 30 years old, Gallen still has several productive seasons ahead of him. If he rebounds to his pre-2024 form, the Angels could find themselves with a legitimate frontline starter for a fraction of the cost of higher-priced free agents. In short, Zac Gallen represents the perfect mix of value, experience, and upside, exactly what the Angels need to start turning their franchise around in 2025.
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