Career Timeline of Zac Gallen: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Zac Gallen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Zac Gallen is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB. He previously played for the Miami Marlins. Gallen played college baseball at the University of North Carolina for three seasons. He was then drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft before being traded to the Marlins, and then ultimately to the Diamondbacks.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Drafted by St. Louis Cardinals

In 2016, the St. Louis Cardinals drafted Gallen in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft. He subsequently made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Cardinals.

December 14, 2017: Traded to the Miami Marlins

On December 14, 2017, Gallen was traded by the Cardinals to the Miami Marlins along with Sandy Alcántara, Magneuris Sierra, and Daniel Castano for Marcell Ozuna.

2017: Minor League Progression

In 2017, Gallen started the season with the Palm Beach Cardinals and was later promoted to the Springfield Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds. He ended the 2017 season with a combined 10–8 record and a 2.93 ERA across all three clubs.

2018: New Orleans Baby Cakes Season

In 2018, Gallen spent the season with the New Orleans Baby Cakes, where he went 8–9 with a 3.65 ERA.

June 20, 2019: MLB Debut with the Marlins

On June 20, 2019, Gallen was promoted to the major leagues by the Marlins and made his debut that night against the Cardinals, recording six strikeouts and allowing one earned run over five innings.

July 31, 2019: Traded to Arizona Diamondbacks

On July 31, 2019, Gallen was traded by the Marlins to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Jazz Chisholm Jr.

2019: Returns to New Orleans

In 2019, Gallen returned to New Orleans to begin the season.

2020: 2020 Season with Diamondbacks

During the 2020 season, Gallen recorded 82 strikeouts in 72 innings and finished with a 2.75 ERA and a 3–2 record with the Diamondbacks.

January 13, 2023: Agreed to Contract with Diamondbacks

On January 13, 2023, Gallen agreed to a one-year, $5.6 million contract with the Diamondbacks, avoiding salary arbitration.

January 11, 2024: Agreed to Contract with Diamondbacks

On January 11, 2024, Gallen agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Diamondbacks, avoiding salary arbitration.

January 9, 2025: Agreed to contract with Diamondbacks

On January 9, 2025, Gallen agreed to a one-year, $13.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks, avoiding salary arbitration and despite the addition of Corbin Burnes to the starting rotation, the Diamondbacks announced that Gallen would be their Opening Day starter for the third straight season.