The New York Yankees’ batting order might be all but solidified for 2026, but their rotation could certainly use an upgrade. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt all set to miss the start of the season, the Yankees’ starting rotation currently contains Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers.
On paper, it’s not the worst group in the world. However, in the event of an injury, it would certainly take a hit. Gil and Weathers both missed significant time in 2025, so their availability isn’t a sure thing.
Fortunately for the Yankees, a proven, durable righty remains on the free agent market in Zac Gallen. At 30 years old, he’s still in his prime and would be a welcome addition for more reasons than one.
Durability
Over the past four seasons, Gallen has pitched 734 innings, a number only surpassed by Framber Valdez (767 2/3) and Logan Webb (820). In addition, he’s made 126 starts during that span, the fourth most behind Miles Mikolas, Dylan Cease, and Webb.
Gallen shows up year after year, staying healthy and pitching deep into games. For a Yankees team constantly dealing with injuries to its rotation, Gallen would be a breath of fresh air.
Production
Gallen is not an innings eater. Despite handling a heavy workload, he’s consistently put up good numbers. Of pitchers with 120 starts over the past four seasons, Gallen’s 3.63 ERA ranks sixth. His 56 wins in those four years are also the second-most, while his 743 strikeouts are the sixth-most.
This production is exactly what the Yankees need. Warren struggled last season, and Gil’s command was poor. Add in Weathers’ return from injury, and the Yankees’ need for a proven starter like Gallen becomes even clearer.
Postseason Experience
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Nothing matters more to the Yankees organization than postseason performance. Gallen has only made six career postseason starts, with all of them coming in the 2023 playoffs. However, he came up big for the Arizona Diamondbacks in those half-dozen appearances.
In Game Two of the Diamondbacks’ Wild Card series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Gallen pitched six innings to earn a quality start. He allowed two earned runs, earned the win, and moved the Diamondbacks into the NLDS.
In that NLDS, Gallen came up big again against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In Game Two, with the Diamondbacks up 1-0 in the series, Gallen went 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs. He secured the win once more, putting the Diamondbacks up 2-0 in the series.
Yes, Gallen’s postseason experience might be limited, but his production speaks for itself.
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