"Although Zac Gallen put up a career worst 4.83 ERA last year, he is a perfect fit when it comes to durability and workload, as he's the definition of an innings-eater. In the last four years, the right-hander has put up 184.0, 210.0, 148.0, and 192.0 innings respectively. If the Blue Jays do end up giving him a contract, fans could expect to see a shorter-term, 'prove-it' style deal, considering how much he regressed last year."
"Gallen made every single one of his starts in 2025 (192 innings pitched), but the origin of his struggles are a bit difficult to diagnose. His velocity remained the same, in fact a few of his pitches (slider, cutter, knuckle-curve) increased in velocity. That being said, his strikeout rate drastically dropped to 21.5%, down from around 26-27% at his best. Gallen's walk rate has also increased, as he put up an 8.1 BB% in 2025, compared to an 8.7% rate in 2024."
The Blue Jays identified adding one or two high-end starting pitchers as a top priority and signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year deal. Several rotation candidates remain under consideration, including right-handers Zac Gallen and Michael King. Gallen offers exceptional durability and a history of heavy workloads, but he posted a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 2025 with a sharp drop in strikeout rate and a rise in walk rate. Gallen's velocity largely held, with some pitch speeds increasing. A short-term, prove-it contract is likely, and coaching could unlock a higher ceiling or confirm an innings-eater role.
Read at jaysjournal.com
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