The Atlanta Braves' rotation has hit some speed bumps in recent weeks. Bryce Elder's rough outing on Sunday was just the latest example of a Braves starter struggling to piece together a quality start. Right now, it feels like the rotation is Chris Sale, a somehow effective Martin Perez, and a lot of finger-crossing.
Despite the uncertainty around the rotation, things actually could be worse. The reason for that: one of Atlanta's reported previous offseason targets is struggling to a degree that would have him in deep water if these results were taking place with the Braves.
Although there wasn't a ton of smoke around Zac Gallen signing with Atlanta this winter, it was reported that the Braves at least had some interest. As we know, the Braves ultimately did not make a major splash for a starting pitcher this offseason, and we should consider ourselves lucky Gallen was not the guy Anthopoulos broke that seal for.
"They're allowed to boo, I grew up outside of Philadelphia, I'm very familiar. They voice their displeasure with the players when they're not playing well, so it is what it is."#DBacks Zac Gallen on hearing the boos after a tough night at Chase Field. Gallen: 4 IP, 12 H, 9 ER,… pic.twitter.com/y0WXGFwVjr
— Julia Lopez (@JuliaLopez3) June 21, 2026
Braves lucked out not signing Zac Gallen, because he has been one of the worst pitchers in baseball
In 16 starts this season, Gallen has a 6.10 ERA, 5.68 xERA, 4.97 FIP, and -1.4 bWAR. In his most recent start, Gallen got shelled by the Twins, giving up nine earned runs and exiting the field to a chorus of boos from Diamondbacks fans.
Gallen began to show signs of decline last season, and it's part of the reason why he had to return to Arizona on a one-year deal this offseason. However, this season, the 30-year-old Gallen has truly fallen off. His 14.3% strikeout rate in 2026 is the first time that mark has fallen below 20% in his career, and his .377 wOBA and .364 xwOBA would also be career highs.
The hope for Gallen was to rebound in 2026 and land a multi-year deal next offseason, when the qualifying offer wasn't attached to his free agency. Unfortunately for him, at the rate his season is going, he may be lucky to finish the season in Arizona's rotation.
As for the Braves, they avoided sinking a decent chunk of money in an obviously declining pitcher. In June, the Braves entered Sunday ranked 21st out of 30 teams in starting pitching fWAR (0.6). Things obviously have not been going well, but the silver lining is that at least they are not dreading a Zac Gallen start every fifth day.
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