ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs reach settlements with Zac Gallen, Christian Walker

Jan 14, 2023, 12:30 PM | Updated: 12:32 pm

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewer...

Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field on September 04, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

The Arizona Diamondbacks reached contract settlements and avoided arbitration with pitcher Zac Gallen, first baseman Christian Walker, catcher Carson Kelly, outfielder Kyle Lewis and pitcher Cole Sulser, the team announced Saturday.

The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro reported the amounts as follows: Walker ($6.5 million), Gallen ($5.6 million), Kelly ($4.3 million) and Lewis ($1.6 million).

The Diamondbacks in November tendered 39 players, including the arbitration-eligible Gallen, Kelly, Lewis and Walker, plus third baseman Josh Rojas.

Walker put together his best season yet, posting a .477 slugging percentage and .804 OPS thanks, in part, to 36 home runs.

He added 94 RBIs and 141 hits on top of Gold Glove-worthy defense at first base.

Gallen likewise had a career season with a 2.54 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 31 starts.

Kelly’s offense fell off in 2022 compared to his prior season, but he was a trusted body behind the plate for a starting rotation that, aside from veteran Madison Bumgarner, found its legs behind Gallen and Merrill Kelly.

The Diamondbacks acquired Lewis in a November trade with the Seattle Mariners.

The 27-year-old outfielder played in 18 games last year while dealing with injuries — he has not played more than 57 games over an entire season —  and struggled with a .143/.226/.304 slash line.

Lewis’ best season came in 2020, when over 57 games he hit 11 home runs with a .438 slugging percentage and .801 OPS.

Sulser last played with the Miami Marlins in 2022, posting a 5.29 ERA, 1.618 WHIP and 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings over 39 games played.

Arizona Diamondbacks

diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks roster projection: Spring training begins

What may the Arizona Diamondbacks' roster and lineup construction look like? Let's take an early look at the options going into spring training.

9 hours ago

Randal Grichuk, diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Pitching is what’s left on Diamondbacks offseason to-do list

The Diamondbacks may have some moves to make regarding the pitching staff while feeling good about the offense as spring training begins.

2 days ago

Trey Mancini...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks take a chance on former Orioles slugger Trey Mancini

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with former Orioles slugger, cancer survivor and World Series champion Trey Mancini.

3 days ago

Randal Grichuk...

Alex Weiner

Randal Grichuk returns to Diamondbacks on 1-year deal

The Diamondbacks have agreed to re-sign outfielder Randal Grichuk, who finished red hot in 2024, Mark Feinsand first reported on Tuesday.

6 days ago

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by the league on Monday over sports gambling...

Associated Press

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB on Monday for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.

7 days ago

Diamondbacks Kristian Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks announce spring training roster with Gino Groover, Kristian Robinson

The Diamondbacks released their spring training roster for big league camp on Friday, including prospects Gino Groover and Kristian Robinson.

10 days ago

D-backs reach settlements with Zac Gallen, Christian Walker