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

Josh Rojas #10 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is tagged out by Sean Murphy #12 of the Atlanta Braves a...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks out-executed by Braves, win streak snapped

Atlanta ended Arizona's six-game winning streak with a 5-2 victory, one in which Spencer Strider tossed six innings with two earned runs.

5 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo #17 of the Arizona Diamondbacks looks out to the pitchers mound against the C...

Alex Weiner

D-backs extend manager Torey Lovullo through 2024, reports say

The Arizona Diamondbacks and manager Torey Lovullo agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2024 season, according to reports.

5 hours ago

Manager Torey Lovullo #17 of the Arizona Diamondbacks tosses a ball while watching batting practice...

Wills Rice

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo: ‘I want to stay here for the rest of my life’

Now the D-backs have had success, Torey Lovullo may be a hot name for bigger markets looking to make a splash with an experienced manager.

1 day ago

Corbin Carroll #7 of the Arizona Diamondbacks high fives manager Torey Lovullo #17 after scoring a ...

Kellan Olson

Diamondbacks walk the walk in 6th straight win, beat Braves

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a statement with Friday's win over the Atlanta Braves by excelling in the margins to win a tight game.

2 days ago

(Twitter Photo/@Dbacks)...

Character Counts

D-backs donate $25K to Sarah Langs’ ALS initiative on Lou Gehrig Day

The Arizona Diamondbacks donated $25,000 for ALS research, contributing to MLB research extraordinaire Sarah Langs' #FistBumps4ALS initiative.

2 days ago

Scott McGough #30 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Texas Rangers during the sixth in...

Alex Weiner

D-backs’ Scott McGough feeling more comfortable adjusting to MLB hitters

Diamondbacks reliever Scott McGough is learning how to attack MLB hitters and having success in the back end of the bullpen.

3 days ago

D-backs reach settlements with Zac Gallen, Christian Walker