UNC Baseball: Is Zac Gallen one of baseball’s best pitchers?

Is it a stretch to say that the former UNC baseball standout is one of baseball’s best starting pitchers?

Although the 2020 season was condensed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Zac Gallen made the most of his limited opportunity. The former UNC baseball standout was impressive, posting a 2.75 ERA over his 12 starts. The Arizona Diamondbacks were one the league’s worst teams, but Gallen was most definitely a bright spot.

The start to the 2021 season did not go as planned for the right-hander, as he was forced to miss time due to a hairline fracture in his right arm. He made his return to the big league mound on April 13, and has made three starts since.

His latest start was most certainly his best. As part of a seven inning double-header, Gallen threw a complete game shutout to lead the Diamondbacks to a 5-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The former Tar Heel needed just 83 pitches to complete seven full innings of work, and it’s safe to say that he could’ve pitched longer if the game was a nine inning contest.

Heading into his scheduled start on Saturday night against the Colorado Rockies, Gallen has given up just four runs over 16.2 innings of work throughout his first three starts of the season. His strikeout numbers are high, as he’s currently averaging more than a strikeout per inning.

Yes, Gallen’s sample size is small, just 30 career big league starts to be exact. However, is it too early to say that the former Tar Heel is quickly becoming one of the league’s best starting pitchers?

Realistically, it’s not a stretch by any means.

His career 7-8 record may make you think otherwise, but don’t look at that when you’re talking about this topic. What you should look at are his strikeout numbers, as well as the amount of walks and hits he’s surrendered.

Quite frankly, Gallen is good at striking people out, but also has been very effective in limiting both walks and hits from opposing hitters. Since his debut in 2019 with the Miami Marlins, it’s been status quo for the former Tar Heel, as these are continuous trends when he takes the mound.

Let’s also not forget: Gallen is just 25 years old. If he’s not in the conversation yet, it’s very possible that he could be in the very near future.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch Gallen, take some time to watch him go to work. He doesn’t draw much attention in Arizona, which is why many may not consider him within this top starting pitcher conversation, but if he continues to pitch at this level, people will quickly start to learn more about the talented right hander.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Zac Gallen, and the UNC baseball program.