Get ready for a deep dive into the world of baseball and the fascinating stories of three starting pitchers who are aiming to make a comeback in the 2026 season! These pitchers, each with their unique challenges and journeys, are determined to bounce back and prove their worth once again.
First up, we have Zac Gallen, a former ace who dominated the league with his incredible performances from 2022 to 2023. Gallen's ERA during that period was an impressive 3.04, and he struck out an incredible 26.4% of batters he faced. His 9.3 fWAR ranked him among the elite, ahead of even the mighty Logan Webb. As he entered his prime in 2024, expectations were high, but Gallen's numbers took a slight dip, with a 3.65 ERA and a decline in his strikeout and walk rates. However, his ability to induce groundballs improved, which is a positive sign.
But here's where it gets controversial... Gallen's performance further declined in 2025, with an ERA of 4.83, his worst since 2021. Despite staying healthy and pitching a full season, his stats didn't reflect his true potential. His expected stats suggest he was better than they indicated, but the decline was undeniable. Gallen entered the offseason as a potential bargain, and MLBTR projected a four-year, $80MM contract. However, his market didn't meet those expectations, and he settled for a one-year reunion with the Diamondbacks.
The key to Gallen's comeback lies in refining his breaking pitches, which struggled in 2025. His curveball, once a weapon, needs to regain its edge. Gallen must also focus on increasing his strikeouts and preventing home runs, as he allowed an alarming number last season.
Next, we have Sean Manaea, a veteran starter who signed a lucrative three-year, $75MM deal with the Mets during the 2024-25 offseason. Manaea had a strong 2024 season, but his 2025 campaign was a complete 180-degree turn. He suffered an oblique injury in March, missing the first half of the season, and then experienced a setback with loose bodies found in his throwing elbow. Despite returning in July, his ERA was a disappointing 5.64.
However, Manaea's expected stats paint a different picture, suggesting he was better than his surface-level numbers indicated. The issue? Home runs. Manaea struggled with the long ball, and his decision to ditch his sinker, which was a valuable pitch in 2024, didn't help. Opponents teed off on his four-seamer, and his sweeper usage saw diminished results.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza believes that Manaea's mechanical adjustments, combined with his injury, contributed to his poor performance. In 2026, Manaea needs to regain his pre-injury mechanics and find a balance between his two fastballs.
And now, let's talk about Walker Buehler, a former NL Cy Young contender in 2021. Since then, Buehler has struggled with injuries and poor performance. He missed all of 2023 and returned in 2024, but his results were underwhelming. The Red Sox took a chance on him with a one-year deal, but 2025 was another tough year. Buehler's velocity dropped, and his strikeout rate was abysmal. Boston released him, and he signed with the Phillies, but his market value took a hit.
Buehler now finds himself competing for a spot in San Diego's rotation. To regain his value, he must adjust his pitch mix. His four-seamer has lost its shine, so focusing on his sinker, which was well-regarded in 2025, could be the key. Buehler needs to embrace a new identity as a soft-contact, groundball pitcher to extend his career.
These three pitchers, Gallen, Manaea, and Buehler, are facing unique challenges as they aim to bounce back in 2026. Will they rise to the occasion and prove their worth once again? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: baseball fans are in for an exciting season!
