It would appear that Elminster sends a simulacrum to visit Gale in Baldur's Gate 3, instead of making a true appearance himself. While Elminster is primarily known for being a powerful wizard from Ed Greenwood's novels, he also played an important role in the first Baldur's Gate title, where he observed (and later on guided) the player character during their fateful quest to confront Sarevok. The part he plays in Baldur's Gate 3 largely concerns Gale, to the point where Elminster brushes off players who either lose the scholar from Waterdeep or fail to recruit him.