The Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher Zac Gallen has experienced a challenging 2025 campaign, yet his trade value remains notable as the July 31 Trade Deadline approaches. With the D-backs holding a 50-53 record, the team appears poised to move several expiring contracts, including Gallen’s, to strengthen their roster for the future.
While third baseman Eugenio Suárez is considered the most attractive piece on the market, Arizona has also made it known that both Gallen and fellow veteran starter Merrill Kelly are available for trade discussions.
Gallen’s Performance and Why Teams Still See Potential
Despite Zac Gallen’s uneven numbers this season—highlighted by a 7-11 record and a 5.58 ERA—multiple sources indicate he remains a pitcher worth acquiring. His style relies heavily on feel, sequencing, and mixing pitches effectively, which some believe has been impacted by a slight decline in velocity this year.
“Gallen is very much a pitcher who operates by feel, but that sense has come and gone too often this season (7-11, 5.58 ERA). While his metrics are largely similar to previous years, a veteran hitter pointed out that even a slight dip in velocity can dilute his pitch mix, which relies on sequencing and sharp contrasts,”
one article noted.
“Nonetheless, league sources said, Gallen is viewed as a pitcher worth pursuing,”
the report stated.
One league insider emphasized Gallen’s competitive nature and self-awareness, saying, “
Zac wants the ball,” a league source told Mooney and Sammon.
“He finds the chip and puts it on his shoulder and keeps going. He’s the type of guy who’s also very honest with himself about how he’s doing and what’s going on.”
Recall of Gallen’s Past Impact on Arizona’s Success
It can be easy to overlook Gallen’s valuable contributions to the Diamondbacks’ recent successes amid his current struggles. Just two years ago, Gallen posted a solid 3.47 ERA across 210 innings, and in 2022, he posted a dominant 2.54 ERA that played a crucial role in Arizona’s ascent from the bottom of the NL West.
His leadership and postseason experience remain important assets. According to Mooney and Sammon,
“
Gallen’s role in helping lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to the 2023 World Series is not a distant memory,”
adding that this playoff background is
“a compelling reason to acquire him – and a cautionary reminder for an Arizona franchise that will not easily concede.”
Potential Trade Dynamics and Team Considerations
The Diamondbacks are unlikely to trade both Gallen and Kelly at the deadline, as doing so would leave the rotation severely weakened despite promising performances from younger pitchers Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson. Maintaining competitiveness remains a priority, even as the team evaluates its roster for the future.
Although Gallen’s value may not command a blockbuster return given his 2025 difficulties, teams still recognize his pitching skills and intelligence. His ability to perform at or near the top of a rotation provides a solid foundation for potential suitors willing to take a chance on a rebound.
The Road Ahead for Zac Gallen and Arizona
As the trade deadline nears, the Diamondbacks will weigh their options carefully. Moving Gallen could bring back useful assets to help rebuild, but Arizona’s reluctance to weaken their pitching staff entirely shows their intention to remain competitive. For MLB teams searching for starting pitching, Gallen’s combination of experience and ability, despite recent setbacks, keeps him on the radar.
The situation emphasizes how even established players facing midseason struggles can retain meaningful trade value, which could play a significant role in both Gallen’s career trajectory and Arizona’s future roster makeup.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why do they call Zac Gallen the milk man?
A. Fans call Gallen “The Milkman” because he consistently meets expectations. On Thursday, he provided essential milk to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Gallen partnered with the food bank to donate 2,300 gallons of milk from a local business, Shamrock Farms.