The Arizona Diamondbacks have transitioned into sellers this season, a shift made clear by recent trades involving Josh Naylor and Randal Grichuk. Among the potential players on the trading block is Zac Gallen, the former team ace, whose trade value potential has sparked interest across Major League Baseball. While Gallen has struggled this year, his previous performance and current durability keep him in high demand for teams seeking rotation depth as the trade deadline approaches.

Arizona’s Roster Moves Signal Major Turnover Ahead

Arizona’s willingness to trade key players like Gallen stems from a roster crowded with expiring contracts. With at least six players expected to be moved before the deadline, the Diamondbacks are focusing on rebuilding for the future rather than immediate contention. Gallen, once expected to be a cornerstone of Arizona’s pitching staff through 2025, has faced a difficult season marked by inconsistent results and high home run totals. Nevertheless, he remains a valuable asset, especially as a rental player with starting experience who has been durable enough to make every start this year.

From 2021 through early 2024, Gallen posted solid numbers, including a 3.41 ERA and FIP across 663 innings pitched, along with nearly 700 strikeouts. Although his current 5.58 ERA reflects a downturn, advanced metrics suggest some bad luck and defensive issues have inflated this figure. His FIP of 4.86 and xFIP of 4.09 indicate potential for improvement if he lands in a better situation. The major concern is his career-high 23 home runs allowed, which leads the league and has contributed heavily to his elevated ERA.

Gallen’s Current Season Performance and Trade Appeal

This season, Gallen has maintained consistent durability, pitching deep into games with 11 starts of six or more innings. Contending teams are likely to view him as a reliable No. 3 or No. 4 starter who could regain his high upside with mechanical adjustments or a change in environment. His steady walk rate of approximately 3.4 per nine innings mirrors his 2024 level, suggesting control is not a major issue despite the struggles. Teams chasing playoff depth prize such stability in rotation arms, especially as Gallen’s pedigree includes multiple top-five finishes in NL Cy Young Award voting.

The Diamondbacks’ general manager Mike Hazen faces a decision: accept a competitive offer now to gain promising prospects or hold Gallen over the offseason and risk losing him after he declines a qualifying offer. The likelihood of Arizona re-signing Gallen appears slim, making a trade advantageous if it yields significant returns that bolster the farm system for post-2025 success.

Potential Trade Packages from Interested MLB Clubs

Chicago Cubs: Balancing Prospects and Immediate Gain

The Chicago Cubs possess a range of prospects who fit the Diamondbacks’ desire for upper-minors talent without mortgaging their entire future. James Triantos stands out as a promising middle infielder/outfielder already at Triple-A. Known for his contact skills and speed, Triantos could fill a future regular role with the D-Backs, though his power remains limited. Pairing him with right-handed pitcher Will Sanders, also in Triple-A and projectioned as a back-end starter, would create an appealing two-player package without demanding a top-tier prospect from the Cubs’ system.

Toronto Blue Jays: Targeting Control and MLB-Ready Pitching

Toronto is seeking starting pitching depth and views Gallen as a cost-effective option with upside. Their proposed offer centers on 21-year-old right-hander Gage Stanifer, a High-A pitcher who combines a strong fastball-slider mix with high strikeout totals but struggles with command. Stanifer could develop into a mid-rotation starter if he improves his control. Additionally, the Blue Jays could include Lazaro Estrada, a Triple-A right-hander with major league experience who has displayed readiness for <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB innings this season. This mix satisfies Arizona’s need for near-MLB talent while fitting Toronto’s strategy of acquiring controllable arms.

New York Mets: Offering Power Potential and Versatile Pitching

The Mets are unlikely to part with their premier pitching prospects, but they may match the Diamondbacks’ positional needs by including Ryan Clifford, their No. 7 prospect. Clifford is a power-hitting first baseman/outfielder currently in Double-A, boasting a .830 OPS with 35 extra-base hits, including 19 home runs. He projects as a mid-2026 MLB contributor capable of filling Arizona’s long-term gap at first base. To complement Clifford, New York might add right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel from Triple-A, a versatile arm who can start or relieve and has shown promising strikeout rates despite a middling ERA.

Boston Red Sox: Developing Rotation Depth Through Young Starters

Boston can provide two intriguing pitching prospects: David Sandlin and Blake Wehunt. Sandlin, 24 and currently pitching in Double-A, has a 3.61 ERA and good strikeout numbers in over 80 innings this season. He is on track to debut in MLB next year and holds the potential to be a top-three starter if fully developed. Wehunt, also a right-handed starter in Double-A, offers less upside but is similarly projected to reach the majors soon and contribute in a long-term rotation role. This pair could satisfy Arizona’s desire for multiple controllable arms to aid their rebuild.

Houston Astros: Offering High-Upside Pitching Despite System Challenges

The Astros’ depleted farm system means they must include a higher-value prospect to secure Gallen. Miguel Ullola, a Triple-A right-handed pitcher, stands out with his overpowering fastball but still requires refinement in secondary pitches and control before becoming a full-time MLB starter. If Ullola struggles with command, he may be converted into a reliever, but his potential remains evident. Another arm Houston might add is Juan Bello, a promising High-A right-hander with a diverse four-pitch repertoire, capable of starting or relieving at the major league level in the near future depending on command development.

Trading Gallen: Weighing the Decision and Next Steps

Arizona’s decision on Zac Gallen will hinge on offers surpassing the draft pick value they receive if he leaves as a free agent after declining a qualifying offer. Given his value to playoff contenders and his potential bounce-back with a fresh start, it is reasonable to expect at least one team to meet or exceed that benchmark. Such a trade would not only benefit a contending team seeking rotation depth and upside, but also aid the Diamondbacks in acquiring valuable prospects to rebuild for sustained success beyond 2025.

Ultimately, Gallen’s trade value potential remains a compelling storyline as the deadline approaches, with several teams poised to strengthen their rotations by adding a pitcher capable of stepping in immediately and contributing deep into playoff races. Arizona’s approach will reflect their long-term vision while balancing immediate competitive considerations.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why do they call Zac Gallen the milk man?

A. Fans call Gallen ‘The Milkman’ because he can be relied upon. On Thursday, he provided important support to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Gallen partnered with the food bank to give 2,300 gallons of milk from Shamrock Farms, a local business.