As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Mets are exploring multiple options to strengthen their pitching staff, including Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gallen joins other right-handed starters like Dylan Cease and Sandy Alcantara on the Mets’ radar, with reports from SNY’s Andy Martino highlighting Gallen as a possible target. This season, the Mets are looking for reinforcements that can help boost their playoff chances, making Gallen’s situation a topic of intense debate among analysts and fans alike.
Gallen’s Recent Performance: From Elite to Struggling
Just two seasons ago, Zac Gallen was considered among MLB’s top pitchers. In 2022, Gallen posted a 2.54 ERA, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting. The following year, his strikeout total reached 220 over 210 innings, earning him third place in Cy Young contention and even securing an MVP vote. However, 2024 marked the beginning of some regression as he missed a month with a hamstring injury and finished with a 3.65 ERA. This year, his performance has sharply declined, with a 5.60 ERA over 127 innings and troubling metrics like a career-low 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings, the most home runs allowed in the National League at 23, and an MLB-worst 79 earned runs surrendered.
Underlying Metrics Suggest Potential for a Rebound
Although Gallen’s numbers this season are concerning, there are several encouraging signs beneath the surface. His fastball velocity remains consistent at an average of 93.3 mph, matching his career average. Surprisingly, his secondary pitches show increased movement; both his changeup and curveball have greater horizontal and vertical break compared to last year. Additionally, Gallen’s ability to produce swings and misses remains nearly intact, with a 25.6% whiff rate slightly below the 26.0% he posted previously.
Critical Issues with Gallen’s Knuckle Curve and Cutter
The most glaring problem lies in Gallen’s use of his knuckle curve. In 2024, this pitch had a positive run value of 15, but this year that figure has plummeted to minus four. When located properly in the lower part of the strike zone—the “Shadow,” according to Statcast—batters hit just .210 against it. However, Gallen has thrown 20.7% of his knuckle curves in the “Heart” of the zone this season, a significant increase from 12.4% last year. The results are dramatic, with batting averages against the pitch in the zone rising from .200 in 2024, with no home runs and a 17.5% whiff rate, to .577 in 2025, including three homers and only a 6.7% whiff rate, accompanied by a 75% hard-hit rate.
A similar pattern applies to Gallen’s cutter, which he has delivered in the heart of the zone 31.4% of the time this season—triple last year’s 10.4%. This has yielded a .400 batting average and two home runs against the pitch.
Trade Market and Team Context for Gallen
Gallen’s sudden fall from an All-Star level pitcher to one performing below replacement level raises questions about the demand the Mets would face if they pursue him as a two-month rental. The Diamondbacks, currently 7 games out of a National League Wild Card spot, may not be fully committed to offloading all their expiring contracts, as reported by Buster Olney. However, if Arizona opts to rebuild and trade in 2025, the Mets could also look into acquiring Merrill Kelly, another Diamondbacks pitcher and Gallen’s teammate.
Recent Performance Against the Mets and Upcoming Outlook
Despite this season’s struggles, Gallen has shown success against the Mets. In early May, he delivered two strong performances against them—six innings of one-run ball at Citi Field followed by seven innings of one-run pitching at Chase Field just five days later. More recently, however, Gallen was outpaced by Pirates ace Paul Skenes, allowing four runs over six innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. With the trade deadline closing Thursday evening, Gallen is scheduled to start again on Saturday, leaving the Mets’ front office with a pivotal decision regarding his acquisition.
Potential Impact of Acquiring Zac Gallen for the Mets
If the Mets decide to pursue Zac Gallen, they face a high-stakes gamble. The pitcher’s proven track record offers hope that a change in coaching and environment, particularly under pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and the Mets’ staff, might revive his form and turn him into a key figure in their playoff rotation. As Gallen approaches his 30th birthday, the Mets’ investment could pay off significantly if he regains even a portion of his previous dominance. However, the risk remains substantial given his marked decline this season and the likelihood of intense competition in the trade market.