The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central, but may be on the hunt for starting pitchers near the trade deadline to help maintain a stronghold on the division.
The Cubs’ starting rotation is dealing with some key injuries. Justin Steele will not pitch again this season after having elbow surgery. Shōta Imanaga is on the injured list as well. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman suggested the team trade for Zac Gallen to bolster their rotation for a deep run.
“It goes without saying that if the Arizona Diamondbacks make Zac Gallen available, there will be a bidding war to acquire him,” wrote Rotman. “Gallen finished fifth in the NL Cy Young balloting in the 2022 campaign and was a Cy Young finalist the following season. The 2025 campaign has been a struggle for the right-hander, but with his track record, it’d be surprising to see his name in rumors and not see the Cubs linked to him.”
Gallen is going to be a free agent after the season. Right now, the Diamondbacks can still fight for a Wild Card spot in the National League. However, their ace, Corbin Burnes, is going to undergo Tommy John surgery, making the road to the postseason tougher. If the Diamondbacks decide to sell, Gallen should be a name the Cubs monitor.
Gallen is projected to earn a six-year, $116 million deal in free agency, and the Diamondbacks may not want to pay him after giving Burnes a $210 million deal in the offseason. Gallen has a 5.13 ERA this season, a down season for sure. However, last season he had a 3.65 ERA in 28 starts.
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In the last four seasons, Gallen has a 3.44 ERA. He has been healthy, making at least 28 starts in each of those seasons. His best season came in 2021 when he was an All-Star.
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