The Chicago Cubs are having a brilliant 2025 season so far, but they’ve still got an Achilles’ heel.
Shota Imanaga’s return will help, but the Cubs’ rotation still pales in comparison, at least on paper, to their National League rivals. The numbers support it too, as Chicago ranks 19th in Major League Baseball in starter ERA (4.00).
With Justin Steele out for the season due to elbow surgery, it makes sense for the Cubs to grab a rental starter at the deadline who can complement Imanaga in a one-two punch. The real question is which starters will be available.
One baseball writer is hopeful that the Arizona Diamondbacks’ struggles will continue long enough to grant the Cubs the opportunity they need.
On Thursday, FanSided’s Jordan Campbell named D-backs ace Zac Gallen, a 2023 All-Star and third-place Cy Young Award finisher, as an ideal Cubs deadline trade target.
“There is some risk involved in Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitcher Zac Gallen for the Cubs if he isn’t able to turn his struggles around. Gallen has been roughed up over the last month, resulting in his season ERA ballooning up to 5.13,” Campbell wrote.
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“However, unlike (Sandy) Alcantara, Gallen is a free agent after the season and likely wouldn’t cost as much as the (Miami) Marlins’ pitcher would. Also, unlike Alcantara, 2025 has been the only blip for Gallen.”
Gallen, 29, has an impressive 3.44 career ERA and 20.0 bWAR in parts of seven seasons. He also allowed just one earned run in seven innings in his most recent start, a sign that the tide could be turning.
Spotrac projects Gallen for a six-year, $117 million extension when he hits the open market this winter. If he were to excel for the Cubs, Chicago might think about trying to meet or exceed that price tag, but that comes secondary to grabbing a piece that can help them win in 2025.
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