Cubs urged to avoid trading for $13.5M starting pitcher
One clear area of need for the Cubs is adding to the rotation, and luckily for Chicago, several impact starters are expected to be made available.
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However, MLB analyst Lior Lampert of FanSided urges the Cubs to avoid trading for Arizona Diamondbacks star pitcher Zac Gallen.
'Gallen has been among the hurlers heavily connected to the Cubs ahead of the MLB's cutoff point for outside acquisitions,' Lampert wrote. 'Coming off consecutive (extremely) quality outings, it's easy to envision fans of the North Siders re-greasing those wheels. However, if Chicago wants to bolster its rotation for a potential World Series run, Arizona's veteran right-hander isn't the answer…
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'Despite delivering back-to-back gems, Gallen has been highly volatile in 2025,' Lampert added. 'While he has an extensive, strong résumé, the Cubs have too much at stake to add him. The one-time All-Star's unsteadiness doesn't give Chicago the upgrade on the mound it needs to win a title.'
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Gallen is in the final year of team control as he avoided arbitration on a one-year, $13.5 million deal. With the Diamondbacks outside of a playoff spot, his name has come up in trade talks.
Gallen is 7-9 with a 5.15 ERA in 19 starts this season.
More MLB: Cubs could move on from solid catcher after Miguel Amaya returns from injury
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