'Fresh Start' Trade Idea Sends $13.5 Million Pitcher To Desperate Cubs

Newsweek

26-07-2025

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Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly recently pitched a hypothetical trade idea that would send Zac Gallen to the Chicago Cubs as a "fresh start" trade candidate at the upcoming deadline.
"Two years after he was an NL Cy Young Award finalist, Zac Gallen is having a rather disastrous contract year, with a 5.58 ERA and 4.86 FIP to show for his first 21 starts," Kelly wrote. "But between 2022 and 2024, his 12.1 WAR was seventh among all starting pitchers, according to FanGraphs. If the Diamondbacks are willing to consider offers for him—he's among a ton of impending free agents in Phoenix—there are going to be teams who convince themselves they can get him back on track with some minor tweaks."
"The Cubs are a team in win-now mode given Kyle Tucker can become a free agent after this season. They have a strong one-two starting rotation punch with Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd, but they could use another frontline option to take the ball for them in the postseason. Gallen, when he's right, fits that bill."
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 21: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros at Chase Field on July 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 21: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros at Chase Field on July 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.Would this make sense?
Trading for Gallen won't be as easy as many expect. The Diamondbacks could likely re-sign him on the qualifying offer if they choose. If he opts to go elsewhere, they would land a draft pick instead. Either way, the Diamondbacks wouldn't walk away empty-handed.
The Cubs might be aggressive enough to make a deal happen, though. Chicago has been very aggressive to win this season. Acquiring Gallen would be another win-now move, but it's one that makes sense.
If Chicago can return him to his previous form, it would be landing a star for a lot less prospect capital than players like Sandy Alcántara will go for.
Either way, this trade idea would push the Cubs closer to the ultimate goal of winning the World Series.
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