The Arizona Diamondbacks narrowly missed a return to the playoffs in 2024. After an unexpected run to the National League pennant, the team stumbled at the start of the season but now aims for significant improvements in 2025. According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Patrick Mooney, the Diamondbacks are considering trading Zac Gallen this offseason.
“The Arizona Diamondbacks have drawn considerable interest from teams seeking starting pitchers,” Sammon and Mooney noted from this week’s general managers’ meetings. “Gallen, projected to earn $14.1 million in arbitration, is among the league’s elite pitchers and will enter free agency after the 2025 season.”
Gallen continued to deliver as Arizona’s ace in 2024, securing 14 wins in 28 starts. Meanwhile, offseason addition Jordan Montgomery struggled and was eventually moved to the bullpen, intensifying the pressure on Gallen, who rose to the occasion.
Many teams are likely to show interest in Gallen’s availability. Sammon and Mooney suggest Arizona has a strong hand in negotiations. “The Pittsburgh Pirates have garnered attention, too, but few teams are as well-positioned as the Diamondbacks to trade a top starter. As a competitive team with quality depth, Arizona stands out to rival executives.”
Possible destinations for Gallen include nearly every team in need of starting pitching. Developing a reliable starter is challenging in MLB, so a chance to acquire a 29-year-old pitcher for at least one season is appealing. While Arizona has not historically produced many top starters, trading Gallen now could be a smart move.
