The Chicago Cubs, like many teams, are expected to target starting pitching as the trade deadline approaches. The only real question is how many starters President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer will pursue by late July. Former GM Jim Bowden suggests Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks as the ideal option for the Cubs. “Chicago could use an additional starting pitcher, and Gallen fits the bill, even though he’s struggled this year with a 4-8 record and a 5.15 ERA,” Bowden noted. “Just two years ago, he was the National League’s All-Star Game starter and finished third in Cy Young voting. Last season, he posted a 14-6 record and a 3.65 ERA.”
While Gallen hasn’t performed well in 2025, there’s still hope he can rebound. His WHIP remains consistent with his career average—between 1.1 and 1.3—but he’s surrendering more hard contact, and his strikeout rate is only in the 47th percentile, per Baseball Savant. Bowden pointed out that the Diamondbacks would need Gallen to put together three or four quality starts before the deadline to demand a high-value return. However, if Arizona continues to fall out of playoff contention, they may have little choice but to trade the soon-to-be free agent. Gallen, 29, would be a rental for the Cubs, who would be responsible for the rest of his $13.5 million salary this season in addition to sending a prospect package back to Arizona.
