The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation is top-heavy. Outside of his last start, Shota Imanaga has been stellar this season, and veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd continues to be the epitome of consistency. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the rest of Chicago’s starting five.
Cubs Expressing Interest in Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen in Risky Deadline Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation is top-heavy. Outside of his last start, Shota Imanaga has been stellar this season, and veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd continues to be the epitome of consistency. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the rest of Chicago’s starting five. Justin Steele and James Taillon are out due to injury. Colin Rea is streaky, and rookie Cade Horton struggles outside of the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.
With World Series ambitions and a heated NL Central race unfolding, the Cubs must reinforce their starting rotation — a reality not lost on president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, whose aggressive trade deadline strategy reflects that urgency.
The Cubs were in trade talks with the Kansas City Royals to acquire Seth Lugo before the right-hander inked a new two-year, $46 million contract extension. Now that the right-hander is off the market, the team is pivoting out West to fill their rotational needs.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are expressing interest in Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen.
Trading for Gallen is a gamble after seeing the right-hander struggle for most of the season. Through 22 games, he has a 5.60 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.35 WHIP across 127 innings. Although Gallen’s durability is something Chicago is sure to covet, his production is not.
However, the 29-year-old is two years removed from being a Cy Young finalist, and getting out of the hitter-friendly Chase Field should help improve his statistics. Gallen is also an impending free agent and should cost as much as Pittsburgh Pirates’ Mitch Keller, whom the Cubs are willing to part ways with top prospect Owen Caissie to acquire, according to Nightengale.
Gallen is a risky acquisition, but if Chicago wants to refrain from mortgaging their future, he could be a cost-effective trade target.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
