It's no secret what the Chicago Cubs will be seeking at the 2025 trade deadline.
With one of the best offenses in Major League Baseball and a rotation currently headlined by Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs will almost certainly make calls to every prospective seller asking about their starting pitchers.
The issue, though, is that there aren't many bad teams with good pitchers to spare at the moment. But perhaps if one team that was projected to be a contender falls on its face, the Cubs could swoop in.
On Tuesday, Newsweek's Andrew Wright named the Cubs as a possible trade fit for Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen. Gallen, a 2023 All-Star and third-place Cy Young finisher, has a shocking 5.25 ERA through 11 starts this year.
"This may seem a little far-fetched, but when really looking at it, it may be more of a possibility then some would think. Gallen is in the last year of his contract with the Diamondbacks and with their recent struggles, he could be on the move if they continue," Wright wrote.
"Arizona's season-long chase of the Dodgers, Padres and Giants, combined with Gallen being in the final year of his contract, make him a prime trade target and someone the Cubs should target if the Diamondbacks give any kind of notion that the three-time Cy Young finalist is available."
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There are two main hurdles to clear here, one for each club to consider slamming the door in the other's face.
The Diamondbacks definitely still consider themselves playoff contenders, as their 27-27 record belies just how much talent they have, particularly on offense. If Gallen gets his season back on track, it will likely mean the D-Backs getting back in the playoff picture.
On the flip side, if Gallen is there for the taking at the trade deadline, it probably means he's continued to struggle. Would the Cubs want to decimate the farm at all for a rental pitcher whose best days might already be behind him?
Still, if the Diamondbacks are looking to shed the remainder of Gallen's $13.5 million salary by July, a move remains at least somewhat plausible.
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