The Chicago Cubs’ pitching rotation has been crushed with injuries this season. The biggest loss was Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery earlier this year that ended his season before he could really get going.
The Cubs will need to hit the trade market in the coming weeks, and it’s likely they hit it hard to find the best solution in their rotation.
Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN recently suggested the Cubs could be one of the best fits in a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen.
“Gallen was excellent for the past three seasons, but now, in a contract year, is posting career-worst numbers in almost every category. His stuff looks pretty similar, but he’s allowing much more damage when hitters make contact,” they wrote. “Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the team does not plan to deal away players at the deadline, but if Arizona doesn’t make a run, it could reap a huge return with all of its impending free agents.”
Gallen is the perfect buy-low candidate if the Cubs believe they can help him return to his old form.
The Diamondbacks righty has been excellent for nearly all of his big league career, but during a contract season, he’s been a bottom-of-the-barrel pitcher.
With that in mind, the Cubs could buy low on him, likely acquiring him for much less than many expect, in a deal that would boost the Cubs’ pitching staff. If Chicago can help Gallen return to his old form, the righty would be the boost Chicago needs to clinch the National League Central.
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