Trade proposal has Cubs acquiring $13.5M star pitcher in blockbuster

The Chicago Cubs will likely be active in the trade market ahead of the deadline to bolster their roster.

One area of need is the starting rotation, and Major League Baseball analyst Zachary Howell of ClutchPoints proposed a deal that would see the Cubs acquire Zac Gallen from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Cubs acquire:

• Zac Gallen

Diamondbacks acquire:

• Miguel Amaya
• Jonathon Long

“While their offense has been great, their pitching leaves a lot to be desired. Steele's injury forced Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon to step up,” Howell wrote. “Imanaga’s issues has robbed Chicago of one of the best pitchers in the league this season. Without him, the Cubs' ERA skyrockets. Gallen's numbers aren't attractive, but he is capable of turning things around in a big way. He won at least 12 games in each of the last three seasons, earning All-Star honors in 2023.”

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The proposed deal would be intriguing as Chicago would acquire Gallen to bolster the rotation. The Cubs would hope for Gallen to have a bounce-back as he has struggled this season.

The right-hander is earning $13.5 million this season and will be a free agent at the end of the year. Gallen is 4-8 with a 5.19 ERA in 15 starts this season. Gallen is a one-time All-Star.

In return, the Cubs would give up Amaya, who can be part of the Diamondbacks' catching tandem with Gabriel Moreno. The 26-year-old is hitting .280 with 4 home runs and 25 RBIs this season.

Chicago would also give up Long, who’s the team’s 12th-ranked prospect. The corner infielder and outfielder is expected to reach the majors in 2026 as he’s currently playing in Triple-A. Long is hitting .318 with home runs and 47 RBIs this season in the minors.

The Cubs are currently 45-28 and atop the NL Central.

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