Everyone knows or has one of those months where every decision, small or big, has come back to haunt them. Where nothing goes right, and well, the Arizona Diamondbacks are having one of those wretched seasons this time. 

The Diamondbacks entered this season looking like they were ready to show down with the big boys. The front office went headfirst into the free-agent market, right? They splashed out on what is a combination of $420+ million on starting pitchers. The message was clear—the team wasn’t just looking for an October chase again; they wanted rings.

But instead of building a super rotation, they are now in a super mess in June. Injuries have taken down not one, but several players. And Bob Nightingale didn’t mince words and gave a clear warning to the Diamondbacks.

Bob Nightengale dropped the line that might hit the Diamondbacks like a fastball to their ribs. He said in his piece, “You wonder how hesitant they’ll be to ever again swim in the deep free-agent waters for starting pitchers.” Honestly, he is not far off in assessing the team because it has been an absolute mess for the Diamondbacks. Starting with Corbin Burnes, of course, but not limited to him. Burnes was the prized possession of the off-season, signed for an eyewatering $210 million.

He was meant to bolster the team, but instead, his elbow has given out. Burnes is now headed to a Tommy John surgery. And this officially ends his 2025 season and maybe even the 2026 season. So it’s brutal. But this is not all. Jordan Montgomery was signed for $47.5 million and is also down with Tommy John after posting a rough 6.23 ERA. Eduardo Rodriguez is also struggling through a nightmare with a 7.05 ERA and was signed for $80 million. That’s not the end of it.

There is also Madison Bumgarner, whose disastrous years and $85 million still haunt. Collectively, it is around $420+ million spent on the off-season to make a difference, and it has not moved the needle. The Diamondbacks are still hovering near the bottom of the NL West and far behind rivals like the Dodgers and Giants. And to make matters worse, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are free agents after this season.

Zac Gallen won’t be a Diamondback for much longer

Now, let’s face this—Zac Gallen might be on borrowed time in Arizona. With the Diamondbacks showing no signs of slowing down their downward spiral, there is a growing sense that Gallen, who is in the final year of his contract, could be on the move. Even before the trade deadline, guess who would be watching with curiosity then—the Chicago Cubs.

Right now, Chicago’s rotation is hanging by its threads. Justin Steele is done for the year, and Javier Assad’s return is still a huge question mark. Plus, even Shota Imanaga, who started hot, is dealing with his injuries. If the Cubs want to stay in the mix, then they need a starter—real one—and that’s when Gallen fits in. He might not be having the best year. Through 13 starts, he has a 5.13 ERA and a 4-7 record, and he has given up 11 home runs, too! But don’t let these numbers fool you.

Zac Gallen has got the goods, too, and from 2022 to 2024, he was one of the best arms in the league. A 3.20 ERA over 93 games. Fifth in Cy Young voting in one year, he is a frontline starter, and 29 years old. So if the Diamondbacks want to sell, the Cubs could be first in line.  Chicago could send two ten prospects, like Brandon Birdsell and Jaxon Wiggins, to Arizona. Sure, it’s a risk, but for a team desperate for a fix, this might just be it.

Do you think the Diamondbacks will trade Gallen? Let us know your thoughts.