With the Houston Astros having questions after their top two starters, they are likely to be involved in the trade market for a new starting pitcher. With plenty of teams likely out of the postseason hunt by the trade deadline, there will be a strong class of pitchers available on the market.
After the Diamondbacks lost ace Corbin Burnes for the remainder of the 2025 season due to injury, they are likely to become sellers at the MLB trade deadline. Of the options the Diamondbacks have to sell, they have two starting pitchers who would be solid additions for the Astros.
According to an article from Dylan Sanders of Sports Illustrated, the Astros are predicted to trade for Diamondbacks All-Star starter Zac Gallen. “He’s been a consistent NL Cy Young candidate over the last couple of years,” Sanders writes. “But a step back this season could make him an affordable option.”
Sander’s mention of a step back is significant. While Gallen is a former All-Star and has been in the top five for Cy Young voting twice in the last three seasons, his 2025 campaign has gotten off to a poor start.
Through Gallen’s first 14 starts of 2025, he has a 5.15 ERA and a 4-8 record. Not only is he struggling in allowing runs, but he’s also been having command issues. “His walk rate has been creeping up,” Sander writes. “Which is alarming, and his Stuff+ has taken a hit, but perhaps the Astros could help him get back on the path that he showed earlier in his career.”
While Gallen has struggled, he’d be an intriguing addition for the Astros. The 29-year-old is currently under contract for $13.5 million in 2025 and is a free agent after the season. He’d be a rental in Houston, but with his prior production, he could be well worth acquiring to replace some of the struggling and injured Astros starters.
