The Chicago Cubs have stumbled a little bit over the past few weeks. After spending a good chunk of time at the top of the National League Central, they now trail the Milwaukee Brewers by a game.

 

The trade deadline is less than a week away, and there has already been some movement on the trade front. The Cubs have needs to address.

Their biggest need is starting pitching, as their rotation has been hit hard by injuries. Justin Steele is out for the year, and they have been without Jameson Taillon for a few weeks.

Tim Kelly proposed several trade ideas for players looking to get back on track. One such proposal included the Cubs acquiring Zac Gallen from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“The Cubs are a team in win-now mode given Kyle Tucker can become a free agent after this season. They have a strong one-two starting rotation punch with Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd, but they could use another frontline option to take the ball for them in the postseason. Gallen, when he’s right, fits that bill,” Kelly wrote.

Gallen’s 2025 season has been nothing short of disastrous. The 29-year-old right-hander is 7-11 with a 5.58 ERA in 21 starts.

However, the Diamondbacks seem to have already committed to selling, which makes a trip to the postseason unlikely. Therefore, the Cubs could be in play for the former All-Star.

Gallen played a major role in Arizona getting to the World Series in 2023, but has struggled since. Chicago is firmly in contention and could certainly use an arm such as Gallen.

A change of scenery could help Gallen rediscover his form and potentially rebuild his value some before he hits free agency this offseason. It will be interesting to see if the Cubs make an offer.