Yankees Plot Shock Trade for $116M Ace as Diamondbacks Spiral — Gallen Could Fuel Bronx October Run
The New York Yankees are no strangers to bold moves, but their latest rumored target could be one of the most surprising yet. As the trade deadline looms and the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in the National League West, insiders suggest the Yankees are seriously eyeing All-Star pitcher Zac Gallen — a potential blockbuster acquisition that could shake up the American League playoff race.
Gallen, who has long been the anchor of the Diamondbacks’ rotation, is enduring a rough stretch with a 5.54 ERA so far this season. Despite his current struggles, the right-hander boasts a career 3.46 ERA and was an All-Star just last season. With Arizona sliding to fourth place and now missing ace Corbin Burnes due to injury, their postseason hopes are fading — and Gallen could become the crown jewel of the midseason trade market.
According to FanSided’s Michael Brakebill, Gallen’s trade value has dipped just enough to make him an intriguing buy-low target for contenders. “He will likely receive interest at the deadline if available, but he will not be every team’s first option unless he turns things around,” Brakebill wrote. For the Yankees, that risk may be worth the potential October reward.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for New York. Gerrit Cole, their ace and reigning Cy Young winner, is out for the season following Tommy John surgery. Luis Gil, a promising young arm, has also been sidelined for months. Though Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Ryan Yarbrough have kept the rotation afloat, the Yankees clearly need another frontline starter to survive the playoff gauntlet.
Despite his inconsistent form, Gallen has the pedigree and playoff potential that teams crave. In 2023, he delivered 28 strong starts with a 3.65 ERA, and at just 29 years old, he’s entering his prime. More importantly, Gallen is in the final year of his contract, which means a team acquiring him now gets the benefit of a playoff-caliber starter without the long-term financial commitment — unless they choose to lock him up.
That’s where things get especially interesting. Spotrac projects Gallen’s next deal to be worth six years and $116 million, a relatively team-friendly number in today’s pitching market. After handing Corbin Burnes a $210 million deal, the Diamondbacks may balk at the idea of keeping both stars, making Gallen a likely trade chip.
For the Yankees, this is a golden window. With their offense firing on all cylinders and Aaron Judge returning to MVP form, a playoff run is not only expected — it’s demanded. Adding Gallen could be the difference between a respectable season and a deep October push. He wouldn’t need to be the ace; he’d simply need to be reliable. In a rotation with Fried and Rodón, that’s more than doable.
Of course, any deal would come at a cost. Arizona will almost certainly ask for one of the Yankees’ top prospects, possibly including names like Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones, or young arms like Will Warren. But with the window open and pressure mounting in the Bronx, GM Brian Cashman may be willing to pay the price.
The move would also send a powerful message: the Yankees are all-in. In a season where they’ve already battled adversity and injuries, landing Gallen would reinforce their identity as perennial contenders and restore balance to a rotation that’s been pushed to its limits.
On the Diamondbacks’ end, the trade would mark a shift toward future planning. With Gallen’s value still intact and his contract expiring, flipping him for premium talent now could be the reset Arizona needs to stay competitive in the long term — especially with Burnes as their new ace.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Bronx and the desert. Will the Yankees pull the trigger on one of the boldest moves of the season? Will Gallen rediscover his form and become the final piece of New York’s championship puzzle?