Boston Red Sox Rumors: 3 Diamondbacks targets at MLB Trade Deadline

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 20: David Peralta #6 of the Arizona Diamondbacks (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 20: David Peralta #6 of the Arizona Diamondbacks (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 23: Starting pitcher Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Boston Red Sox Trade Target No. 2: Zac Gallen

Zac Gallen‘s win-loss record paints the picture of a pitcher who has struggled early on in his career, but it’s actually been quite the opposite. Through three seasons so far, Gallen’s career record is 7-13, but his 3.29 ERA paints the picture of a pitcher who simply gets no run support.

It’s safe to say Gallen hasn’t really played on a good baseball team throughout his career. He was traded from the Miami Marlins to the Diamondbacks during their 2019 playoff run, but things fell apart pretty quickly in Arizona, and now they have morphed into the worst team in baseball. Gallen’s run support has been among the worst in the league, which is why he struggles to win any games.

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Gallen followed up a solid 2019 season with a breakout 2020 season, in which he finished ninth in Cy Young voting. Things haven’t gone as smoothly this season for Gallen however, as he has had multiple stints on the injured list, and struggled more than usual when he’s been healthy. His 4.80 ERA is a full two runs higher than it was last season, which is indicative of how Arizona’s season has gone.

Despite his struggles this season, Gallen is a high upside pitcher who could be a tantalizing trade prospect. For starters, Gallen is just 25 years old, meaning his best years are most likely ahead of him. Gallen is also being paid just over $600,000, which is dirt cheap for a player of his caliber. He’s also under team control for the next four seasons.

The Diamondbacks would probably be smart to blow things up, but they may opt to hold onto Gallen for the foreseeable future. If they don’t, Boston should be on the other line inquiring about the young right hander. It would be a bit of a risk considering his season-long struggles, but Gallen’s upside is considerably higher than other potential starters on the trade market.