Leading up to the MLB trade deadline, it seemed destined that former UNC baseball star Zac Gallen would be on the move.
With the Arizona Diamondbacks being "sellers," the franchise was shopping its pending free agents in hopes of getting some value back.
The club struck deals that involved players like Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suarez and Merrill Kelly, but ultimately did not find the right package to part ways with Gallen.
Zac Gallen stays in AZ
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2025
The starting pitching market didn't explode like many thought it would, especially considering how many playoff-contending teams need rotation depth. However, the asking price (as expected) was very high, leading starting pitching needy teams to shift their focus to the bullpen market.
Currently in the midst of a rough season, teams weren't willing to meet the Diamondbacks' asking price for Gallen.
Now, Gallen's short-term future is secured, as he'll finish up the 2025 season with the team he's been with since 2019. The future is still uncertain, as the hope is that he'll get back on track over the final stretch of the regular season to help improve his value heading into free agency.
With the trade rumors aside, Gallen can now focus on the present. The removed pressure might help the former Tar Heel find his groove on the mound.