It was supposed to be just another night in Yankee Stadium—bright lights, a roaring crowd, and a lineup stacked with sluggers. However, instead of fireworks, fans were left watching bat after bat get blown away by a pitching masterclass from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The energy shifted. The scoreboard said one thing, but the whispers in the front office tunnel said something else entirely.

That transformation was courtesy of Zac Gallen, who made the New York Yankees look like a late-summer Single-A team. However, while Gallen struck out 13 in one of the most dominant performances of the season, his impact went beyond securing the win. It sparked a vital interaction—one that has Arizona fans sweating and managers across MLB circling like sharks.

The Diamondbacks’ iconic single-game performance came from the very guy the team could be forced to part ways with. Gallen, who is earning $13.5 million, is in his walk season. He is expected to receive a deal worth over $200 million in free agency. But the sad part is that Arizona may not be able to compete in the bidding war. That’s where things get messy. Who is calling the shots? Well, it is not just the star’s camp prepping for a blockbuster payday. The Diamondbacks know they have already spent $210 million on Corbin Burnes. Carrying two star pitchers is not just tough—it’s downright unrealistic for a team with long-term financial restrictions.

That raises the inevitable question: What now? If the team begins sliding in the NL West before the summer trade deadline, the smart baseball decision could very well be the most infamous one. Trading this talent is cashing in on a likely top-tier star haul, something the Yankees, Dodgers, and Astros would be more than happy to supply.

It is not just data on a contract. Gallen is the kind of elite contender Cravesa—a frontline starter, playoff-tested, and as fans saw at Yankee Stadium, capable of defeating any lineup. With a whole career ERA of 3.33 and 54 wins across 7 seasons, he has proven to be a workhorse with the ability to eat innings, posting 830.2 innings pitched over 146 games. Even this season, despite a rough 5.28 ERA in his first three starts of 2025, he remains a treasured resource. His power to bounce back is quite high. With his past performances, including his 2023 All-Star appearance, teams know he can turn it on when it matters most. So, how does a team go from watching their ace humiliate a rich team in baseball to drifting his name in trade talks? That is where logic and loyalty discord.

But again, the rumors are not new. His East Coast ties are real. Gallen grew up near Philly and still holds ties to the region. Insiders propose that if he hits free agency, the pull to return East could be strong. Particularly with big-market suitors ready to extend both the bag and the spotlight. And so, even after a jaw-dropping outing, the trade smoke isn’t clearing.

That’s the heart of Arizona’s issue—pay now and risk collapsing your payroll. Or trade now and risk imploding your season. Either way, the pressure’s mounting, and the eyes of the league are watching how they handle it.

Yankees eye Zac Gallen amid Diamondbacks’ financial dilemma

As the Yankees’ pitching rotation faces several injuries, including long-term absences for Gerrit Cole and Marcus Stroman, the front office is reportedly eyeing a trade for a frontline starter. Gallen, with his dominant production against the Yankees—striking out 13 batters—has drawn major attention from New York. With a struggling rotation and a championship window closing, the Yankees see Gallen as a potential solution to their pitching woes. His imminent free agency after the season only magnifies his appeal, making him a prime trade aim for a team desperate to cushion its staff.

If the Diamondbacks were to trade Gallen, they would likely turn to their young roster to fill the gap. Promising pitchers like Ryne Nelson and Brandon Pfaadt are taking on more prominent roles. Additionally, the team recently signed right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman. After missing the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery, he could provide valuable depth. Such internal options provide potential outcomes. But, replacing Gallen would unquestionably challenge the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff. The team’s devotion to competing is evident, as highlighted in their team-record payroll and vital offseason acquisitions, like Burnes. Therefore, any walkout of a star would necessitate strategic adjustments to manage their competitive edge.

While Gallen’s potential trade has raised questions about the future of the Diamondbacks, it’s evident that the Yankees and other opponents are eyeing him as a key piece to bolster their rotations. If Gallen is traded, the Diamondbacks will need to lean on their young pitchers to maintain their playoff hopes. As the trade deadline approaches, the team will be pressured to make smart moves that stabilize short-term success and long-term development.