MLB · 6 months ago

Deadline Game-Changers: Gallen and Valdez Could Reshape the Playoff Race

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

These Rental Aces Are Built for October
Zac Gallen offers strikeout upside, a competitive edge, and proven postseason experience—traits that could flourish with the right team and a few tweaks to his approach. Framber Valdez, meanwhile, is the definition of reliability: a ground ball machine with a playoff résumé and a sinker that silences power bats.

If either pitcher is dealt, it could reshape the playoff picture entirely. Sometimes, one bold move from a contender is all it takes to swing October’s outcome.

The post Two Rental Aces That Could Shake Up the Deadline appeared first on Just Baseball.
Why Gallen and Valdez Could Define This Year’s Trade Deadline
We're only a week into June, but teams are already looking ahead to July as the Trade Deadline chaos begins to stir. While much remains unsettled in several division races, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: this year favors the sellers, especially when it comes to starting pitching. And two names sit atop the potential trade block: Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen.

Both are set to hit free agency soon. Both bring playoff-tested experience. Both possess top-of-the-rotation talent, though one has underperformed in 2025. And wherever they end up, each has the potential to shift the balance of power in the postseason race.

Thanks to Just Baseball for this slideshow article's stats, analysis, and insights.
Why the Diamondbacks Might Move on from Zac Gallen
The Arizona Diamondbacks are at a crossroads. After a hot-and-cold start to 2025, they sit fourth in the NL West and 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Despite a potent offense, their pitching woes, marked by a 4.76 ERA, could push them into sell mode. Arizona may trade ace Zac Gallen, with Corbin Burnes injured and the team sliding.

Gallen, a free agent after this season, has struggled to find his rhythm (5.13 ERA, 4-7 record). But his track record is elite—12.3 WAR from 2022–24, two top-5 Cy Young finishes, and a key role in the 2023 World Series run. His peripherals suggest bounce-back potential, and a new team could help optimize his pitch mix. With high value, the D-backs may sell now, rather than lose him for nothing.

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Why Framber Valdez Could Be the Trade Deadline’s Top Arm
Framber Valdez might be the biggest name on the move come July. The Astros lead the AL West for now, but with the Mariners pressing and the Rangers still dangerous, their grip is anything but secure. If Houston slides or opts to avoid losing Valdez in free agency, the 31-year-old lefty could headline the starting pitcher market.

Valdez is delivering another strong campaign, owning a 3.07 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 2.2 WAR through 13 starts and 85 innings. He’s notched ten quality starts and even fired a complete game on just 83 pitches. His elite ground ball rate (96th percentile) is powered by a dominant sinker, which has generated +9 run value and ranks among the best in baseball.

Though he occasionally allows hard contact and his walk rate is middling, Valdez remains a steady, playoff-proven force. With 16.9 WAR since 2020 and October experience, he’d be a game-changing addition.
Who Could Make a Move for Gallen or Valdez?
Zac Gallen likely won’t be traded within the NL West, ruling out the Dodgers and Giants. But contenders in the NL Central or East? Very much in play.

The Mets make sense; they’re exceeding expectations but lack a true ace. Gallen, a New Jersey native and UNC alum, could be a natural fit in Queens. The Yankees may also target him with Gerrit Cole out for the year. While Max Fried and Carlos Rodón have held down the fort, adding Gallen could deepen their October rotation. The Blue Jays, Guardians, and Twins are wild cards depending on how July unfolds.

In the NL Central, the Cubs have the offense and farm system to go big. The Cardinals, Gallen’s original team, could bring him back to bolster a rising rotation. The Brewers need rotation depth and innings eaters, but lack trade capital.

If Houston shops for Framber Valdez, the Dodgers and Padres could battle it out again.

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These Rental Aces Are Built for October
Zac Gallen offers strikeout upside, a competitive edge, and proven postseason experience—traits that could flourish with the right team and a few tweaks to his approach. Framber Valdez, meanwhile, is the definition of reliability: a ground ball machine with a playoff résumé and a sinker that silences power bats.

If either pitcher is dealt, it could reshape the playoff picture entirely. Sometimes, one bold move from a contender is all it takes to swing October’s outcome.

The post Two Rental Aces That Could Shake Up the Deadline appeared first on Just Baseball.
Why Gallen and Valdez Could Define This Year’s Trade Deadline
We're only a week into June, but teams are already looking ahead to July as the Trade Deadline chaos begins to stir. While much remains unsettled in several division races, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: this year favors the sellers, especially when it comes to starting pitching. And two names sit atop the potential trade block: Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen.

Both are set to hit free agency soon. Both bring playoff-tested experience. Both possess top-of-the-rotation talent, though one has underperformed in 2025. And wherever they end up, each has the potential to shift the balance of power in the postseason race.

Thanks to Just Baseball for this slideshow article's stats, analysis, and insights.

Deadline Game-Changers: Gallen and Valdez Could Reshape the Playoff Race

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