Red Sox Trade Idea Lands Diamondbacks' Cy Young Finalist

Red Sox Trade Idea Lands Diamondbacks' Cy Young Finalist originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Outside of Garrett Crochet and Bryan Bello, Lucas Giolito has been the lone stabilizing force in the backend of the Boston Red Sox’s rotation. Over his last five starts, the right-hander has delivered 32.2 innings of elite-level production, posting a 0.83 ERA with 31 strikeouts. His resurgence has provided a necessary lift, but it is far from enough.

Injuries to Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford have left the starting staff’s depth razor-thin, while Walker Buehler’s struggles continue to weigh down the group. According to FanGraphs, Buehler’s 6.45 ERA ranks as the fourth-highest among pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched. For a team with postseason aspirations, that level of production simply will not cut it.

Despite the pitching concerns, the Red Sox offense is finally beginning to fire on all cylinders. After weeks of inconsistency following the Rafael Devers trade, Boston has erupted for more than eight runs per game over its last six contests.

The bats may be showing more consistency, but without a serious upgrade to the rotation, the Red Sox will struggle to survive October — if they get there at all. For Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, the message is clear: if Boston wants to be more than a borderline contender, help must arrive on the mound.

According to Alex Mayes of Sox Talk, one name worth watching is Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen.

“Zac Gallen signed a one-year contract with Arizona for $13.5M before the 2025 season began and will be an unrestricted free agent,” wrote Mays. “He’s been just okay this season, currently sitting with a 5.45 ERA over 18 games with 98 strikeouts and a 1.37 WHIP. He’s not a splashy addition, but is lightyears better than what Buehler has given the team.”

Despite Gallen’s struggles, his previous three top-10 Cy Young finalist finishes make him an intriguing trade candidate. Gallen’s advanced metrics are down across the board, but removing him from Arizona will serve his performance well. According to Baseball Savant, only 11 of Gallen’s 20 home runs allowed would translate to Fenway Park. While it is a long shot he returns to his near Cy Young winning ways, Gallen’s upside is enough to gamble on. 

It should also not be ignored that acquiring Gallen at the deadline could give him a few months to assimilate himself into the Boston area before testing free agency. If he performs well, it could lead to a lengthy extension and give the Red Sox an elite one-two punch at the top of their rotation. 

Related: Red Sox Trade Idea Acquires Reds' 3.52 ERA Starter to Bolster Rotation

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.