Arizona Diamondbacks Injury Woes: Will They Sell Zac Gallen or Eugenio Suárez?

By Oliver Wiener July 04, 2025 09:53

The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a pivotal moment as injuries and inconsistent performances have left their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the question on many fans’ minds is whether the Diamondbacks will part ways with key veterans like ace pitcher Zac Gallen or infielder Eugenio Suárez to bolster their rebuilding efforts.

Zac Gallen’s Struggles and Injury Concerns

Zac Gallen, once considered the cornerstone of Arizona’s rotation, has endured a difficult 2025 season. After a career-best 2.54 ERA in 2024, Gallen’s numbers have taken a sharp downturn. He currently holds a 5.25 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP across 61.2 innings, surrendering nine home runs in his last five starts and posting a troubling 6.97 ERA during that stretch. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has also dipped, with 39 strikeouts to 21 walks in 51.2 innings during a recent rough patch.

Injuries have compounded his struggles. Gallen has battled offseason shoulder issues and lingering arm discomfort, leading the Diamondbacks to consider pushing back his next start to allow extra rest. Despite these setbacks, Gallen remains only 26 years old and has shown flashes of the ace potential that made him a prized asset.

Manager Torey Lovullo noted, “Zac’s had a tough go this season, but he’s a competitor. We’re managing his workload carefully and hope to see him regain his form.” Still, with Gallen entering the final year of his contract and free agency looming in 2026, the Diamondbacks face a tough decision: hold onto their struggling ace in hopes of a rebound or trade him for prospects to accelerate the rebuild.

Eugenio Suárez: Veteran Presence Amid Uncertainty

On the offensive side, Eugenio Suárez has been a steady, if unspectacular, contributor. The veteran third baseman provides power and experience in a lineup that has struggled for consistency. However, with the Diamondbacks lagging in the standings and a focus on youth development, Suárez’s future in Arizona is uncertain.

Suárez’s market value remains respectable due to his track record, but the team must weigh whether retaining him aligns with their long-term plans. Trading Suárez could yield valuable prospects or salary relief, allowing the Diamondbacks to invest in younger talent.

Trade Deadline Speculation

The Diamondbacks’ injury-plagued rotation and middling offense have sparked trade rumors. The Chicago Cubs, for instance, have reportedly expressed interest in Zac Gallen following injuries to their own pitching staff. A proposed trade involving top Cubs prospects for Gallen has circulated, though Arizona’s recent struggles make the asking price a subject of debate.

Analysts note that Gallen’s diminished performance and health concerns could temper trade value, but his youth and prior dominance keep him in demand. Meanwhile, Suárez could attract teams seeking veteran leadership for a playoff push.

Looking Ahead

Arizona’s front office faces a delicate balancing act. Retaining Gallen and Suárez could help stabilize the roster for a late-season surge, but selling at the deadline might better serve a rebuilding timeline. The Diamondbacks have already made roster moves to address pitching depth, recalling prospects like Kevin Ginkel and Bryce Jarvis, signaling a willingness to integrate youth.

Lovullo remains optimistic but realistic: “We want to compete every day, but we also have to be smart about the future. We’ll evaluate all options as the deadline approaches.”

The Diamondbacks’ injury woes and underperformance have put pressure on management to make critical decisions. Whether they choose to sell Zac Gallen or Eugenio Suárez or hold firm their moves will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.