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Injury news could prompt Yankees to pursue new rotation trade target originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Yankees got a very embarrassing reminder that they need to upgrade their starting rotation this weekend. If watching rookie Will Warren meltdown against the Dodgers wasn’t enough, former World Series champion Alex Rodriguez said it bluntly after the blowout loss on national TV.
With the news that Corbin Burnes is dealing with an elbow injury that requires a second opinion and Fangraphs putting the Arizona Diamondbacks’ playoff chances at just over 27%, the New York Yankees should look hard at Zac Gallen.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal shared on Fox Sports Monday that the Diamondbacks may become sellers at the trade deadline and while Gallen hasn’t had a great year, he is a former All-Star with ties to the area.
Gallen’s 5.54 ERA is far from ideal, but two of his best starts this year have come under the bright lights in New York. A New Jersey native, Gallen pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts at Yankee Stadium in April, and followed that with seven innings allowing just one run in Queens last month.
With his numbers not all that attractive and the 29-year-old set to become a free agent after this season, the price could be right for the Yankees.
And they have a history of helping pitchers turn their seasons around since hiring pitching coach Matt Blake in 2020. Just look at how effectively they have used Ryan Yarbrough this season.
If Arizona is motivated to trade him to reduce payroll, New York could acquire a valuable piece for its rotation at a reasonable cost.
Although Gallen’s recent struggles highlight the need for adjustments, the Yankees’ coaching staff and pitching depth create a promising environment for him to regain form.
The Yankees saw firsthand that they need to upgrade their starting rotation, and now there might be another opportunity to do so.
Related: Yankees Fans Brace for ‘Nightmare Fuel’ After Latest Injury News
Related: Yankees Make Roster Move Amid Bullpen Concerns
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
