Saving Gallens

 

At the 2019 trade deadline, the Miami Marlins traded Zac Gallen to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Jazz Chisholm Jr. At the moment, it is one of the most even trades in recent history. Both players have been imperative to the growth of both teams in the last few seasons; Chisholm is now a five-tool star in Miami and Gallen is now one of the best starters in Phoenix. 

As for who's doing better right now, you may be quick to say Chisholm, as his flashy techniques have been one of the sole offensive highlights for the Marlins. But I actually think it's Zac Gallen, mostly because he has a more consistent core to surround himself with.

Like it was at the beginning of the season, the rotation of Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Madison Bumgarner and Zach Davies is one of the tightest groups in the majors. Right now Davies has the highest ERA with 3.78, which, compared to his Cubs numbers, is pretty damn good. Gallen is having the most unhittable year, with a WHIP under 1. I think Kelly might be the most traditional starting gun of the four, but Gallen might be the best overall pitcher. And to have all four of them on and healthy now is the reason why the Diamondbacks aren't in last. The pitching, which was even relatively far along last year, is lifting them a great deal higher than Denver, and people like Gallen and Kelly certainly help. 

I also trust the majority of this lineup. Varsho, Walker, Marte, Rojas, Peralta and Thomas are all playing really well right now, and Gerardo Perdomo is certainly making up for his hitting woes as a defender. I've given Christian Walker shit for being a one-dimensional home run hitter, but right now he has 16 home runs and is leading the team in WAR, so clearly that's enough right now. You're also seeing Jake McCarthy slowly come into his own off the bench, and Carson Kelly begin to ramp things back up after missing time on the IL. There's more pieces in place than a lot of fourth place teams, and even if there isn't a ton for this team to do, they're still accomplishing a ton.

Hell, I'll go so far as to say that I don't think this team will lose a lot of key members at the trade deadline. Maybe one or two, but nobody huge. They could honestly make a run at things in the next few years and be successful. And I think Zac Gallen will be at the head of that team.

Coming Tonight: The longest tenured member of one of the youngest teams in baseball.