Diamondbacks former All-Star doesn’t want to leave Arizona at trade deadline

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a tough spot as we get closer to the trade deadline on July 31.

Arizona insists upon not selling at the deadline, but with the team underperforming and lots of talented players on expiring contracts, they may have no choice but to sell and reload for next season.

According to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, ace Zac Gallen became the latest Diamondback to say he doesn’t want to be in trade rumors, joining Eugenio Suárez.

“I would like to not be in that discussion,” Gallen told USA TODAY Sports. “I would like for us – and it starts with me – to put us in a position where the front office believes this is a team they can add to where we can finish this thing out and see what happens come October. Let’s see what happens.”

Gallen, 29, is 6-9 with a 5.45 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in 18 starts this season. He has pitched well against some good teams like the New York Mets (twice), the New York Yankees and most recently the San Francisco Giants, but he hasn’t had dominant stuff this year.

Gallen is in the final year of his contract with Arizona and could be on the move if the team continues to hover around .500.

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With Gallen showing flashes of getting back to form, he is raising his trade value and the value of his next contract.

“I’ve never been a person that really thinks about the eternal factors, and all of that stuff,” Gallen said. “Even going back to being drafted. It’s a thing. It’s there. It is what it is. You just got to go handle your business.”

If Gallen handles his business and Arizona starts winning, the Diamondbacks may try to buy in hopes of sneaking into the playoffs.

Arizona is 44-45, fourth place in the National League West but just three-and-a-half games back from the third NL Wild Card spot.

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