PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks got Major League Baseball’s trade deadline party started Thursday night, when they dealt 2024 MLB All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners for two pitching prospects.
That probably won’t be the last time the Diamondbacks make news before the deadline — 6 p.m. Eastern on July 31.
Arizona has had a disappointing season with a 51-53 record after Friday’s 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 11 innings, and now the Diamondbacks appear to be one of the most active sellers this year, dangling third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.
Gallen is having the worst full season of his career with a 7-11 record and 5.58 ERA but could still be an attractive add for a team that needs a starter. The 29-year-old right-hander has been one of the top pitchers in the National League the past five years, finishing in the top 10 of the Cy Young voting in 2020, 2022 and 2023. His stuff is still good, and he has had a handful of dominant starts this season.
Kelly, a 36-year-old righty, has quietly been one of the most consistent pitchers in the majors this year with a 9-5 record and 3.32 ERA. He was also excellent during Arizona’s playoff run in 2023 with a 3-1 record, 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 24 postseason innings. Kelly doesn’t have an overpowering fastball but has a five-pitch mix that has consistently delivered results.