When the Arizona Diamondbacks traded their star infield prospect Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the Miami Marlins a couple of years ago, they tried to make sure to receive a similarly talented stud.
At the time, the Marlins organization badly needed a young hitter to build around, and the D-Backs wanted a young pitcher with projection.
It’s fair to say that the trade has worked out for both clubs.
Gallen is blossoming into a bonafide ace right before our eyes.
The right-hander, still just 27 years old, has a sparkling 10-2 record with a 2.53 ERA in 25 starts this year.
That’s ace-like performance.
He also has 145 strikeouts in 145.2 frames, and a solid 0.94 WHIP.
He has become the best pitcher in the D-Backs rotation, and an important piece of their future as they try to return to contention next year.
Gallen Cannot Be Touched Right Now
The most impressive thing about Gallen is that he currently seems untouchable.
In fact, he already owns the biggest scoreless streak in franchise history.
Zac Gallen has been INSANE! 😳#Dbacks pic.twitter.com/ddbs1GeY14
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 31, 2022
With eight additional scoreless innings, he would surpass a franchise icon, Brandon Webb, who put up zeroes after zeroes back in 2007 with a 42-inning scoreless streak.
Throwing eight scoreless frames is awfully difficult, but Gallen seems to be in a groove right now, so anything can happen.
The guy has a 0.80 ERA in his last seven starts, which is unbelievable.
With him pitching like this, the D-Backs can rest easy knowing that they have a frontline starter to match up against the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres for years to come.
Quietly, he has become one of the strongest pitchers in the National League.
NEXT: Corbin Carroll Is Already Flashing His Power In Arizona