May 2, 2025 | St. Louis, MO — The St. Louis Cardinals have made their boldest move in years, pulling off a stunning one-for-one trade that brings ace Zac Gallen to the Gateway City, sending young slugger Jordan Walker to the Arizona Diamondbacks in return.
🔁 TRADE DETAILS
📥 Cardinals receive:
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Zac Gallen, RHP (Age 29)
– 2024 Stats: 15–7, 3.15 ERA, 192 K, 1.07 WHIP
– Career WAR: 18.9
– 2023 NL Cy Young Finalist
📤 Diamondbacks receive:
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Jordan Walker, OF (Age 22)
– 2024 Stats: .263 AVG, 27 HR, 88 RBI, .794 OPS
– Entered 2025 as MLB’s No. 1 breakout candidate per ESPN
🧨 A High-Stakes, High-Upside Swap
With the Cardinals sitting at 12–17 and sporting one of baseball’s most underwhelming rotations, the front office decided it was time to act decisively. In acquiring Gallen — a true frontline starter under team control — they send a loud signal to fans: We’re not waiting for 2026.
Arizona, meanwhile, lands one of the most exciting young hitters in the game. Walker, who mashed his way to the majors at age 20, still has raw edges, but scouts rave about his power, arm, and character.
🗣️ Front Office Quotes
John Mozeliak, Cardinals POBO:
“It’s not every day you can trade for a top-10 pitcher in baseball. Zac is the kind of competitor who makes everyone around him better.”
Mike Hazen, Diamondbacks GM:
“Walker has superstar written all over him. This was a chance to get a 22-year-old middle-of-the-order bat who could be a face of the franchise.”
⚾ League Reactions
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Ken Rosenthal:
“Old-school baseball trade. No fluff. One elite bat for one elite arm. Love it.”
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Buster Olney:
“Zac Gallen for Jordan Walker is the kind of deal that could define both teams for a decade.”
🔮 What Comes Next
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St. Louis: Gallen slots in as the ace of a shaky rotation that includes Miles Mikolas, Lance Lynn, and Steven Matz. Fans are now wondering if a second trade — involving Nolan Arenado or Paul Goldschmidt — might follow.
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Arizona: With Walker, Corbin Carroll, and Ketel Marte, the Diamondbacks boast one of the most athletic, dynamic lineups in baseball — and could soon shift to a more offense-first identity.
