The Arizona Diamondbacks are sitting at 17-18 through early May, and while a postseason push isn't out of the question, the reality of a stacked NL West could quickly shift their trajectory. If the D-Backs stumble over the next few months, they may find themselves in seller territory—and that's where a familiar name resurfaces.

According to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, the Diamondbacks have been linked to a trade involving veteran starter Zac Gallen, a 30-year-old All-Star who currently carries a 4.45 ERA across seven starts this season. Gallen, who will be a free agent at season's end, has been a reliable workhorse even when not at his sharpest. Bowden notes that teams are already scouting him closely ahead of the trade deadline.

This isn't the first time Gallen's name has surfaced in trade rumors. Last year, whispers circulated about a potential deal, but the Diamondbacks held onto him. Many now argue that was a missed opportunity. While the return may not have been blockbuster, it likely would have been solid. This year, with Gallen a year older and pitching better than he did at last year's deadline, the logic for moving him is even stronger.

Comparisons are already being drawn to the team's decision to trade Merrill Kelly last season. While opinions differ on whether that was the right call, the case for finally parting with Gallen feels increasingly clear. Despite a dip in performance over the last two seasons, he remains a durable, innings-eating starter with a proven track record—exactly the type of arm contenders covet down the stretch.

For a Diamondbacks team navigating a brutal division, trading Gallen now could yield valuable assets for the future. It's a move that, in hindsight, probably should have happened last year. But as the saying goes: better late than never.