The Arizona Diamondbacks remain in the National League Wild Card race despite a 45-47 record. They sit 5.5 games behind the Miami Marlins with less than a month remaining before the MLB trade deadline.

That leaves Arizona with an important decision.

If the Diamondbacks fail to gain ground over the next few weeks, they may have to be more selective with any additions they make before the deadline.

The starting rotation remains the team’s biggest concern.

Eduardo Rodríguez has been Arizona's most dependable starter this season. Merrill Kelly has battled inconsistency, while Zac Gallen has struggled throughout the year.

The injuries have only made the challenge greater.

Corbin Burnes remains on the Injured List. Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson are also unavailable.

Those setbacks have forced the Diamondbacks to rely on younger arms.

José Cabrera has already been promoted and has made three starts.

Mitch Bratt also received an opportunity, making a three-inning spot start against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 24.

Brandon Pfaadt has since returned to the rotation and helped stabilize the staff.

Even so, Arizona could still benefit from another experienced starter.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha stands out as an intriguing option.

Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan from ESPN recently evaluated the top trade candidates across MLB.

They assigned Wacha a 50% chance of being traded before the deadline.

McDaniel and Passan believe Wacha’s value comes from his consistency.

He may not profile as the ace of a postseason rotation. He may not even fit as a traditional No. 2 starter. That does not lessen his importance.

They noted that contenders always need reliable rotation depth, especially when injuries become a factor during the second half and into October.

They also pointed out that Wacha continues doing what he has throughout his career. He consistently throws quality innings and produces solid ERAs despite not relying on a high strikeout rate.

“Few pitchers are as consistent as Wacha. He isn’t going to headline a playoff rotation or even necessarily slot in as a No. 2, but rotation depth is important for postseason teams if only as a bulwark against injuries,” McDaniel and Passan wrote.

“Wacha is doing what he always does: gobbling innings and putting up solid ERAs in spite of a low strikeout rate.”

Wacha is under contract through 2027 at $14 million.

His deal also includes a $14 million team option for 2028.

That additional control increases his value for any team looking beyond this year.

Wacha is 5-6 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 114.2 innings over 18 starts this season. He has recorded 91 strikeouts while issuing 31 walks.

Wacha has built a career by refusing to beat himself. He changes speeds effectively and keeps hitters from getting comfortable.

His command and willingness to attack the strike zone allow him to work efficiently without needing overpowering stuff. He also understands how to adjust during a game, recognizing when to pitch for weak contact instead of chasing strikeouts.

Those traits have helped him remain productive for years despite the constant adjustments required to succeed in today’s game.

His experience would also benefit a Diamondbacks rotation that has relied heavily on younger pitchers because of injuries.

Wacha brings stability every fifth day, and that reliability becomes even more valuable as the pressure of a postseason race continues to increase.

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