As Major League Baseball's July 31 trade deadline approaches, starting pitching emerges as a focal point of interest among teams and analysts alike. While several names are circulating in trade discussions, the actual availability of these players remains uncertain. Moreover, disparities often exist between a pitcher's market value and their effectiveness on the field. Amidst this intriguing landscape, Moneyline has identified eight notable starting pitchers often mentioned in trade talks, matching them with teams that could not only benefit from their skills but also possess the resources to make a deal. The likelihood of each pitcher being moved will be outlined, starting with those least likely to be traded and escalating to those most likely.

Recent reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggest that the Washington Nationals are open to discussing a trade involving MacKenzie Gore, although they are 'very unlikely' to part ways with the All-Star in 2025. The Seattle Mariners could be an ideal destination for Gore, as they are a team in need of bolstering their starting rotation due to injuries to key pitchers like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller. With a 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 112.2 innings, Gore's performance indicates he would fill a significant void in Seattle. Additionally, the Mariners boast one of the most highly regarded farm systems in MLB, providing the Nationals with the prospect capital needed to facilitate a trade.

Luis Severino, currently in the inaugural year of a three-year, $67 million contract, has also surfaced in trade rumors as reported by Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic. The New York Mets may represent a favorable fit for Severino, who has expressed dissatisfaction with pitching at Sutter Health Park, a minor league facility where his ERA has drastically outperformed his road statistics. Despite Severino's struggles, he remains a two-time All-Star with a history of solid innings. The Mets, facing several injury issues within their rotation, would benefit from adding a pitcher of Severino's caliber, especially considering their capacity to absorb his contract comfortably.

Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres is another intriguing name on the trade market, with multiple teams expressing interest, as noted by Heyman. The Chicago Cubs, who have contacted the Padres regarding Cease, could be a suitable destination. With a low strikeout percentage among playoff-hopeful teams, Cease's track record of consistently fanning hitters positions him as an asset for the Cubs. A potential trade would mark a return for Cease to the franchise where he began his career before moving to the White Sox. Although the Cubs lack a plethora of major league-ready players to offer in a trade, they could leverage their prospects, particularly outfielder Owen Caissie, as a viable bargaining chip.

Meanwhile, Sandy Alcantara, another high-profile pitcher for the Miami Marlins, has attracted attention particularly from the Padres, who are interested in bolstering their rotation. Though Alcantara's less-than-stellar 6.66 ERA raises questions about his current value, the Toronto Blue Jays could be a better fit for him. Alcantara, a former Cy Young Award winner, has shown flashes of brilliance despite recent struggles. The Blue Jays, currently leading their division with a rotation ERA of 4.52, could benefit from Alcantara's potential, particularly if paired with strong defensive support and an elite catcher, such as Alejandro Kirk. Furthermore, with their limited prospect capital, the Blue Jays may find Alcantara more attainable than other high-priced players on the market.

On the flip side, Miami's Edward Cabrera appears to be generating considerable interest on the trade front, as reported by Jesse Rogers from ESPN. Cabrera's performance has been remarkable lately despite injury concerns. With a 2.47 ERA and a significant number of strikeouts since May, Cabrera offers upside at a lower cost than Alcantara. The Houston Astros, in need of a dependable starter, could be an ideal landing spot for Cabrera to strengthen their rotation alongside Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez. However, questions remain regarding the Astros' ability to trade for Cabrera given their limited farm system and the ongoing challenges presented by injury-prone players.

Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals may not be readily available for trade, but there is potential for the right deal to tempt the team. While the Dodgers primarily seek a starting pitcher, Lugo could address an urgent need in the bullpen, which has faced heavy workload this season due to rotation struggles. Lugo has been a valuable inning-eater, with solid statistics over the past two years. As his contract runs short, he could represent a short-term solution for the Dodgers, who must also consider what the Royals may seek in return regarding outfield talent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for significant trade movement, with Mitch Keller emerging as a potential centerpiece. Keller's consistent performance places him in high demand among teams looking to bolster their rotations. The Red Sox are among those interested, believing Keller could be a stabilizing force in a currently thin rotation. With Boston's need for depth and Keller's reasonable contract extending through 2028, a trade could address both teams' needs. The Pirates may seek up-and-coming talent in exchange, potentially targeting one of Boston's promising hitters as part of a deal.

Lastly, Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who has struggled this season, may be on the move as part of the team's anticipated adjustments. Gallen, despite his recent challenges, still holds respect in the league and could excel with a change of scenery, particularly in New York where the Yankees are in search of reliable starting pitching following injuries to key players. The potential trade presents an opportunity for the Yankees to leverage their young pitcher-heavy prospect pool in discussions with the Diamondbacks.