As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches on July 31, the focus turns to starting pitching, which could see significant interest among teams. Several names have emerged in recent trade discussions, although the availability of these players remains uncertain. Some rumors suggest discrepancies between a pitcher's perceived value and their actual contributions, making it challenging for teams to make informed decisions. This analysis will examine some noteworthy starters linked to trade rumors and consider which teams could benefit from their acquisition, ranked by their likelihood of being traded.

Recent reports indicate that the Washington Nationals are open to trade discussions involving MacKenzie Gore, who has drawn interest from multiple teams, albeit the Nationals are 'very unlikely' to part with the 2025 All-Star. A potential fit for Gore could be the Seattle Mariners, who initially entered 2025 with expectations of being a pitching powerhouse. However, the team's performance has skewed towards offensive strength, scoring an average of 4.61 runs per game while allowing 4.44 runs. With injuries affecting key pitchers Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller, Seattle is in need of a reliable arm, and Gore's solid 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts through 112.2 innings could provide much-needed depth. Furthermore, the Mariners possess the prospect capital to facilitate a trade, making them an intriguing option for Gore's services.

In another scenario, Luis Severino, despite being in the first year of a three-year, $67 million contract, is reportedly available for trade as the Oakland Athletics seek to enhance their roster. The New York Mets may be an ideal destination for Severino, especially considering his disdain for Sutter Health Park, where he has struggled historically. Severino's metrics reflect challenges this season, yet his past All-Star status and potential to contribute make him attractive. The Mets are experiencing rotation problems due to injuries and could benefit from Severino's experience and capabilities. With both teams operating on different ends of the financial spectrum, the Mets might be one of the few teams able to absorb Severino's contract without issue.

On the other hand, there is interest in Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres. Cease's performance has garnered attention, but the Padres are not typical sellers, looking to trade him only to address other roster needs. The Chicago Cubs have shown interest in acquiring Cease, particularly as their rotation has struggled to generate strikeouts, sitting at the bottom of playoff-bound teams with a 20.3% strikeout rate. Cease's ability to consistently strike out batters, as evidenced by his past five seasons averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings, makes him a compelling addition for a Cubs team that initially developed him before he was traded to Chicago in 2017. While the Cubs may lack surplus major league players for trade, they do have outfield prospect Owen Caissie, who has been performing well at Triple-A and could be part of a trade package.

In the context of the Miami Marlins, reports suggest that they may be hesitant to move Sandy Alcantara, given his struggles this season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. His 6.66 ERA raises concerns about his trade value. Nevertheless, potential suitors like the Toronto Blue Jays, who need improved pitching despite currently leading the division, could be interested. Alcantara's history of excellence and the possibility of pairing him with an elite framer like Alejandro Kirk could help maximize his potential, while the Blue Jays' strong infield defense aligns with Alcantara's ground-ball tendencies. With limited prospects available, the Blue Jays may consider trading for Alcantara, who has a club option for 2027.

Alongside Alcantara, Miami's Edward Cabrera has gained traction in trade discussions, and injuries remain a constant concern for the young pitcher. Though Cabrera has experienced elbow issues in the past, his impressive performance since May, including a 2.47 ERA in his last 13 starts, highlights his potential. His affordability and control—locked in at $1.95 million for three more years—make him an attractive target for teams like the Houston Astros, who require pitching depth. The Astros face challenges due to their limited farm system and need a durable starter, especially as their pitching staff has been tested by injuries this season. With Framber Valdez likely heading for free agency, acquiring Cabrera could provide stability in their rotation moving forward.

Meanwhile, Seth Lugo's availability remains uncertain, as reports suggest that while he may not be actively shopped, the Kansas City Royals could entertain offers for him. The Los Angeles Dodgers require bullpen reinforcements and could be interested in Lugo, who has demonstrated the capacity to eat innings effectively. Lugo has averaged around six innings per start and has consistently posted an ERA just under 3.00 over the last two seasons. Given his experience and consistent performance, he could serve as a stopgap solution for the Dodgers amid rotation injuries, and teams may need to balance potential trade offers involving controllable outfield help.

Looking ahead, the Pittsburgh Pirates intend to be active at the trade deadline, with Mitch Keller highlighted as a key player they could trade. Keller's value may attract various teams, including the Cubs and Blue Jays, although his profile leans towards that of a mid-rotation starter. Keller's steady performance, evidenced by a career-best 121 ERA+, makes him a sound option for a team looking for depth like the Boston Red Sox. With a deep rotation featuring Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, the Red Sox could utilize Keller to strengthen their playoff recipe, while the Pirates would aim to secure young hitting talent in return.

Finally, Zac Gallen's future with the Arizona Diamondbacks appears uncertain, echoing the recent decision to trade Josh Naylor. Although Gallen has struggled this season, his past accolades as an All-Star and serious Cy Young contender cannot be overlooked. The New York Yankees, needing pitching help following Clarke Schmidt's Tommy John surgery, might target Gallen, given his potential upside and compatibility with the Yankees' pitching philosophy. Both teams share mutual interests, with the Diamondbacks eyeing pitching prospects, making Gallen an intriguing trade candidate.