With the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaching on July 31, teams are evaluating their rosters and considering potential trades. The focus is particularly on starting pitching, where several notable players have emerged in recent trade discussions. However, the availability of these pitchers remains uncertain, as trade rumors often outpace the actual market activity, and the disparity between a pitcher's name value and performance can complicate trading scenarios.

Recent reports indicate that the Washington Nationals are open to offers for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, although they are unlikely to move the prized 2025 All-Star. The Seattle Mariners have been identified as a suitable fit, given their pitching depth issues due to injuries to starters like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. With a commendable 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 112.2 innings, Gore's potential as a dominant starter aligns with Seattle's needs, particularly as their farm system ranks first in the league. The Mariners can leverage their prospect pool to facilitate a trade that could help accelerate the Nationals' rebuilding process.

Another name in the mix is Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics, who is reportedly available despite being in the first year of his three-year, $67 million contract. His unpopularity at Sutter Health Park, combined with his mixed performance metrics, raises questions about his trade value. A potential trade to the New York Mets could prove beneficial for both parties, as the Mets are in need of starting pitching amid their rotation challenges. Severino's capability as a two-time All-Star would add depth to a Mets team that has experienced various injuries among their starters, making them a potential candidate to absorb Severino's contract without being deterred by sticker shock.

In a separate report, the San Diego Padres appear to be generating interest in Dylan Cease, with multiple teams, including the Chicago Cubs, making inquiries. Cease stands out for his ability to generate strikeouts, an area where the Cubs have struggled in recent seasons. A move back to the Cubs, where Cease began his career before transferring to the White Sox in a 2017 trade, could enhance their rotation and provide the right-hander an opportunity to redeem his earlier promise.

Conversely, the Marlins' Sandy Alcantara has been a prominent name in trade discussions, but injuries and performance concerns cloud his future. The Toronto Blue Jays emerge as a fitting destination, given their current rotation struggles. With Alcantara's contract extending into 2026, trading for him could be advantageous, especially given the Blue Jays' infield defense that better aligns with his ground-ball tendencies. A trade for Alcantara could bolster Toronto's rotation as they push for postseason positioning.

Additionally, the Houston Astros are reportedly interested in Edward Cabrera, whose youth and control could serve as a valuable asset despite concerns over his injury history. Cabrera's recent performance features a striking 2.47 ERA in his last 13 starts, making him an attractive option as the Astros seek to solidify their pitching depth. This need is heightened considering the uncertainty surrounding Framber Valdez’s impending free agency, potentially making Cabrera a long-term solution for the Astros.

Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals has also been mentioned in trade talks, notably as the Royals seek controllable outfield talent. The Los Angeles Dodgers, needing relief pitching rather than starting pitching, may still see value in Lugo's capability to eat innings, particularly as they manage a rotation plagued by injuries.

Finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates are rumored to be poised for significant trades, with Mitch Keller at the forefront. While Keller's profile may not fit as a top-of-the-rotation option, his ability to stabilize a rotation makes him an appealing candidate for teams like the Boston Red Sox, who could benefit from his innings-eater ability. As the deadline approaches, Keller's long-term contract could provide further incentive for the Pirates to pursue young hitters from the Red Sox to aid their own rebuilding efforts.

As teams navigate the trade market, the interest in starting pitchers reflects broader strategies and objectives for the remainder of the season. The decisions made in the coming days could have lasting impact on both contenders and rebuilding franchises alike.