As Major League Baseball's July 31 trade deadline approaches, there is potential for notable activity in the realm of starting pitching. Despite a flurry of trade rumors, the availability of many pitchers remains uncertain, as there is often a discrepancy between a pitcher's perceived value and their actual capabilities. Amid the current buzz, a selection of pitchers has emerged as intriguing trade candidates, prompting teams to assess their needs and resources. This analysis considers the starting pitchers frequently mentioned in trade discussions and identifies the teams that could benefit from their services while possessing the ability to facilitate such trades.

Recent reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post indicate that the Washington Nationals are open to conversations regarding MacKenzie Gore. However, it appears unlikely that they will part with the 2025 All-Star. The Seattle Mariners emerge as a fitting option for Gore, given their unexpectedly positive performance in scoring runs with an average of 4.61 per game, contrasting with their below-average run prevention at 4.44 per game. With injuries impacting key starters like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller, the Mariners could greatly benefit from a strong arm like Gore's, who boasts a 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts across 112.2 innings. Furthermore, the Mariners possess a robust farm system, ranked No. 1 by B/R's Joel Reuter, which could provide the Nationals with the high-upside prospects they require to expedite their rebuilding efforts.

Another intriguing pitcher is Luis Severino, currently in the first year of a three-year, $67 million contract. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, he is among several starters the Oakland Athletics are actively looking to move. The New York Mets are a logical destination for Severino, particularly given his struggles at his current home venue, Sutter Health Park, where he has posted a 6.68 ERA compared to a 3.10 ERA on the road. While Severino's current metrics leave much to be desired, he has demonstrated All-Star potential in the past. With the Mets facing numerous question marks in their rotation, and having seen significant injuries to starters like Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, and Frankie Montas, the Mets could find him a valuable asset, especially as they are likely to be one of the few teams that can accommodate his contract without issue.

Dylan Cease's name is also gaining traction, and Heyman reports that six teams have reached out to the San Diego Padres about him. However, it is important to note the Padres are not traditional sellers and may only part with Cease to address other team needs. The Chicago Cubs appear to be an ideal match for Cease, especially considering their struggling starting rotation, which has one of the lowest strikeout percentages among playoff contenders at just 20.3%. Cease has consistently been a strikeout machine, averaging at least 10 strikeouts per nine innings over the last five seasons. A potential trade would also represent a homecoming for him, having started his career with the Cubs before moving to the South Side in the José Quintana trade of 2017. While the Cubs may not have a surplus of major league-ready talent, they do possess outfield prospect Owen Caissie, who has been excelling at Triple-A, making him a viable trade candidate.

In the same vein, the Padres are reportedly interested in Sandy Alcantara, as noted by Dennis Lin of The Athletic. However, the Miami Marlins may be hesitant to move him at this juncture due to concerns over his current performance, indicated by a 6.66 ERA and 104 innings pitched following Tommy John surgery. While Alcantara's past accolades, including the 2022 NL Cy Young Award, elevate his trade value, his current struggles lead to questions about his future impact, particularly heading into October. The Toronto Blue Jays could be a strong fit for Alcantara. Despite having a rotation ERA of 4.52, the Blue Jays are in first place, suggesting they are well-positioned to make a move for a player like Alcantara who could lessen the effects of his struggles while pitching in tandem with strong defensive talent in their infield.

Edward Cabrera, another pitcher from the Marlins, is reportedly becoming more desirable on the trade market, as per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Cabrera's consistent issues with injuries remain a concern, but he has shown dominance when healthy, posting a 2.47 ERA in his last 13 starts. His youth and affordability, coupled with his control over the next three seasons, make him appealing for teams in need of starting pitching, particularly the Houston Astros. Given their precarious position concerning the luxury tax threshold and a pressing need for reliable pitching to complement their existing stars, Cabrera's profile aligns well with the Astros’ requirements, despite their lack of a deep farm system.

Seth Lugo is another arm generating attention, though Rosenthal notes the Kansas City Royals may not actively seek to trade him unless it presents a compelling opportunity. The Los Angeles Dodgers are in need of bolstering their rotation but also require relief pitching. Lugo's value lies in his ability to provide quality innings, demonstrated by his statistics which show a sub-3.00 ERA over the last two seasons. Although he may not fit the traditional mold for a Dodgers starter, his capability to accumulate innings could be a key factor, easing some workload pressure on the bullpen during a season plagued by injuries.

As the trade deadline looms, the Pittsburgh Pirates are noted to be prepared for potentially significant movements. Jim Bowden of The Athletic describes Mitch Keller as the centerpiece of their trade prospects. Keller's career-best 121 ERA+ and ability as a mid-rotation starter could be beneficial for teams like the Boston Red Sox, who are looking to stabilize their pitching staff. With a proficient No. 1 starter in Garrett Crochet and solid support in Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito, the Red Sox require reliable depth, especially as they aim for a playoff push. Keller's long-term contract through 2028 would address potential gaps in their rotation should Buehler and Giolito become free agents.

Lastly, the Arizona Diamondbacks are in a position where they may consider trades, with Zac Gallen's name surfacing as a likely candidate for a move. Having previously been an All-Star and Cy Young contender, Gallen's recent underperformance, reflected in a 5.58 ERA and a troubling number of home runs allowed, raises questions about his current effectiveness. Despite this, there remains a belief in his potential, and teams like the New York Yankees could be interested, particularly given their pitching depth concerns following significant injuries. The Yankees may find common ground with the Diamondbacks in a trade, particularly due to their pool of pitching prospects, which could satisfy Arizona's roster needs.

As the trade deadline approaches, the activity surrounding starting pitchers highlights the fluidity and opportunities present in the MLB landscape. Each team's strategic requirement will shape the potential trades leading up to July 31.