As the July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, the market for starting pitching may hold significant activity. While several pitchers' names have surfaced in trade discussions, the availability of many remains uncertain. In some instances, there is a disparity between a pitcher's name recognition and their actual performance on the field. Nonetheless, the growing buzz surrounding these players creates an opportunity for analysis, leading to the identification of eight intriguing starters and potential teams that could benefit from their acquisition. The following evaluations rank these pitchers by the likelihood of being traded, from least likely to most likely.

According to recent reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Washington Nationals have indicated they are open to offers for MacKenzie Gore, though they consider a trade of their promising pitcher to be improbable. Gore has caught the attention of nearly half a dozen teams inquiring about his availability. The Seattle Mariners emerge as a fitting destination for Gore, who has maintained a 3.59 ERA and struck out 140 batters over 112.2 innings. The Mariners, facing challenges with injuries to key starters such as Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, need reliable pitching as they navigate a competitive landscape. Furthermore, the Mariners' top-ranked farm system provides the necessary assets to entice the Nationals in a trade, making this option feasible.

Luis Severino has also entered trade discussions, despite being in the first year of a three-year, $67 million contract. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Oakland Athletics are actively shopping the pitcher. The New York Mets may represent an ideal location for Severino, who has expressed dissatisfaction with his current playing conditions. A move to New York could provide a fresh start and a needed boost to a Mets rotation grappling with injuries. Given the Mets' prior production from their pitchers and their financial capabilities, they could accommodate Severino's contract without major constraints.

In other news, the San Diego Padres have received interest in Dylan Cease from six teams, according to Heyman. Unlike traditional sellers, the Padres' intent to trade Cease hinges on improving their roster rather than a complete rebuild. The Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in Cease, whose impressive strikeout rate would enhance a rotation struggling with production. Despite an insufficient pool of major league-ready talent, the Cubs possess an appealing trade asset in outfielder Owen Caissie, who has displayed significant power at the Triple-A level.

Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins has also garnered attention, with reports indicating the Padres are interested in his services. However, concerns surrounding Alcantara’s performance, including a challenging 6.66 ERA, complicate his trade value as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The Toronto Blue Jays could represent a strategic landing spot for Alcantara, given their current standing atop the division and their need for pitching support. The Blue Jays' strong defensive infield could complement Alcantara’s ground-ball tendencies, making this trade beneficial for both parties.

Edward Cabrera, another pitcher from the Marlins, has seen his stock rise in trade discussions. While injuries remain a constant concern, Cabrera has shown potential with a stellar 2.47 ERA over his last 13 starts. The Houston Astros may pursue Cabrera to bolster their rotation, as they seek a reliable starter alongside established talent like Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez. Despite having limited prospects, Cabrera's affordability and controllability present an attractive option for the Astros as they approach the trade deadline.

Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals is reportedly not on the block, but the organization might entertain trade offers for the right-hander. While relief pitching is a priority for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lugo’s experience could arguably benefit a team struggling with pitching depth amid injuries. Despite being a free agent after the season, Lugo's production could fill a gap for the Dodgers’ rotation, which has seen pitchers take on excessive workloads this season due to injuries.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are aiming to be active during the trade deadline, with Mitch Keller highlighted as a significant asset in trade discussions. Keller’s mid-rotation potential could make him a fit for various teams, including the Boston Red Sox, who are seeking to stabilize their rotation for a postseason push. With Keller signed through 2028, he represents a longer-term solution for the Red Sox’s starting pitching concerns, making a trade feasible in the current market.

Lastly, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been indicated as sellers by reports, with Zac Gallen potentially on the move. After a rocky start to the 2025 season, Gallen's impressive history could still attract interest from teams needing pitching help, particularly the New York Yankees. The Yankees have been searching for a starter since Clark Schmidt's surgery, and Gallen’s ability to leverage his previous experience and motivation could provide a much-needed boost to New York's rotation.