MLB Trade Deadline Preview: Starting Pitcher Insights

As Major League Baseball approaches the July 31 trade deadline, the focus intensifies on the potential availability of starting pitchers. While numerous names have surfaced in trade discussions, the actual availability of many of these players remains uncertain. Additionally, discrepancies exist between a player's reputation and their current on-field performance. With the abundance of trade speculation, a comprehensive examination of eight notable starters rumored to be on the move has been conducted, identifying teams that could benefit from their acquisition and possess the resources to make a deal.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Washington Nationals are open to offers for MacKenzie Gore, receiving interest from approximately six teams. However, it's noted that they are 'very unlikely' to part with the 2025 All-Star. A potential fit for Gore could be the Seattle Mariners, who entered the 2025 season with high expectations for their pitching staff. Despite being above average in runs scored, injuries to starters like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller have raised concerns about their rotation. Gore's current performance, registering a 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts over 112.2 innings, indicates he could serve as a much-needed asset for Seattle. Moreover, the Mariners are seen as a team with the prospect capital to effectively negotiate for Gore, having the top-ranked farm system in MLB according to B/R's Joel Reuter.
In another notable development, Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics, despite being in the first year of a three-year, $67 million deal, has emerged as a trade candidate, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. A prime destination for Severino could be the New York Mets. The Mets have faced challenges in their rotation, suffering injuries to key starters like Kodai Senga and Frankie Montas this season. Severino, who has had success in the past with a 3.91 ERA and 182 innings pitched in 2024, might provide the Mets with the depth they desperately need. However, it is vital to note that Severino's current performance metrics are subpar, leaving room for skepticism despite his previous All-Star accolades.
Further developments indicate strong interest in Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres, with multiple teams reportedly pursuing him, as mentioned by Heyman. Unique to the Padres, they are not conventional sellers in this trade window, having the intention of addressing areas of need rather than merely offloading assets. The Chicago Cubs have been identified as a strong match for Cease, whose capabilities in striking out batters could help elevate the Cubs' rotation, which currently ranks last among playoff teams in strikeout percentage. Cease’s previous recognition as a Cy Young Award candidate adds to his appeal as he looks to transition back to a more familiar environment after starting his career with the Cubs before moving to the Padres in the José Quintana trade.
The Miami Marlins have also generated headlines with Sandy Alcantara's availability, with the San Diego Padres expressing interest in him according to Dennis Lin from The Athletic. Although Alcantara's 6.66 ERA raises concerns regarding his trade value, his earlier success and contract that extends through 2026 could entice teams like the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto's rotation ERA currently rests at 4.52, and Alcantara’s ground-ball pitching style could align well with their strong infield defense, providing a potential upside in performance. Given their limited prospect pool, Toronto would be in pursuit of affordable options as they strategize for the postseason.
On the other hand, another Miami pitcher, Edward Cabrera, is reportedly gaining traction in trade discussions, as stated by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Cabrera's affordable contract and impressive recent stats highlight his potential as a desirable target for teams such as the Houston Astros. Despite injury concerns, Cabrera has maintained dominance on the mound with a remarkable 2.47 ERA over his last 13 starts. The Astros, who are nearing the luxury tax threshold, would be looking for controllable talent like Cabrera as they attempt to reinforce their pitching depth amid ongoing injury challenges.
While Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals isn't being actively marketed, reports by Ken Rosenthal suggest that the Royals could be enticed to trade him if presented with the right offer. The Los Angeles Dodgers emerge as a possible suitor, although their primary focus is on acquiring starting pitching. Despite this, Lugo's reliability over recent seasons as an innings eater, coupled with his respectable ERA figures, aligns with the Dodgers' need to alleviate the pressure on their bullpen, which has seen extensive use this year due to injuries in the rotation.
As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare for potential major transactions, Jim Bowden notes that they are considering a significant shakeup at the trade deadline, with Mitch Keller being highlighted as a key asset. Keller's profile fits a number of teams, including the Boston Red Sox, who could utilize his services to stabilize their rotation. Given Keller's mid-rotation pedigree alongside the top-tier talent available in Boston’s lineup, the Pirates may seek to acquire promising young hitters in exchange, crafting a mutually beneficial trade that supports both teams' competitive goals.
Finally, with the Diamondbacks signaling a willingness to sell as evidenced by their recent trade of Josh Naylor to the Mariners, Zac Gallen's name has emerged as a potential candidate to be moved. Despite a difficult season marred by a 5.58 ERA, Gallen's previous accolades as an All-Star and Cy Young contender create intrigue. The New York Yankees are suggested as a favorable landing spot for Gallen, especially given their need for starting pitching after injuries hit their rotation. The Yankees have ample pitching depth in their minor leagues, enabling them to pursue a trade that could align with the Diamondbacks' objectives of acquiring young talent.








