As Major League Baseball's July 31 trade deadline approaches, starting pitching emerges as a notable area of interest for various teams. While numerous names have circulated in trade rumors, the actual availability of these pitchers remains uncertain. Discrepancies between a pitcher's name recognition and their market value can complicate potential trades. In light of this buzz, we examined the eight most intriguing starting pitchers mentioned in trade discussions and evaluated which teams might benefit from their acquisition while also possessing the resources for a trade.

Recent reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post indicate that the Washington Nationals are open to discussions surrounding MacKenzie Gore, having received interest from multiple teams. However, the Nationals remain unlikely to part with the 2025 All-Star. A strong fit for Gore could be the Seattle Mariners, whose early 2025 performance has deviated from expectations. Although the Mariners are above average in runs scored, they face challenges with injuries to key pitchers Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller. Gore's 3.59 ERA and 140 strikeouts through 112.2 innings position him as a compelling target, particularly considering Seattle's top-ranked farm system, which is well-equipped to provide the Nationals with the high-upside talent needed for their ongoing rebuild.

Another notable name is Luis Severino, who is currently in the first year of a three-year, $67 million contract. Despite this, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Oakland Athletics are exploring trade options for Severino. The New York Mets could represent an ideal landing spot for Severino, given his struggles at Sutter Health Park and his overall performance metrics. Though he carries a two-time All-Star pedigree, Severino's current road opposition, which includes a 3.10 ERA in away games, makes a move to a more favorable environment like New York seem advantageous. The Mets, grappling with their own rotation issues, could find value in adding Severino to provide much-needed depth and experience.

Six teams have reportedly inquired about Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres, according to Heyman. Unlike typical sellers, the Padres are open to moving Cease only to address other roster needs. The Chicago Cubs appear to be a promising fit for Cease, particularly due to their subpar strikeout rates among starters. Having consistently managed to secure over 10 strikeouts per nine innings for the past five seasons, Cease's capacity in this area would provide a much-needed boost for the Cubs' rotation. Should a trade materialize, it would also represent a return home for Cease, who initially began his career within the Cubs organization.

In tandem with the continuous trade rumors surrounding the Padres, discussions around Sandy Alcantara persist, with Dennis Lin of The Athletic reporting the Padres' interest in the Marlins' ace. Although Alcantara's 6.66 ERA raises concerns about his trade value, he remains under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027. A trade scenario involving Alcantara to the Toronto Blue Jays seems viable, especially given their first-place standing and a rotation ERA of 4.52. The Blue Jays would benefit from Alcantara's ground-ball capability, supported by an elite infield defense that could optimize his performance in terms of command and pitch selection.

The market for Edward Cabrera is reportedly heating up, with Jesse Rogers of ESPN indicating that he has gained interest from potential buyers. Cabrera presents a blend of promise and risk as injuries have been a consistent concern throughout his career. Nevertheless, his performance this season, marked by a 2.47 ERA post-May, positions him as a valuable trade asset. The Houston Astros could be a strong fit, as their rotation is in need of depth and production to complement their existing talent. However, the Astros may face obstacles in matching Cabrera's trade value due to their less robust farm system and existing injury concerns over their starters.

Though Seth Lugo's availability remains somewhat ambiguous, reports from Rosenthal suggest that the Kansas City Royals may entertain trading the right-hander in exchange for controllable outfield assistance, even as they remain competitive. The Los Angeles Dodgers' interest could be piqued for Lugo, motivated by their ongoing rotation injury struggles and a desire to bolster relief pitching. Lugo’s effectiveness as an innings-eater could provide immediate support to a beleaguered bullpen and alleviate heavy workloads, thus potentially contributing to a more well-rounded pitching staff moving forward.

Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out as a likely candidate for trade, with interest from several organizations, including the Cubs and Blue Jays. While Keller may not present the top-of-the-rotation arm that those teams are targeting, he could serve as a stabilizing presence in a mid-rotation role for the Boston Red Sox or another contender. With his contract extending through 2028, Keller could fill significant innings and fortify a rotation looking to make a playoff push, making him an attractive option should the Pirates choose to deal him for young, impactful hitters.

Finally, the Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly in seller mode, prompting speculation about potential trades involving Zac Gallen, who was once considered a Cy Young contender but has seen his performance wane significantly in 2025. Despite facing challenges this season with an ERA ranking among the highest for qualified pitchers, Gallen's abilities may provide an opportunity for the New York Yankees to make a move. The Yankees, who are also seeking starting pitching depth following injuries in their rotation, could find a suitable trade partner in the Diamondbacks, as they possess a wealth of young pitching prospects that could intrigue Arizona as they look to rebuild.