With Major League Baseball's trade deadline approaching on July 31, 2025, starting pitching is expected to be a focal point for many teams. While numerous names have surfaced in trade discussions, the availability of these players remains uncertain. This uncertainty has led to speculation about potential trade scenarios involving various pitchers. In this context, several starters have been identified as interesting trade candidates, and this analysis seeks to explore suitable teams for each of them based on their respective situations and the current market dynamics.

Recent reports suggest that the Washington Nationals are open to discussions regarding left-hander MacKenzie Gore, although they view the likelihood of trading him as low. The Seattle Mariners emerge as a fitting destination for Gore, as their pitching has underperformed due to injuries affecting key starters such as Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. Gore has posted a solid 3.59 ERA with 140 strikeouts across 112.2 innings, indicating his potential. Moreover, the Mariners possess one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, providing the Nationals the prospect capital needed for a trade.

Another pitcher generating interest is Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics, who, despite being in the first year of a three-year contract, is reportedly being made available. The New York Mets could be a beneficial fit for Severino, particularly as the Mets' rotation has encountered multiple injury concerns. Severino, with a career history of being an All-Star, offers upside despite struggling metrics this season. The Mets have an opportunity to leverage Severino's potential within a rotation that needs reliable arms, especially in light of their injury issues.

Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres is another name to watch, though the team is not in a traditional selling position. The Chicago Cubs have reportedly expressed interest in Cease, who boasts a strong strikeout rate, making him an intriguing option for a Cubs rotation that has struggled to generate strikeouts. Cease's history with the Cubs organization prior to his tenure with the White Sox adds another layer to this potential move. However, the Cubs' limited supply of spare major league talent may complicate trade negotiations.

The Padres are also rumored to be tracking Sandy Alcantara, who has faced challenges this season following Tommy John surgery. Despite a disappointing 6.66 ERA, Alcantara is under team control for several seasons, which could entice teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, currently contending with a rotation ERA of 4.52. The Blue Jays' strong defensive capabilities could provide a supportive environment for Alcantara, allowing him to regain effectiveness as a ground-ball pitcher.

Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins has emerged as a more coveted trade target than Alcantara, according to reports. Cabrera, who has maintained a strong performance with a 2.47 ERA over his last 13 starts, offers significant upside at an attractive cost. The Houston Astros, despite concerns over their injury-plagued rotation, could see Cabrera as a valuable addition given their need for reliable starting options moving forward.

While Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals may not actively be on the trading block, his situation could tempt teams, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers, who require reinforcement in the relief department. Lugo brings experience as a consistent innings eater and could alleviate some burdens from a taxed bullpen. Despite being a free agent after the season, he could prove to be a valuable short-term asset for the Dodgers, particularly if they can arrange a beneficial package.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly looking to make significant moves ahead of the deadline, with starter Mitch Keller highlighted as a primary target. The Boston Red Sox present an ideal fit for Keller, who, while not a frontline starter, could stabilize their rotation amid injuries and underperformance among their current arms. Keller's long-term contract would also align with the Red Sox's plans, allowing them to cover potential gaps in their pitching staff moving forward.

Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite recent struggles, remains a potential trade piece as the team evaluates its future direction. The New York Yankees, who are seeking starting pitching after a spate of injuries, could benefit from Gallen's experience. With a strong prospect pool, the Yankees might have the necessary assets to facilitate a trade that could help both teams address their respective needs.