As Major League Baseball's trade deadline of July 31 approaches, starting pitching appears to be a key area for potential trades. While numerous players have surfaced in trade discussions, it's still uncertain which players are genuinely available. Additionally, the disparity between a pitcher's market value and their actual value complicates matters. To explore these trade possibilities, Moneyline has identified eight intriguing pitchers who are circulating in rumors, placing them in order of likelihood to be traded, from least likely to most likely.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Washington Nationals are open to listening to offers for MacKenzie Gore, though they are unlikely to trade the 2025 All-Star. The Seattle Mariners emerge as a fitting destination for Gore, who has posted a solid 3.59 ERA with 140 strikeouts over 112.2 innings. Despite battling injuries to key starters like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, the Mariners have demonstrated a need for depth in their rotation. Additionally, Seattle boasts the top-ranked farm system in the league, which provides ample prospect capital to facilitate a trade for Gore.

Luis Severino, despite being in the first year of a three-year, $67 million contract, has found himself on the trade block, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealing that the Oakland Athletics are actively shopping him. The New York Mets may be a suitable fit, as Severino has expressed dissatisfaction with Sutter Health Park, where he has struggled with a 6.68 ERA. The Mets are in search of effective pitching to bolster a rotation riddled with injuries. Severino, a two-time All-Star, could provide the Mets with the depth they require during a critical period in the season.

Reports indicate that six teams have inquired about Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres. However, the Padres are not traditional sellers; they may consider moving Cease only if it addresses other pressing needs. The Chicago Cubs have emerged as a likely candidate, particularly given their lackluster starter strikeout rate. Cease is known for his strikeout prowess, consistently fanning over 10 batters per nine innings. A potential trade would mark a return to the Cubs for Cease, who previously played in their system before being traded to the White Sox.

The Padres have also expressed interest in Sandy Alcantara, who has been a topic of trade speculation since spring training, although the Miami Marlins may be hesitant to part with him. Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, has struggled this season with a 6.66 ERA, leading to concerns regarding his trade value. The Toronto Blue Jays could be an advantageous landing spot for Alcantara, who would benefit from the team's strong infield defense and catcher Alejandro Kirk’s ability to frame pitches effectively.

In contrast, Edward Cabrera of the Marlins is gaining traction in trade discussions, as reported by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Cabrera's potential could make him an appealing target for a team like the Houston Astros. Although Cabrera's injury history raises concerns, he has shown dominance in his last 13 starts, posting a 2.47 ERA. The Astros, in need of reliable pitching depth, may consider acquiring Cabrera, who is younger and more affordable than Alcantara due to his controllable contract.

Seth Lugo, while not officially on the trading block, could be a tempting target for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are primarily seeking relief pitching due to heavy workloads in their bullpen, which has logged the most innings in the league. Lugo's ability to eat innings, coupled with his solid performance over the last two seasons, makes him a possible asset, despite the fact that the Dodgers' priority remains solidifying their starting rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly ready to be active before the deadline, with Mitch Keller serving as a prominent piece of trade interest. Keller, who has displayed reliable innings-eating ability and maintained a 121 ERA+, may fit well with the Boston Red Sox. Given the Red Sox's needs for a mid-rotation starter, Keller's profile aligns with their requirements, providing stability for a playoff push and reducing the number of holes to fill as free agency approaches.

Lastly, the Arizona Diamondbacks have begun to shift gears as they enter sell mode, highlighted by their recent trade involving Josh Naylor. Zac Gallen, a former All-Star, may also be on the move despite experiencing a tough season. Gallen's 5.58 ERA raises questions, but his determination and past performance indicate he could thrive with a change of scenery, potentially making him a target for the New York Yankees, who are actively seeking a starting pitcher.