Top MLB Starting Pitchers Likely to Be Traded at Deadline

The MLB trade deadline always brings a jolt of energy to the season. Teams start shifting strategies, looking to make that last playoff push—or, honestly, just prepping for the future.

As July 31 creeps closer, the rumor mill is in overdrive. Everyone’s wondering which pitchers might get moved. There are grizzled vets and some younger arms drawing interest, and the starting pitcher market looks especially busy this year.

Teams sitting on the edge of contention are facing some tough choices. Should they go all-in, pull back, or just ride it out? It’s a stressful time for fans and front offices alike.

The Biggest Names on the Trade Market

Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander headline the list of possible big-name movers. Both are future Hall of Famers, and honestly, either could shift the balance for a team chasing October.

But are they actually available? That’s still up in the air, depending on how they’re feeling and whether their squads keep winning.

Can Milwaukee Become a Seller?

The Milwaukee Brewers might turn into one of the more active sellers if their season goes south. Brandon Woodruff and Nestor Cortes could hit the market, though both come with some injury baggage.

Cortes, for example, has huge upside but hasn’t been able to stay on the mound much. That’s got to make teams a little nervous.

Mid-Tier Options: Shane Bieber and John Means

Shane Bieber and John Means are two names that keep popping up in trade chatter. Whether they actually get moved depends a lot on how their teams perform over the next few weeks.

If Cleveland stays in the mix, Bieber probably sticks around. Means is in a similar spot—his availability likely comes down to whether his team falls out of the playoff race.

Texas Rangers’ Jon Gray – A Gamble Worth Taking?

Jon Gray from the Texas Rangers is another interesting case. He’s still working his way back from injury, so nobody’s quite sure what he’ll bring.

If Texas keeps sliding, though, some team might take a shot on him, hoping he bounces back fast.

Veteran Presence: Hendricks, Lorenzen, and Morton

Kyle Hendricks, Michael Lorenzen, and Charlie Morton might appeal to clubs craving some veteran know-how. Still, their recent inconsistency could give potential buyers pause.

Experience matters, but you want someone who can actually deliver when it counts.

St. Louis Cardinals’ Stable of Starters

The Cardinals are in a bit of a weird spot with their rotation. Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Erick Fedde could all draw interest if St. Louis decides to shake things up.

Whether they pull the trigger comes down to how the rest of their season plays out.

Unlikely Blue Jays Chips

The Toronto Blue Jays don’t seem likely to jump into the pitching trade chaos. They’re acting like buyers, not sellers, so Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman probably aren’t going anywhere.

Jose Quintana’s Resurgence

Jose Quintana is quietly having a great year for Milwaukee. If they decide to sell, he could be a hot commodity for contenders needing a steady arm.

His recent run has definitely boosted his stock.

Wild Cards to Monitor

There are always a few wild cards. Walker Buehler, Aaron Civale, and Zach Eflin could all enter the mix if things change for their teams.

It’s tough to predict, but by late July, the picture should get a lot clearer.

How Many Will Actually Be Dealt?

The list of potential trade candidates includes more than three dozen pitchers. Realistically, only about 15 will end up changing teams by July 31.

Teams seem to approach these deals with caution, trying to protect their assets while still chasing a shot at the playoffs. There will probably be fireworks, just not as many trades as the rumor mill suggests.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sandy Alcantara and the 37 Starting Pitchers Who May Be Dealt at MLB Trade Deadline