With the MLB trade deadline looming, the market for starting pitchers is heating up. Here's a deep dive into 12 pitchers who could be on the move, along with my expert analysis and commentary.
Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Marlins
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Alcantara's 4.00 ERA might not be as impressive as his Cy Young season, but his recent performance is still solid. With a 2.98 ERA over his past seven starts, he's regained his fastball velocity and is a top-tier pitcher. The Marlins' strong position in the NL Wild Card race could make them hesitant to trade, but his $21 million club option for 2027 and impending free agency make this a potential trade deadline move.
My Take:
The Marlins might be able to get a good return for Alcantara, especially if they can secure controllable talent in return. It's a risky move, but one that could pay off if they can rebuild their rotation.
Reid Detmers, LHP, Angels
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Detmers is having a solid year, with a 4.13 ERA and 117 strikeouts. The Angels' poor record and the team's potential shift towards a full rebuild make him an intriguing trade chip. His $2.625 million salary for 2026 and arbitration eligibility make him an affordable option for contenders.
My Take:
The Angels could capitalize on Detmers' solid performance and trade him for young, controllable players. It's a strategic move that could help them rebuild while acquiring assets for the future.
Sonny Gray, RHP, Red Sox
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Gray's 10-1 record and 2.61 ERA make him one of the best arms available. Despite his $35 million salary, the Red Sox's playoff hopes and his postseason experience could make him a desirable trade target. His $30 million club option for 2027 adds complexity to the situation.
My Take:
The Red Sox's playoff chase could be a deciding factor in Gray's future. If they fall short, trading him for a hefty return might be the right move, but his salary and option status make it a delicate negotiation.
Foster Griffin, LHP, Nationals
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Griffin's 10-2 record and 2.77 ERA make him a valuable asset. However, his free agency after the season adds a layer of complexity. The Nationals' desire to keep their core players could make him a trade candidate, especially if they don't expect to sign him long-term.
My Take:
The Nationals might be able to flip Griffin for young, controllable players, even if they're in contention. It's a risk-reward decision that could shape their future.
Seth Lugo, RHP, Royals
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Lugo's mid-3.00s ERA and concussion recovery make him a trade candidate. His $20 million salary and option status add complexity. The Royals' poor record and the potential for a rebuild make him an intriguing option for contenders.
My Take:
Lugo's proven track record and affordability make him a solid mid-rotation arm for a contender. The Royals might be able to get a good return for him, especially if they're willing to eat some salary.
Casey Mize, RHP, Tigers
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Mize's 2.64 ERA and top-tier peripherals make him a desirable trade chip. The Tigers' poor record and the team's potential shift towards a rebuild make him an attractive option. His free agency after the season adds urgency.
My Take:
The Tigers might be able to get a good return for Mize, especially if they're willing to accept a lower return. His affordability and performance make him a valuable asset for contenders.
Freddy Peralta, RHP, Mets
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Peralta's 4.68 ERA and poor performance make him a trade candidate. The Mets' poor record and his free agency after the season add complexity. His $8 million salary for the rest of 2026 makes him an affordable option for contenders.
My Take:
The Mets might be able to trade Peralta for a better return, especially if they're willing to accept a lower salary. His free agency adds urgency, but his performance could be a concern for potential buyers.
Robbie Ray, LHP, Giants
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Ray's peripherals aren't impressive, but his 3.45 ERA and effectiveness make him a trade candidate. The Giants' willingness to pick up part of his salary adds complexity. His free agency after the season makes him an affordable option for contenders.
My Take:
The Giants might be able to trade Ray for a better return, especially if they're willing to take on part of his salary. His affordability and performance make him a valuable asset for contenders.
Joe Ryan, RHP, Twins
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Ryan's 2.85 ERA and strong performance make him a trade candidate. The Twins' playoff hopes and his $13 million mutual option add complexity. His free agency after the season makes him an affordable option for contenders.
My Take:
The Twins might be able to trade Ryan for a better return, especially if they're willing to accept a lower salary. His affordability and performance make him a valuable asset for contenders.
Tarik Skubal, LHP, Tigers
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Skubal's 3.06 ERA and solid performance make him a trade candidate. The Tigers' poor record and his free agency after the season add complexity. His $32 million salary and postseason success make him a desirable trade chip.
My Take:
The Tigers might be able to get a good return for Skubal, especially if they're willing to accept a lower salary. His affordability and performance make him a valuable asset for contenders.
José Soriano, RHP, Angels
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Soriano's 5.14 ERA and recent struggles make him a trade candidate. His $2.9 million salary and arbitration eligibility add complexity. The Angels' poor record and the team's potential shift towards a rebuild make him an intriguing option for contenders.
My Take:
The Angels might be able to trade Soriano for young, controllable players, especially if they're willing to accept a lower salary. His affordability and performance make him a valuable asset for contenders.
Michael Wacha, RHP, Royals
Why He's a Trade Candidate:
Wacha's 3.45 ERA and consistent performance make him a trade candidate. His $18 million salary and option status add complexity. The Royals' poor record and the potential for a rebuild make him an intriguing option for contenders.
My Take:
The Royals might be able to trade Wacha for a better return, especially if they're willing to accept a lower salary. His affordability and performance make him a valuable asset for contenders.
