Most contending teams could benefit from another rotation arm. We have already covered the best relievers likely to be available at the trade deadline, so it seemed fitting to look at the top starting pitchers on the market.
Seth Lugo, Royals
Even heading into his age-36 season, Seth Lugo would be foolish to pick up his $15 million player option for 2026. He has a 3.11 ERA since returning to the rotation at the start of 2023, and that is bound to attract interest from a few front offices.
With a pitching+ of 91 and a 4.58 xERA, it is unlikely this level of production is sustainable. Kansas City would be smart to sell high on their veteran arm.
Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks
The Chicago Cubs are one of several contending teams that would make sense for Merrill Kelly. He has been one of baseball’s most reliable innings-eaters since signing with Arizona before the 2019 season.
The veteran owns a career 113 ERA+ and has posted a 3.47 FIP in 2025. With Corbin Burnes sidelined for the year, the Diamondbacks are out of contention and should explore trade options for Kelly.
Gavin Williams, Guardians
What if the Cleveland Guardians finally decide to rebuild? Gavin Williams is under team control through 2029. He features an above-average sweeper, an excellent curveball, and a high-velocity fastball that some teams will see major potential in.
A 106 ERA+ over his first 51 big-league starts is not going to excite many fanbases, but Williams remains more of a project than an immediate impact arm. The Rays or Astros might see an opportunity here.
Tanner Bibee, Guardians
The second Guardian on this list, Tanner Bibee owns a 3.61 xERA. His sinker, sweeper, curveball, and changeup are all above-average pitches. Cleveland has already reduced his four-seamer usage, but they would be wise to eliminate that pitch entirely.
The cost, like with Williams, will be high. The Guardians would likely demand multiple players who can contribute in 2026. A contender like the Padres might find the risk worthwhile, as Bibee is under team control through 2030.
Joe Ryan, Twins
On a 13–22 slide and sitting below .500, the Minnesota Twins could join the Guardians as sellers. Joe Ryan, fresh off his first All-Star selection, would immediately become the best starting pitcher available.
Ryan is under team control through 2027, which means Minnesota can demand a significant return. With Pablo López unavailable due to injury, the Twins may choose to retool now and build a 2026 rotation around López.
Zack Littell, Rays
Set to become a free agent at the end of the season, Zack Littell owns a 109 ERA+ since the start of 2023. The Rays are still contending, but they are not afraid to deal current contributors to patch holes elsewhere.
Littell began his career as a reliever. His stuff does not quite profile as late-inning quality, though his splitter is excellent and could make him a strong two- or three-inning relief weapon for the right team.
Michael Soroka, Nationals
Do not write off Michael Soroka despite his 5.35 ERA. His xERA is 3.21, and his slurve has allowed an xwOBA of just .199. He is above average in strikeout rate, walk rate, and groundball rate.
Soroka may not return to his pre-injury form, but he is one of the unluckiest pitchers in baseball this year. On a one-year, $9 million deal, he could be a bargain pickup for a playoff team.
Germán Márquez, Rockies
The Padres, one of the teams that should be aggressive at the deadline, are a potential landing spot for Germán Márquez. The veteran right-hander has a 3.61 ERA since the start of June.
An All-Star in 2021, Márquez still owns one of the better knuckle curves in baseball. His best days may be behind him, but moving out of Coors Field and into a better pitching environment could revive his value down the stretch.
Eduardo Rodríguez, Diamondbacks
Rodríguez has a 98 ERA+ since leaving Boston and is owed $21 million in 2026 and $19 million in 2027, with a mutual option for 2028. His 5.94 ERA is a red flag, but the 4.42 xERA offers some optimism.
Arizona will want to move this contract. A buying team in need of a left-handed arm could negotiate a low-cost deal, especially if the Diamondbacks are willing to retain salary. Rodríguez also has bullpen experience in the postseason.
Tyler Anderson, Angels
Sporting a 104 career ERA+, Tyler Anderson profiles as a serviceable number three or four starter. He posted a 2.58 ERA over his first eight starts but has a 5.75 ERA since then.
He has been much less effective with the Angels than he was with the Dodgers, but his underlying metrics remain steady. That 2.57 ERA over 178 innings in Los Angeles might convince a team to take a chance on a bounce back.
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
Despite an ERA north of 7, Sandy Alcantara is still a trade asset. He is owed $17.3 million for 2026, with a $21 million team option for 2027.
His stuff remains strong, and his curveball is near elite. His groundball rate and walk rate are both trending in the wrong direction, however. The Marlins may wait for a value rebound, but contenders will likely try to strike now while the price is low.
Nick Martinez, Reds
The Reds are hovering near the buy-sell line. Nick Martinez, a free agent at season’s end, could be a logical piece to move.
Used primarily as a reliever in San Diego, Martinez has been solid as a starter this year. He has excellent command and limits hard contact, though most teams will view him as a swingman more than a rotation anchor.
Adrian Houser, White Sox
It has been a rough few years for Houser, who posted an 86 ERA+ from 2022 through 2024. But in nine starts this season, he has a 1.59 ERA and 2.9 bWAR.
That ERA is unlikely to hold. Still, his xERA is the best it has been since 2019, and he ranks in the 92nd percentile in barrel rate. With a five-pitch mix and improved consistency, the White Sox should look to sell high.
Parting Shot
With several contending teams hungry for rotation help, the 2025 trade deadline could be defined by which front offices are bold enough to pay for pitching. Whether it is proven veterans, undervalued arms, or controllable upside, there is no shortage of intriguing options. As the standings shift and sellers emerge, expect movement across the board in the coming weeks.
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