Even in a complete sellers’ market (with only five teams being near-certain sellers: the Marlins, White Sox, Rockies, Angels and Athletics), we would expect at least 13 truly impactful pitchers to be discussed by the trade deadline.
Here are 13 dynamic pitchers potentially available, ranked in rough order of value as determined by both contract situation and pitching ability (with trade possibilities noted):
1. Tarik Skubal, Tigers, SP
With the Tigers showing signs of improvement and still two years before they can sign their best player as a free agent, it seems highly unlikely that the AL Cy Young Award frontrunner will be traded, but plenty of teams will ask for a trade. Likelihood of a trade: Very unlikely.
2. Garrett Crochette, White Sox, starting pitcher
A standout relief pitcher turned starter who led the MLB in strikeouts (150), he’s already pitched over 100 innings since starting 12, so innings would probably be a factor. He’s been linked with the Dodgers, Padres, Orioles and Yankees, but one source said the Yankees “are not that interested.” Likelihood of a trade: High.
3. Mason Miller, Athletics, RP
With five years on his contract, many expect Oakland to keep the 103.7 mph pitcher, making a trade unlikely.
4. Tyler Anderson, Angels, starting pitcher
He’s having another great season in the second year of a reasonable three-year, $40 million contract. Trade Likelihood: Very likely.
5. Nate Eovaldi, Rangers, SP
The defending champions would likely go for it with Jacob deGrom, Tyler Murray, Evan Carter and Josh Jung returning. 2025 player options are complicated. Trade likelihood: Low.
6. Zach Eflin, Rays, starting pitcher
The Rays have already traded two pitchers, and although he has one year left on his contract, his $18 million salary is too much for Tampa Bay to handle. Likelihood of a trade: High.
7. Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays, starting pitcher
He would be higher on this list, but his $22 million salary is higher than the others. Trade Likelihood: Low.
8. Pete Fairbanks, Rays, RP
Excellent closer with a quirky, fun personality, who has year and team options through 2026. Trade Likelihood: Low
9. Tanner Scott, Marlins, RP
The rental star will surely move somewhere. Trade Likelihood: Very high.
10. Jack Flaherty, Tigers, starting pitcher
He seems to be back on track, and the rental is a lot more likely to be moved than Skubal. Not for the Orioles. Likelihood of a trade: High.
11. Yusei Kikuchi, Blue Jays, starter
The Blue Jays will need to sell at least one of their rental players, but the bigger question is whether to trade Bassitt, who is not a rental player, plus stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Likelihood of a trade: High.
12. Max Scherzer, Rangers, SP
Would Scherzer waive his trade veto for a third time? Likelihood of a trade: Very unlikely.
13. Carlos Estevez, Angels, RP
Unspectacular rental closer should go elsewhere. Trade Likelihood: Very high.
