The 2026 MLB season has been a whirlwind of surprises, with two managerial firings already and big-market teams struggling early on. Front offices are already engaging in trade talks, and with the August 3 trade deadline looming, it's time to take a closer look at some of the starting pitchers who could be on the move. While many of these pitchers play for teams still in the postseason race, their availability could change if things don't pick up soon. Let's dive into the top candidates who could be traded at the deadline, along with my personal analysis and commentary on each.
Joe Ryan, RHP, Minnesota Twins
Ryan, 29, has been a reliable top-of-the-rotation presence for the Twins since 2022, throwing over 135 innings in each of the last four seasons. He made his first All-Star team last year and has continued to perform well this season, even as the Twins have struggled. What makes Ryan particularly intriguing is his ability to throw a lot of strikes and limit home runs. His health status will be a key factor in trade discussions, and if his injury isn't a long-term concern, he could be a highly sought-after trade target this summer.
Personally, I think Ryan's reliability and consistency make him a valuable asset for any contending team. His ability to pitch deep into games and keep the Twins in the race is impressive, and if the Twins fall out of contention, he could be a key piece in a rebuilding effort for another team. However, the Twins' struggles this season could also mean they're more willing to trade him to rebuild their roster.
Freddy Peralta, RHP, New York Mets
Peralta, 29, was traded to the Mets this offseason in a deal that was supposed to put them in position to contend for a World Series title. While the Mets have struggled, Peralta has pitched to his career norms, providing reliable innings every five days. His command isn't always perfect, but he typically misses bats and has one of the best changeups among starters. He's made at least 30 starts in each of the last three seasons, and his ability to pitch deep into games makes him a valuable asset.
In my opinion, Peralta's consistency and reliability make him a strong candidate for a trade. The Mets' struggles this season could mean they're more willing to trade him to acquire younger talent or prospects. However, his value as a reliable starter could also make him a desirable target for teams looking to bolster their rotation.
Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Miami Marlins
Alcantara, 30, won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022 and had Tommy John surgery in October 2023. He returned for a full season last year, making 31 starts, although his ERA was 5.36. This season, he looks much more like himself, and his value on the mound is complemented by his role as a mentor to young pitchers. If the Marlins are in the playoff hunt, they'll likely hold onto him, but if they drop out, I expect them to trade him with only a year remaining of team control after this season.
From my perspective, Alcantara's return to form and his role as a mentor make him a valuable asset for any team. His ability to pitch deep into games and provide guidance to young pitchers could be a significant boost for any contending team. However, the Marlins' struggles this season could mean they're more willing to trade him to acquire younger talent or prospects.
Robbie Ray, LHP, San Francisco Giants
Ray, 34, is in the final year of his contract, and if the Giants don't improve dramatically, he could be the first starter dealt this spring or summer. He's off to an excellent start for the Giants, making 32 starts last season with a 3.65 ERA over 182 1/3 innings. However, his performance last season after a strong first half could make it more likely that the Giants look to move him sooner rather than later if they continue to struggle.
What makes Ray particularly fascinating is his ability to pitch deep into games and provide reliable innings. If the Giants don't improve, he could be a key piece in a rebuilding effort for another team. However, his age and contract status could also make him a desirable target for teams looking to bolster their rotation without committing to a long-term contract.
Trevor Rogers, LHP, Baltimore Orioles
Rogers, 28, is presently on the injured list with an illness but is also off to a slow start on the bump, going 2-3 with a 4.75 ERA. Last year, he started the season on the IL while rehabbing an offseason knee injury. When he returned, he went 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts, looking like one of the top left-handers in the game during that stretch. His career has featured many peaks and valleys, but if he can get back to last year's form, and if the Orioles continue to struggle and fall out of postseason contention, playoff hopefuls will monitor him closely since he's eligible for free agency in the offseason.
One thing that immediately stands out is Rogers' ability to pitch deep into games and provide reliable innings when he's healthy. If he can get back to last year's form, he could be a valuable asset for any contending team. However, his injury and slow start this season could mean he's more likely to be traded if the Orioles fall out of contention. The Orioles' struggles this season could also mean they're more willing to trade him to acquire younger talent or prospects.
Seth Lugo, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Lugo, 36, was the Royals' best starting pitcher in 2024 when he went 16-9 with a 3.00 ERA, making his first All-Star game and finishing second in AL Cy Young Award voting. Last year, due to injuries, he slumped to an 8-7 record with a 4.15 ERA. He's looked like the 2024 version of himself so far this season. Lugo doesn't post the high strikeout numbers that many aces do, but he's in the 99th percentile for Breaking Ball Value, according to Statcast, and he has a very deep arsenal of pitches that he mixes as well as anyone. If the Royals aren't in the race at the deadline, it's most likely he'll be dealt.
What makes Lugo particularly interesting is his ability to pitch deep into games and provide reliable innings, even when he's not at his most effective. If the Royals aren't in the race, he could be a key piece in a rebuilding effort for another team. However, his age and contract status could also make him a desirable target for teams looking to bolster their rotation without committing to a long-term contract.
Zac Gallen, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Gallen, 30, has finished in the top 10 in NL Cy Young Award voting three times. Unfortunately for him, he had the worst year of his career last season in what was his free-agent walk year and he didn't get the offers he expected in free agency. He then returned to Arizona on a one-year, $16.19 million deal, hoping he could turn things around and pitch at his accustomed level. So far, he's looked more like 2025 Zac Gallen than the Cy Young contender version. However, Gallen has been a reliable workhorse throughout his career, even when he hasn't been at his most effective. Since he'll be a free agent again at the end of this year, teams are going to be scouting him closely ahead of the trade deadline.
What makes Gallen particularly fascinating is his ability to pitch deep into games and provide reliable innings, even when he's not at his most effective. If he can turn things around and pitch at his accustomed level, he could be a valuable asset for any contending team. However, his free-agent status and the Diamondbacks' struggles this season could mean they're more willing to trade him to acquire younger talent or prospects.
