With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching on Thursday, July 31st, the final hour for teams to make deals is near, and starting pitchers like Seth Lugo are at the center of potential trades. As the clock ticks down to 6 p.m. ET, teams weigh their options to strengthen their rosters or rebuild for the future, making the “Seth Lugo MLB trade deadline” a key focal point for fans and analysts tracking moves across the league.

Pitchers on Contracts Ending Soon Who Could Change Teams

Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals stands out as the most valuable starting pitcher expected to be traded before the deadline. With a $15 million player option for the 2026 season, Lugo is likely to exercise this option, aiming for another lucrative contract before turning 36. The Royals, however, may find it difficult to afford him at that price and appear inclined to trade him, making Lugo’s potential move a significant development.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have publicly asserted they will not sell at the deadline, but their playoff prospects suggest otherwise. Both Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, free agents after this season, could be on the block. Although Gallen’s recent performance has dipped, Kelly’s steady consistency offers an attractive option for contending teams seeking rotation depth.

In Baltimore, the Orioles intend to offload players not under contract for the next year. This includes starting pitchers Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano. Morton has improved markedly since being removed from the rotation in April, demonstrating that he can still contribute effectively. Eflin, a consistent starter over recent years, might also garner solid trade interest if he returns healthy from the injured list.

Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals appears poised for a trade. On a one-year deal, the Nationals are looking to extract value rather than risk losing him for nothing. Though Soroka’s 5.10 ERA is discouraging, advanced metrics like a 3.89 xFIP and 3.57 SIERA suggest he may be due for a turnaround, which could make him attractive to teams seeking pitching upgrades.

The Cincinnati Reds face a challenging decision. Sitting just over .500 yet trailing both the NL Central and Wild Card standings, they must choose between contending or selling. Nick Martinez, a versatile pitcher who can contribute both as a starter and reliever, becomes a valuable piece given his impending free agency, offering a prime target for teams looking to add veteran depth.

The Chicago White Sox, firmly in seller mode, are likely to trade veteran starters Aaron Civale and Adrian Houser. Both pitchers have brought value since joining the team earlier this year and represent cost-efficient options for contenders hoping to bolster their back-end rotation spots at the deadline.

Though the Milwaukee Brewers hold one of the league’s best records, their surplus of starting pitchers forces tough decisions. Nestor Cortes and Jose Quintana, both veterans with playoff experience, have been the odd men out and will likely be traded despite the team’s success. Their availability could attract teams looking for proven starters with postseason knowledge.

Veteran Patrick Corbin may also find himself moved by the Texas Rangers. Defying expectations, Corbin has posted a respectable 3.91 ERA at age 36, but as a pending free agent, the Rangers will likely seek any trade assets they can gather for him to aid their roster management.

Andrew Heaney, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, sits in a similar situation. His 5.03 ERA over 102 innings may dampen his appeal, yet, as a seasoned left-hander, he could still attract suitors looking to add experience to their pitching staff.

Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels remains on the market for deadline suitors in need of a southpaw. His career 4.28 ERA and elite changeup make him an appealing low-risk acquisition despite the Angels’ underwhelming season.

The Tampa Bay Rays are almost certain to trade Zack Littell, despite being playoff contenders. With Littell becoming a free agent, the Rays prefer to secure prospects or bullpen reinforcements in return instead of losing him for nothing. Bringing Joe Boyle into the rotation as Littell’s replacement could enhance their starting depth while acquiring controllable assets.

Minnesota Twins’ Chris Paddack has diminished trade appeal due to recent inconsistent performance. Initially considered a potential deadline move, Paddack’s value has waned as the Twins slip further out of playoff contention.

Starting Pitchers Under Multi-Year Contracts and their Trade Prospects

Jacob deGrom of the Texas Rangers and Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins are unlikely to be traded despite trade rumors. Their current contracts and team value suggest they will remain in place through the season.

Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers also seems safe from trade. As a key contributor on a team leading the league, and not a free agent until after next season, Peralta’s departure is improbable until at least next offseason.

Nathan Eovaldi, also with the Rangers, remains a candidate for trade. Although he has two years left on his contract and provides leadership valued by the team, his age and salary could make him expendable if the Rangers decide to rebuild with younger arms.

Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates will draw attention due to his contract and occasional flashes of high upside. With three seasons left on a deal worth nearly $55 million, Keller represents a relatively affordable gamble for teams hoping to refine his pitching arsenal and maximize his potential.

Taj Bradley of the Tampa Bay Rays is a recent name in trade discussions. Though controlled into 2029, Bradley has yet to fully connect at the major league level. The Rays might trade him to capture value while relying on rising prospects like Joe Boyle and Ian Seymour to fill his rotation spot.

The Miami Marlins face decisions between Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara’s value has declined due to a disappointing comeback from Tommy John surgery, which may force the Marlins to retain him unless a substantial offer arises. Cabrera, with improved performance this year, is positioned as a more likely trade candidate to capitalize on his current form.

Mick Abel of the Philadelphia Phillies has regained some trade value despite MLB-level struggles. At 23 and viewed as a high-upside prospect, Abel could serve as a bargaining chip to acquire impactful bats or bullpen arms once Aaron Nola returns and Andrew Painter remains in Triple-A.

Although Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels is currently a reliever, his youth and skill set could make him sought after should the Angels consider moving him. However, with three years of arbitration eligibility remaining and solid performance, a trade appears unlikely.

Jeffery Springs of the Oakland Athletics symbolizes the underrated trade candidate: a pitcher with a 3.60 career ERA and affordable contract through 2026. His consistent record as a starter and cost-effectiveness may appeal to teams wanting dependable pitching without a heavy payroll burden.

Outlook on the Trade Deadline’s Influence on Starting Pitchers

The looming deadline at the end of July promises notable movement among starting pitchers, particularly those like Seth Lugo whose contracts and performances create urgency for both sellers and buyers. Teams like the Royals, Orioles, Nationals, and Brewers may reshape their rotations, while contenders will seek experienced arms to solidify their playoff bids. The ripple effects from these trades will likely influence roster construction well into the offseason, with some veteran pitchers finding new roles and emerging talents stepping into vacated rotation spots.

For fans and analysts tracking the Seth Lugo MLB trade deadline and broader pitcher market, the next week will provide critical clarity on which teams are investing toward contention and which are preparing for future seasons. As players shift teams, the balance of power across MLB divisions could be altered, with starting pitching remaining a pivotal factor in postseason success.