MLB Trade Deadline: Top 5 Pitchers On Trade Market

June 11, 2025 , , , ,
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle comes off the field during 2025 game.

With the trade deadline creeping up and contenders already shopping for arms, starting pitching will once again headline the action. 

According to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, a few big names are expected to draw heavy interest, whether they’re overperforming, underrated, or just plain due for a change of scenery. Here are the top five pitchers most likely to be moved before July 31.

1. Sandy Alcantara – Miami Marlins

Yes, his 7.89 ERA is the worst in baseball—but Sandy Alcantara is still the most intriguing arm on the trade block. The former Cy Young winner is fully healthy after Tommy John surgery, his velocity is back to pre-injury levels, and he’s quietly improving with a 4.08 FIP over his last five starts. With a team-friendly contract ($17.3M annually with a $21M club option in 2026), teams willing to bet on a second-half bounce-back could end up with an ace-caliber arm at a discount.

2. Merrill Kelly – Arizona Diamondbacks

Overshadowed his entire career, Merrill Kelly is once again putting up ace numbers with a 3.43 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 8.5 K/9 through 76 innings. On a $7M expiring deal, he’s arguably the most cost-effective quality starter available. If the Diamondbacks decide to sell following Corbin Burnes’ season-ending injury, Kelly could headline the deadline frenzy with his consistency and playoff-ready profile.

3. Tyler Mahle – Texas Rangers

Mahle’s 2.02 ERA might scream ace, but his advanced metrics suggest some regression is coming. Still, his performance to date, seven quality starts and just four home runs allowed, makes him one of the most reliable rentals available. On an expiring $16.5M deal, Mahle offers mid-rotation steadiness and postseason experience, something contenders crave down the stretch.

4. Tomoyuki Sugano – Baltimore Orioles

A quiet success story in Baltimore, Sugano has baffled hitters with a 3.04 ERA despite low strikeout numbers and high home run totals. His devastating splitter has kept offenses off balance, and he’s issued fewer walks than home runs, a rare feat. With a $13M expiring contract and masterful command, Sugano could be the crafty veteran teams add to balance out their more volatile arms.

5. Tyler Anderson – Los Angeles Angels

Anderson isn’t flashy, just steady. A fly-ball pitcher who somehow keeps beating his expected ERA metrics, he's logged a 3.86 ERA over 65.1 innings and makes just $13M this season. If the Angels continue to slide, Anderson’s durable arm and postseason experience could fit perfectly in a rotation needing reliable innings.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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